Elon Musk slams hormonal birth control

March 12, 2024

Musk's controversial post, which has acquired more than 42 million views and 16,000 colorful comments, however, is not backed by scientific consensus.

Experts say that there isn't consistent evidence to make general statements about the side effects of any birth control method, as contraception affects each person differently, even non-hormonal options such as condoms and copper IUDs. (Camero, 2024)

A 2022 review of clinical trials and cohort studies found that when used correctly and consistently, all hormonal contraceptive agents were found to be safe and effective. (Camero, 2024)

Nonetheless, some gynecologists report that they've noticed more younger patients expressing the desire to switch to non-hormonal birth control methods. Patients say they want a more natural approach to what they put in their bodies. Some patients are also concerned about the long-term implications of hormonal birth control, including possible infertility, GI issues, and poor nutrient absorption. (Camero, 2024)

Here's what medical experts say about Musk's claims:

• "Makes you fat." Actually, research shows that most types of hormonal birth control such as the ring, pill, patch and IUD do not lead to significant weight gain. (Putterman, 2024; Camero, 2024)
• "Doubles the risk of depression." Medical experts and contraceptive researchers said there is mixed data on the side effects of hormonal birth control, including on depression. But there's no clear scientific consensus that hormonal contraceptives, such as the pill and IUD, double the risk of depression. Musk based his claim on a single 2017 Danish study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry that experts said is limited and doesn't prove a causal relationship. (Putterman, 2024; Skovland, 2024)
• "Triples the risk of suicide." There is no scientific consensus that hormonal contraceptives, such as the pill and IUD, triple the risk of suicide. The 2017 Danish study that Musk cites doesn't prove a causal relationship between suicide and hormonal contraceptive use. On average, there were 1,400 first suicide attempts and 12 suicides attributable to hormonal contraception among 1 million healthy women in Denmark over one year, representing an overall small absolute risk. (Putterman, 2024; Camero, 2024; Skovland, 2024)

Finally, Musk's remarks don't address the negative mental health outcomes that can arise from unplanned pregnancy, nor the benefits of hormonal contraception which extend beyond birth control. Many women use birth control to treat painful periods and other disorders, such as endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome. (Putterman, 2024; Camero, 2024)

Sources:

Camero, Katie. (2024, March 8). USA Today. Why Elon Musk and so many others are talking about birth control right now. https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2024/03/06/elon-musk-hormonal-birth-control-risks-benefits/72807799007/

Putterman, Samantha (2024, February 23). Politifact. The Poynter Institute. Elon Musk says there's 'scientific consensus' on birth control depression, suicide risk. He's wrong. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2024/feb/23/elon-musk/elon-musk-says-theres-scientific-consensus-on-birt/

Skovlund CW, et al. Am J Psychiatry. (epub 2017, November 17). Association of Hormonal Contraception With Suicide Attempts and Suicides. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29145752/