Viral misinformation over “natural” birth control is a real problem, says Cabinet member

State Secretary for Youth and Prevention Vincent Karremans has raised concerns about the spread of misinformation surrounding so-called "natural" contraceptive methods, particularly on social media. He announced plans to explore whether the government’s existing anti-disinformation strategies could be extended to counter misleading content about fertility and contraception.

Karremans noted that the use of hormonal contraceptives, such as the birth control pill and intrauterine devices (IUDs), has been declining among young women. Instead, many are turning to alternative methods to prevent pregnancy, including the “fertile days method.” This technique involves tracking ovulation by measuring slight increases in body temperature that occur during the fertile window.

“There is, unfortunately—especially online—a significant amount of misinformation and disinformation being spread about fertility, contraception, and the fertile days method,” Karremans wrote in a letter to the Tweede Kamer.

Medical professionals have repeatedly warned that the fertile days method is less reliable than hormonal contraceptives. Karremans highlighted that many women do not have regular menstrual cycles, making it difficult to predict fertile days accurately. He also emphasized that the method requires strict adherence to be effective, which can be challenging for many individuals.“This method is deemed less suitable by doctors due to the complexity of its precise execution,” Karremans said.

The State Secretary announced that he would assess how the national anti-disinformation strategy could be applied to this issue. The current strategy includes measures to promote accurate information and enhance moderation on online platforms. “The Rijksbrede strategy against disinformation could potentially assist in addressing this issue,” Karremans said.