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Women Are Sharing Horror Stories From Taking Contraceptive Pills On A Viral Twitter Thread
Interview With Author
After 1960, when the contraceptive pill was first approved in the US by the FDA, it was still very controversial and illegal in eight states. Then, five years later, 6.5 million women were taking it daily as it became the most popular form of birth control. Fast forward to today, and many women could hardly imagine their lives without it, as CDC reports that 14% of women in the US aged 15-49 are currently using the pill. But at what cost?
20-year-old student Georgia Shaw from Leicestershire has recently shed light on the potential risks and side effects that come with the pill. In an honest Twitter post, she expressed her horror at the enormous size of the leaflet that came with the Rigevidon pill.
“Started a new pill today and wanted to show men on here what women have to go through so you don’t have to wear a bit of rubber,” Georgia tweeted in a thread that went viral, amassing 23.9k likes. More women joined the thread to share their experiences of taking the pill and the alarming side effects that they had to endure while on it, or after quitting it.
So let’s see the eye-opening thread right below, which will surely make us question how on earth nobody gives a second thought about such a high-risk birth control method.
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20-year-old Georgia from Leicestershire has recently shared her horror at the enormous size of the warning leaflet that came with the Rivegidon contraceptive pills
Image credits: georgiaas00
Bored Panda reached out to Georgia, the author of this viral thread that opened up a much-needed discussion on the often overlooked side effects of taking contraceptive pills. Georgia believes that the fact that such a high-risk birth control method is normalized in our society is “down to systemic sexism.”
She added: “women always being the ones who look after the children whilst the man goes out to work, I think it stems from societal ideas of gender roles and has just never changed, even in a time where women in western society have more equality than ever.”
So she penned an honest Twitter post about the risks of the pill that many women found very relatable
Image credits: georgiaas00
When asked about her own experience of using the pill, the thread’s author said that “with Rigevidon, I’ve had some instances of mood swings, but for the most part, it’s been okay.” Fortunately, she feels fine and her “skin has actually cleared up,” while “the only side effect I’ve fully experienced is craving fatty foods.”
Image credits: georgiaas00
Image credits: georgiaas00
Image credits: georgiaas00
For men whose partner is on hormonal birth control, Georgia would like to ask to “give them time and understanding and just to go the extra mile to make sure they’re feeling okay.”
“It means a lot to us when a man is accommodating and understanding of what we go through. They also should make sure they’re educating themselves on the side effects and risks, looking out for signs of stroke and blood clots in their partners as there’s a relatively high risk of us having one on hormonal birth control.”
The enormous leaflet contained a chilling number of potential side effects that came with using the pill
The thread’s author also said that she’s quite pessimistic about the future of birth control, specifically for men. “I’d love to see a male contraceptive brought to the market, but I doubt it will happen. For me, education is the most promising way and hopefully boys in school can start to be taught about female sex education as well as male sex education and from that, attitudes and understanding will change, as many men in the replies to my tweet had no idea it isn’t just used as a contraceptive.”
Georgia was wondering why it’s the women who have to go through all these potential risks without questioning
Image credits: georgiaas00
Image credits: georgiaas00
It’s no secret that many women who have used contraceptive pills or are currently taking them have experienced some sort of unwanted side effects. Of women aged 18 to 49 who choose to use contraceptives, there was a 4.5 per cent drop in those using the pill in 2015 compared to in 2008.
The decrease in the use of contraceptive pills is associated with many women coming forward about their negative experiences that often overshadow the positive ones. But the exact number of women who experience the pill’s side effects is still hard to pin down.
The author said the goal of her tweet was to let everyone know about the dangers of taking the pill
Image credits: georgiaas00
Nausea, sore breasts, and irregular bleeding typically occur “in the first three months,” usually settling after that time, says Jean Hailes for Women’s Health medical director Elizabeth Farrell.
More serious complications occur rarely, but they have been documented. These include an increased risk of blood clotting, a slight increase in breast cancer (1 in 50,000 additional cases), and increased stress on the liver.
If that wasn’t enough, a growing number of cases have suggested that the pill may be linked with mood swings, anxiety, and even depression in women who take the pill, but it still hasn’t been researched thoroughly.
Many women found the tweet very relatable as they shared their own alarmingly negative experiences of taking the pill
Image credits: ellie_kirtley
Image credits: alex_wright7
Image credits: alextomlinson_x
And while it protects from an unwanted pregnancy, no contraceptive pill keeps you safe from STDs, which is, of course, a crucial point to consider when choosing a birth control method that works for you.
It’s also important to mention that although side effects are real, some women never experience any of them, and are very happy with the experience and the benefits of the pill.
Image credits: LeahLeonard02
Image credits: barnaclebear
Image credits: CharlRobinsxn
Image credits: georgiaas00
Image credits: megsjono
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Image credits: meganameliax
Image credits: pamelasmyth_
Others praised the author for bringing up this very important topic
Image credits: helz_sadler
Image credits: EllieGosling23
Image credits: redpwade
Image credits: Inetux
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Image credits: AngelMiners
What do you think ?
