“Stop Gaslighting Your Patients”: A Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis of User Experiences of IUDs on TikTok

Abstract

Study Objective

TikTok is a social media platform where patients can access and share information about intrauterine devices (IUDs). The primary objective of this study was to identify prominent themes of creators’ experiences with IUDs on TikTok.

Methods

We conducted a quantitative and qualitative assessment of eligible videos that appeared when searching for “IUD” on the TikTok platform between July 2019 and August 2022. Eligible videos contained content relevant to IUDs and were spoken and/or written in English.

Results

Of the 354 videos that met inclusion criteria, the majority were created by users without healthcare expertise (77%) and mentioned personal experiences with IUDs (68%). However, videos that were educational (27%) or created by users with healthcare expertise (23%) averaged more likes and views than other video types. Common content areas included IUD insertion (45%), side effects (31%), and removal (25%). Perceived gaps in knowledge about the insertion procedure and feeling that providers did not adequately prepare patients for the procedure contributed to dissatisfaction with IUD insertion and motivated creators to share their experiences on TikTok. Video creators often relied on information that they found on TikTok to educate themselves about the IUD insertion process and expressed frustration at unacceptable levels of pain during insertion.

Conclusion

Healthcare providers should be aware that adolescent patients who use TikTok have likely seen videos depicting negative experiences with IUDs and be prepared to address patients’ concerns, particularly regarding IUD insertion. Additionally, healthcare providers may use TikTok to educate users about IUDs.