Bridging the knowledge gap : a feminist lens on the post-birth control syndrome and media narratives

Abstract

Background: Research regarding the period after the discontinuation of oral contraceptives remains largely confined to the return of fertility and menstruation, reflecting a narrow and medicalizing approach to sexual and reproductive health. Still, beyond this biomedical discourse, there is a growing debate concerning the experiences of those who discontinue oral contraception. This debate gravitates around the term “post-birth control syndrome” and mostly takes place in various online communities.

Aim: In this perspective, we aim to explore this discourse on German and English language (social) media and highlight how the absence of reliable studies creates a void that is actively filled by commercial agendas, unchecked online information, and personal accounts.

Argument: Instead of merely turning to the internet because of insufficient research, it is the commercial exploitation of this gap that intensifies certain narratives, risking spreading misinformation and disempowering former pill users by depriving them of scientific perspectives on their health. We emphasize the necessity of addressing this gap through feminist research that prioritizes biopsychosocial well-being, including its structural dimensions, rather than focusing solely on reproductive outcomes. Bridging this knowledge gap requires classical clinical and socioepidemiological research into post-pill physiological mechanisms and contexts, complemented by qualitative studies capturing user experiences.

Conclusion: By shifting contraceptive health research towards comprehensive, user-centered perspectives, feminist science can empower individuals to make informed decisions and promote contraceptive autonomy within medical and public health frameworks.