In our sixth episode of Afaxys Candid Conversations in Public Health, we explore the world of contraception misinformation, disinformation and negative sentiment on social media. With our expert guests, Dr. Donna Adams-Pickett and Dr. Sarah Ann Anderson-Burnett, we define what contraception mis-/disinformation is (and what it is not). We walk through how clinicians can assess what sort of information their patients are seeing online, including how to query patients and tools such as Bedsider Providers+. Our experts guide us through talking with patients about online contraception information, including acknowledgment of their worries and fears that are often the foundation of misinformation belief. Should clinicians post on social media to educate their patients? Our experts say YES and talk about how to get started.

• Donna Adams-Pickett, PhD, MD, FACOG, is a board-certified OB/GYN, CEO of Four Girls For Girls Foundation and Afya Partners in Health Equity and Health Education.
• Sarah-Ann Anderson-Burnett, MD, PhD, FAAP, is assistant vice president of Health and Wellness and the director of Health Services and Quality Improvement at Barnard College.

Disclosures

Dr. Donna Adams-Pickett and Dr. Sarah Ann Anderson-Burnett have no disclosures.

Resources

White paper: Combating misinformation in sexual and reproductive health care

Bedsider Providers+

Dr. Donna Adams-Pickett on social media:

· https://www.instagram.com/drdonna_thegirlfriendsgyn/

· https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552125051772

· https://www.tiktok.com/@thegirlfriendsgyn

Whitfield B, Wilkinson TA, Lindberg LD. Adolescents’ and Young Adults’ Receipt of Person-Centered Contraceptive Counseling. JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8(12):e2551287. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.51287

By Emily Pfender and colleagues:

Social Media Is Influencing Contraceptive Choice

Hormonal Contraceptive Side Effects and Nonhormonal Alternatives on TikTok: A Content Analysis

What Do Social Media Influencers Say About Birth Control? A Content Analysis of YouTube Vlogs About Birth Control

Educational content only — not a substitute for professional medical advice. Opinions are those of the speakers and not necessarily of Afaxys. Visit Afaxys.com for resources.

Educational content only — not a substitute for professional medical advice. Opinions are those of the speakers and not necessarily of Afaxys. Visit Afaxys.com for resources.