The University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy reported on May 19 that a recent study found young women aged 16 to 24 across the United States have only moderate knowledge about the side effects and effectiveness of birth control pills. The study also highlighted that since birth control pills became available without a prescription in 2024, understanding among users remains limited.
This issue is important because increased access to over-the-counter contraceptives does not guarantee that users understand how to use them safely or effectively. Limited knowledge may affect health outcomes and lead to misuse or misunderstanding about protection against pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
Ivy Leong, a doctoral student in pharmacy administration at the University of Mississippi, said rural areas are especially concerning. “Rural areas are really concerning because that means women living there probably have less interaction with any health care provider,” Leong said. “Especially in Mississippi, where we see more pharmacies closing, and there are less OBGYNs.” She added that privacy concerns can prevent young women from seeking guidance: “It’s not that young women don’t want to reach out for information, but if they live in a small community, their parents or friends may know the pharmacist, and if they go to the pharmacist, it means that they’re exposed.”
Leong suggested websites such as bedsider.org as resources for questions about birth control but cautioned against relying solely on chatbots or artificial intelligence platforms for medical advice. “We really want people to be very careful about information provided by chatbots or AI,” Leong said. “We have this list of information that we know we can trust, but AI and chatbots are not giving information just from trusted websites, and with the convenience of using ChatGPT or other platforms, it’s easy to fall into this kind of trap.” She explained further: “The interaction between a woman and the chatbot is not the same as having interaction with a health care provider because a health care provider can evaluate a woman’s situation and, together, they can pick the one that suits you the best.”
Leong outlined several recommendations for using over-the-counter birth control pills: take them daily at around the same time; start at any point during your menstrual cycle; if more than three hours late taking a pill, take it as soon as possible then continue at regular times—using backup contraception for 48 hours after missing a dose; use condoms since pills do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases; watch for general side effects like spotting or acne; be aware rare risks include blood clots.
“As self-medication selection and management become important in the over-the-counter setting, knowledge about birth control pills can ensure appropriate and safe use” Leong said.