TikTok, #IUD, and User Experience With Intrauterine Devices Reported on Social Media

Obstet Gynecol. 2023 Jan 1;141(1):215-217. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000005027. Epub 2022 Dec 5.

Abstract

TikTok, a video-sharing application, offers a growing platform for contraception-related content. The top 100 videos tagged "#IUD" were compiled using a web-scraping application. User demographics and video content were analyzed by two independent reviewers, with a third to arbitrate differences. More videos had a negative tone (37.8%) about intrauterine devices (IUDs) than positive (19.4%), and 27.6% mentioned distrust of health care professionals. Of videos conveying patient experiences, all had a negative or ambiguous tone and 96.8% highlighted pain and other side effects related to IUDs. Videos scored low on information health quality (1.2/5 on DISCERN) and averaged 73.8% in understandability and 17.7% in actionability on PEMAT (Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool). #IUD videos on TikTok often portray negative experiences related to pain and informed consent.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Contraception
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intrauterine Devices* / adverse effects
  • Pain / etiology
  • Social Media*