Rob 4 years ago
As a guy to all the women: if a man won't use a condom, because then "he doesn't feel anything", then he doesn't need sex, but he needs a doctor, because there is something wrong with his thingy. But most of the time it's just a power-thing: if he makes you give in to sex without a condom, he has power over you, and if you make him use a condom, he feels like you have power over him. Please remember that condoms not only protect against pregnancy, but also against STDs. If he won't use a condom, don't have sex with him.
Leo Domitrix 4 years ago
@Rob is correct. If you can't feel it through a condom, you need a doctor. Am female, but please, practice safe and smart sex, and if someone says "no" to safety, say NO! to them. Peace.
Load More Replies...
Dani Ra 4 years ago
The vaccines that we have for Covid-19 did not take a few months to "whack up." The research for mRNA vaccines began decades ago.
Leo Domitrix 4 years ago
THANK YOU! Medical research on mRNA vaccines was begun after the first SARS outbreak and has been in the works for much longer than that. We got dumb lucky we had coronavirus-relative-mRNA-vaccine research at all. (Note: Got my MD, did research, now advocacy for patients)
Load More Replies...
N G 4 years ago
I'm on a different pill. Yes, there are side effects, and yes I get my blood pressure checked every 6 months to be safe. But I don't take it so my partner doesn't have to wear rubber. I take it to maintain and control what would otherwise be unbearably painful and irregular menstruation. And the pill I take does that. There are multiple pills, and this is so much more complicated than a Twitter thread can cover.
Aunt Messy 4 years ago
There are a lot of off label effects of the pill that are crucial to some women. I had PCOS and fibroids. Many women like me take birth control pills to preserve their fertility until they want to have kids. Both of those conditions only have one cure - a hysterectomy. The pill stops the progression of those diseases (including endometriosis) and makes it possible for these women to have at least one child if they want one.
Load More Replies...
troufaki13 4 years ago
Uhm.. a condom is not just for preventing pregnancy. It also protects from STDs which the pill doesn't.
I want cake 4 years ago
I think she's talking more about long term relationships where both partners know they're both clean than flings and one night stands where that's very much in doubt.
Load More Replies...
John C 4 years ago
As a man, before I was married I wore a rubber if I didn't want to make a baby. That was on me. If the woman was on the pill, that's great, but I wasn't counting on that. As a pharmacist, I'd encourage you to look at the package insert for ANY drug. For starters, try the one on acetaminophen. It'll read just as scary as the one for oral contraceptives. I understand your reaction but don't get the wrong impression that they're more dangerous than they are, or your are taking excessive risks. Doc wouldn't have prescribed without evaluating your risk factors.
Aurelia! 4 years ago
Yes! I love what you said there - EVEN if a woman is taking birth control pills, don't count on that as your only method of protection! Better be safe than sorry!
Load More Replies...
Roxy Eastland 4 years ago
This is just a whole concerning attitude. Everyone having flings should be using proper protection against STDs and HIV, if a man won't wear a condom in that situation then the sex stops there. That's a deal breaker. So I presume this is talking about women having to go on the pill so the man won't have to wear a condom in a long term and loving relationship? What the heck? I mean if the women also prefers it condom free, then fine, but if the general feeling between the couple is 'that's what the woman does' then this is a problem.
Nia Loves Art 4 years ago
In long term monogamous relationships it’s common for both partners to not want to use condoms every time. For casual sex condoms are essential, but two methods are more effective than one when it comes to preventing pregnancy. With perfect use condoms have about a one in 50 chance of failure per year. Multiplied by all the years of a woman’s sexually active fertile life that isn’t such a small chance.
Load More Replies...
Leo Domitrix 4 years ago
1. The pill is not only for contraception, but for hormone control for endometriosis, perimenopause, menopause, etc. 2. The fact women have the option of "the pill" doesn't mean we should stop seeking better treatment from doctors, or from sex partners. 3. I AM A PILL BABY. I WAS CONCEIVED WHILST MOM TOOK THE PILL. THE DAMN THING WON'T ALWAYS WORK. Now, "pill babies" are less common these days, but still occur ----- so it is not 100% effective as is, maybe realistically the same as condoms in the real world,a bout 70-80 percent? (This is a range of estimates based on 30 years of data, all self-reported by patients, ergo not 100% reliable of itself.) Why? People forget. Pills are affected by other medications, alcohol use, etc. 5. If you think access to the pill means women should sit down an dshut up? I respectfully suggest you look in the mirror and ask why you think so little of fellow human beings. Peace. Out.
A Head 4 years ago
My wife was on the pill from her late teens, her choice. When she hit about 30, she started having bad side effects, so she went off, and we were just...careful. Once we had our kids 5 and 6 years later, I happily went (on my birthday) to get a vasectomy. Simple procedure, no pain, and now no worries. One of the best things I've done.
Marta Koszera 4 years ago
I only partly agree - of course, there’s tons of side effects to the pill, however a big amount of them are those which occur only in a small percentage of cases. It doesn’t mean you’ll get all of them, though of course it is important to find the best one for you with the help of a doctor.
