Science Vs: The Pill – Is It Messing Up Our Brain and Body?

Released on November 21, 2024, by Spotify Studios

Introduction

In this episode of Science Vs, hosts Wendy Zuckerman and Rose Rimler delve into the contentious topic of hormonal birth control pills. From their revolutionary impact in the 1960s to the modern-day debates surrounding their safety and side effects, the episode meticulously examines whether the pill is indeed altering our brains and bodies in detrimental ways.

The Pill's Historical Impact

Wendy opens the discussion by highlighting the pill's pivotal role in women's liberation during the 1960s. Citing Loretta Lynn's song, she notes how the pill empowered women to control their reproductive choices, leading to significant societal shifts: increased college attendance among women, more women entering professional fields, and a 30% reduction in the gender wage gap. "Since the pill came out, women are more likely to go to college, become lawyers, judges, and doctors," Wendy states [00:01].

Modern-Day Concerns and Claims

Fast forward to the present, and the pill faces criticism for its potential side effects. Rose Rimler brings up alarming statements about the pill altering personalities and romantic preferences. "Birth control is one of the most damaging things you can put in your bodies and that it can even change parts of our personality, like who you're attracted to and also who is attracted to you," Rose asserts [01:30].

Mate Choice and Evolutionary Psychology

The hosts explore the theory that hormonal birth control might influence women's mate preferences. The idea is that women naturally gravitate towards more masculine partners during their fertile phases. Rose discusses studies suggesting that women on the pill might not experience this shift, potentially affecting long-term relationships and even increasing divorce rates. "People who use hormonal birth control had 50% higher odds of getting divorced," Rose mentions [10:07].

However, Julia Stern, a psychologist, challenges these findings by pointing out methodological flaws. Many studies estimated ovulation based on cycle dates without hormone verification, leading to unreliable results. "These studies were trying to figure out if women had a different preference when they were ovulating, but they didn't actually double check the women were actually ovulating," Rose explains [11:34].

Body Odor and Ovulation

Another claim examined is the notion that ovulating women emit distinct body odors that signal fertility to men. Rose references a study by Madita Setcha from the University of Leipzig, which found no significant changes in armpit odor across menstrual cycles. "Ovulation is not a thing... So based on this idea that people blame the pill for covertly changing how you smell over your menstrual cycle... the pill doesn't change your scent and therefore wouldn't make men more or less attracted to you because of that," Rose concludes [17:58].

Mental Health Implications

The conversation shifts to the pill's impact on mental health. Studies indicate a slight increase in depression rates among pill users, with 4-10% developing depressive symptoms during clinical trials. However, the exact mechanisms remain unclear. Caitlin Taylor, a neuroscientist, emphasizes that brain changes observed in pill users aren't inherently negative. "We know there's tons of receptors for these hormones in the brain that they interact with neurotransmitters like serotonin," Wendy notes [24:26].

Weight Gain Myths Debunked

Addressing the common fear of weight gain, Rose presents research involving monkeys that showed an increase in metabolism and subsequent weight loss when administered the pill. Human studies corroborate these findings, indicating no significant weight changes attributable to hormonal birth control. "Another pill myth busted. The pill does not cause weight gain," Rose states [30:22].

Fertility Awareness Methods

The episode also explores alternative contraceptive methods, particularly fertility awareness. While touted by some as a natural and effective option, the hosts caution about its reliability. Rose explains that methods like tracking cervical mucus and basal body temperature can achieve up to 99.6% effectiveness when used perfectly, but they require meticulous daily monitoring. "Fertility awareness methods, they are an option and they're not a bad option. But be aware that just like condoms, they can have holes in them," Wendy advises [34:49].

The Pull-Out Method and Pre Ejaculate

Finally, the discussion addresses the age-old question: Can you get pregnant from pre cum? Rose cites a recent study by Jasmine Patel, which found that while the majority of pre-ejaculate samples contained no sperm, approximately 21% had sperm counts high enough to cause pregnancy. "Ultimately, out of 24 people in Jasmine's study, five sometimes had enough sperm in their pre cum to get someone pregnant," Rose reveals [40:25].

Conclusion

Wendy and Rose conclude that while the pill is not without its risks, many of the alarming claims lack robust scientific backing. They emphasize the importance of informed decision-making based on reliable research rather than sensationalist portrayals. "The pill is not totally innocent. So let's look at some of the stuff that does seem to happen," Rose acknowledges [20:12]. However, they advocate for balanced discussions and responsible communication about reproductive health.

Notable Quotes

• Rose Rimler [01:30]: "Birth control is one of the most damaging things you can put in your bodies and that it can even change parts of our personality, like who you're attracted to and also who is attracted to you."
• Rose Rimler [10:07]: "People who use hormonal birth control had 50% higher odds of getting divorced."
• Rose Rimler [17:58]: "Ovulation is not a thing... the pill doesn't change your scent and therefore wouldn't make men more or less attracted to you because of that."
• Rose Rimler [30:22]: "Another pill myth busted. The pill does not cause weight gain."
• Rose Rimler [40:25]: "Ultimately, out of 24 people in Jasmine's study, five sometimes had enough sperm in their pre cum to get someone pregnant."

Further Information

For listeners seeking more detailed insights, the episode includes 75 citations available in the transcript and show notes. Engage with Science Vs on Instagram (@science_vs) and TikTok (@WendyZuckerman) for additional content and discussions.

Credits

Produced by Rose Rimler and Wendy Zuckerman, with contributions from Michelle Dang, Akedi Foster Keys, Meryl Horne, and others. Special thanks to researchers like Dr. Adrian Beltz and Professor Alison Edelman for their expertise.

Listen to the Episode

Tune in to Science Vs on Spotify or your preferred podcast platform to explore the full conversation and uncover the science behind hormonal birth control.