Scrolling through TikTok for health advice might feel convenient, but when it comes to sexual health, it can also be risky
As social media becomes a go-to source for information, especially among younger audiences, misinformation about sexual and reproductive health is spreading just as quickly as reliable advice. From confusion about birth control to persistent myths about sexually transmitted infections (STIs), the gap between what people see online and what’s medically accurate is growing.
Combating Online Sexual Health Misinformation
A new partnership between Babeland and Bedsider is stepping in to help close that gap as it aims to address this issue by providing medically accurate, accessible sexual health education on contraception, STI prevention, and overall sexual wellness.
The collaboration, which was announced in April 2026, focuses on combating the spread of sexual health misinformation across platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, where many users turn for quick, digestible advice, but may encounter content that is incomplete, misleading, or rooted in stigma.
Key Findings
- Over 20% of young people report getting birth control information from social media
- TikTok leads at 43.4%, followed by Instagram and YouTube
- Respondents answered only 5 out of 11 questions correctly on common contraception myths
- 1 in 3 say they don’t have enough information to choose a method
While much of the online conversation centers around birth control and pregnancy prevention, misinformation about STIs, including transmission, symptoms, and testing, is also a widespread issue. Common myths circulating online include the belief that certain infections always present visible symptoms, that STI testing is only necessary for those with multiple partners, or that certain contraceptive methods protect against infections when they do not.
According to the 2025 Youth Reproductive Health Survey conducted by Power to Decide, more than 20% of young people reported relying on social media for information about birth control within the past year. Among those respondents, TikTok was the most commonly cited source (43.4%), followed by Instagram (29.6%) and YouTube (19.3%).
Despite the abundance of online content, knowledge gaps persist across sexual health topics like contraception and STI awareness. The same survey found that one-third of respondents did not feel they had sufficient information to choose an appropriate birth control method, while fewer than half felt confident in their ability to start or switch contraception. On average, participants correctly answered fewer than half of the questions related to common contraceptive misconceptions, highlighting broader gaps in sexual health literacy that often extend to STI knowledge as well.
Studies show that misinformation around STIs can have serious public health consequences. Many infections, such as Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, are frequently asymptomatic, meaning individuals may unknowingly transmit them without regular testing. Others, including the human papillomavirus, can have long-term health implications if left undetected or untreated. With STI Awareness Month taking place in April, raising awareness of these topics is more vital than ever.
The Babeland and Bedsider partnership seeks to counter these risks through a digital awareness campaign centered on medically reviewed, judgment-free education that focuses on birth control and how it extends into areas like STIs. These topics are often misunderstood or overlooked in online discourse.
Lisa Finn, a sex educator at Babeland, emphasized the risks associated with relying on unverified sources for health information, noting that the rapid sharing of content online can distort facts over time, saying:
“While it’s incredible to see more people talking openly about sexual health and pleasure, more content doesn’t always mean better information. When social media becomes the main resource for info, it can turn into a game of telephone – where details get lost, skewed, or even become dangerously wrong as they are passed along. We’re so excited to be teaming up with Bedsider to make sure that information about pleasure, sexual health, birth control, and our bodies is rooted in facts, accessibility, and inclusivity – not opinions, rumors, or shame
Joely Pritzker, Senior Director of Health Care at Power to Decide, commented, “Social media is increasingly the first place people turn for sexual and reproductive health information—making it critical to combat misinformation and expand access to accurate, trusted resources. At the same time, we know young people also want that information to come from sources they trust. Through our partnership with Babeland, we’re meeting more people where they are with person-centered resources and tools that empower them to confidently take control of their sexual health.”
By leveraging Bedsider’s background in reproductive health education alongside Babeland’s long-standing role in sex-positive outreach and offerings, the collaboration is positioned to reach individuals who may not have access to comprehensive sex education through traditional channels.
Public health advocates increasingly stress the need for interventions that address not only sexual health misinformation but also accessibility and health literacy. As digital platforms continue to shape how individuals engage with health information, initiatives like this reflect a broader effort to ensure that evidence-based guidance on topics such as contraceptive methods and STI prevention remains accessible and visible to all.
This article was supplied to WHN by Naima Karp on behalf of Bedsider and Babeland to help combat the online misinformation trends and education gaps regarding sexual health.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN neither agrees nor disagrees with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement.
Opinion Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy of WHN. Any content provided by guest authors is of their own opinion and is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything else. The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated these statements.