Rob 4 years ago
As a guy to all the women: if a man won't use a condom, because then "he doesn't feel anything", then he doesn't need sex, but he needs a doctor, because there is something wrong with his thingy. But most of the time it's just a power-thing: if he makes you give in to sex without a condom, he has power over you, and if you make him use a condom, he feels like you have power over him. Please remember that condoms not only protect against pregnancy, but also against STDs. If he won't use a condom, don't have sex with him.
Leo Domitrix 4 years ago
@Rob is correct. If you can't feel it through a condom, you need a doctor. Am female, but please, practice safe and smart sex, and if someone says "no" to safety, say NO! to them. Peace.
Load More Replies... Dani Ra 4 years ago
The vaccines that we have for Covid-19 did not take a few months to "whack up." The research for mRNA vaccines began decades ago.
Leo Domitrix 4 years ago
THANK YOU! Medical research on mRNA vaccines was begun after the first SARS outbreak and has been in the works for much longer than that. We got dumb lucky we had coronavirus-relative-mRNA-vaccine research at all. (Note: Got my MD, did research, now advocacy for patients)
Load More Replies... N G 4 years ago
I'm on a different pill. Yes, there are side effects, and yes I get my blood pressure checked every 6 months to be safe. But I don't take it so my partner doesn't have to wear rubber. I take it to maintain and control what would otherwise be unbearably painful and irregular menstruation. And the pill I take does that. There are multiple pills, and this is so much more complicated than a Twitter thread can cover.
Aunt Messy 4 years ago
There are a lot of off label effects of the pill that are crucial to some women. I had PCOS and fibroids. Many women like me take birth control pills to preserve their fertility until they want to have kids. Both of those conditions only have one cure - a hysterectomy. The pill stops the progression of those diseases (including endometriosis) and makes it possible for these women to have at least one child if they want one.
Load More Replies... troufaki13 4 years ago
Uhm.. a condom is not just for preventing pregnancy. It also protects from STDs which the pill doesn't.
I want cake 4 years ago
I think she's talking more about long term relationships where both partners know they're both clean than flings and one night stands where that's very much in doubt.
Load More Replies... John C 4 years ago
As a man, before I was married I wore a rubber if I didn't want to make a baby. That was on me. If the woman was on the pill, that's great, but I wasn't counting on that. As a pharmacist, I'd encourage you to look at the package insert for ANY drug. For starters, try the one on acetaminophen. It'll read just as scary as the one for oral contraceptives. I understand your reaction but don't get the wrong impression that they're more dangerous than they are, or your are taking excessive risks. Doc wouldn't have prescribed without evaluating your risk factors.
Aurelia! 4 years ago
Yes! I love what you said there - EVEN if a woman is taking birth control pills, don't count on that as your only method of protection! Better be safe than sorry!
Load More Replies... Roxy Eastland 4 years ago
This is just a whole concerning attitude. Everyone having flings should be using proper protection against STDs and HIV, if a man won't wear a condom in that situation then the sex stops there. That's a deal breaker. So I presume this is talking about women having to go on the pill so the man won't have to wear a condom in a long term and loving relationship? What the heck? I mean if the women also prefers it condom free, then fine, but if the general feeling between the couple is 'that's what the woman does' then this is a problem.
Nia Loves Art 4 years ago
In long term monogamous relationships it’s common for both partners to not want to use condoms every time. For casual sex condoms are essential, but two methods are more effective than one when it comes to preventing pregnancy. With perfect use condoms have about a one in 50 chance of failure per year. Multiplied by all the years of a woman’s sexually active fertile life that isn’t such a small chance.
Load More Replies... Leo Domitrix 4 years ago
1. The pill is not only for contraception, but for hormone control for endometriosis, perimenopause, menopause, etc. 2. The fact women have the option of "the pill" doesn't mean we should stop seeking better treatment from doctors, or from sex partners. 3. I AM A PILL BABY. I WAS CONCEIVED WHILST MOM TOOK THE PILL. THE DAMN THING WON'T ALWAYS WORK. Now, "pill babies" are less common these days, but still occur ----- so it is not 100% effective as is, maybe realistically the same as condoms in the real world,a bout 70-80 percent? (This is a range of estimates based on 30 years of data, all self-reported by patients, ergo not 100% reliable of itself.) Why? People forget. Pills are affected by other medications, alcohol use, etc. 5. If you think access to the pill means women should sit down an dshut up? I respectfully suggest you look in the mirror and ask why you think so little of fellow human beings. Peace. Out.
A Head 4 years ago
My wife was on the pill from her late teens, her choice. When she hit about 30, she started having bad side effects, so she went off, and we were just...careful. Once we had our kids 5 and 6 years later, I happily went (on my birthday) to get a vasectomy. Simple procedure, no pain, and now no worries. One of the best things I've done.
Marta Koszera 4 years ago
I only partly agree - of course, there’s tons of side effects to the pill, however a big amount of them are those which occur only in a small percentage of cases. It doesn’t mean you’ll get all of them, though of course it is important to find the best one for you with the help of a doctor.
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