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Summary
Oral contraceptives do not cause infertility or fibroids; rather, they can help manage fibroid symptoms and slow their growth, contrary to misinformation circulating online.
Summary:
A user on X (formerly Twitter) made a Claim that excessive intake of oral contraceptives can cause fibroid growth. This claim is false and is not scientifically proven. However, oral contraceptives have been seen to be useful to the extent of the slow reduction of fibroid growth and symptoms.
Claim
On March 2, 2025, Neo-official posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the extreme intake of contraceptives can cause fibroid growth. According to him, “non-virgin women use the oral contraceptives and abortions to damage their womb, whilst men that marry them suffer the consequences.” The tweet currently has 258.9k views, 733 likes, 391 reposts, and 94 comments.
NFM Checks
Oral contraceptives, commonly known as birth control pills, are medications taken by mouth to prevent pregnancy. They contain synthetic hormones that regulate a woman’s menstrual cycle and prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary). They are widely used to prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and thinning the uterine lining. They also regulate and reduce heavy or painful periods.
Additionally, they treat hormonal imbalances, including conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Other advantages include reducing acne by lowering androgen levels and lowering the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer with long-term use. They also manage conditions like endometriosis by controlling hormone levels.
Following the Neo-official’s claim, NFM consulted a medical expert, Dr Convenant Long-John, who told us that oral contraceptives do not cause fibroid or infertility, especially combined oral contraceptives, which are mostly oral contraceptives used by women. He highlighted that, to a large extent, it helps to manage fibroid growth but, if abused, can lead to other complications.
“No, Oral Contraceptives do not cause fibroid as it is a non-cancerous tumour that grows in either virgin or non-virgin women. However, its abuse can be detrimental but does not cause infertility or fibroid.”
What Research Says
According to research by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Acog, does not indicate that oral contraceptives cause fibroids or infertility. On the contrary, the research states that it could help manage fibroid symptoms and slow fibroid growth. The research further indicates that infertility affects about 17% of adults globally, with male-related factors contributing approximately 50% of these cases.
Research published in the British Medical Journal British found that the risk of developing fibroids decreased by approximately 31% in women who used oral contraceptives.
Additionally, research in Fertility and Sterility Fertility 72% to 94% of women became pregnant within 12 months after stopping the contraceptive.
Social Media Users Reacts
The claim by Neo-official has also generated various arguments online, with many X users disagreeing with him.
“The assertion that excessive intake of oral contraceptives causes fibroid growth oversimplifies a complex issue and lacks robust scientific support. Uterine fibroids are benign tumours that can develop in the uterus and are influenced by a variety of factors, primarily hormonal,” X user Dr Stan counter-explained.
“Your ignorance is both loud and embarrassing. Spreading misinformation and misogyny like this only exposes your lack of education and deep insecurity. Instead of blaming women for your failures, try reading a book. Stupidity is curable if only you’d make an effort,” Yeshua commented.
“Some oral contraceptives are actually in good use to treat and shrink fibroids,” Swtangel contributes.
“Which research shows that fibroid is linked to contraceptive use? Don’t use your platform to spread misinformation. Do you know how many virgin women that get fibroid!” Chisomnazu quoted.
Conclusion
The claim that (excessive) usage of oral contraceptives can lead to fibroid and infertility is false. The broader statement about women, marriage and infertility is biased and not rooted in medical facts. The statements are misogynistic generalisations and misinformation about women’s reproductive health. However, all contraceptives usage should be properly supervised by medical experts.
Naija Feminists Media is committed to fighting gendered disinformation and misinformation that concerns women.
