Use of birth control pills among young women halves in a decade

The number of Danish women aged 18–24 using birth control pills has fallen by 48 percent over the past ten years, according to new figures from the Danish Health Data Authority reported by DR.

Sales data show a sharp decline in pill prescriptions for young women, with experts pointing to concerns over potential side effects—including increased risks of blood clots, depression, and breast cancer—as a key factor in the shift.

Side effects drive decline
Øjvind Lidegaard, a professor and senior consultant in gynaecology at Rigshospitalet, led a long-term study tracking over one million women to assess the link between hormonal contraception and depression. While his research found that around 6–7 percent of users discontinue pills due to severe mood-related side effects, he emphasised that most women tolerate them well.

“Just because some experience side effects doesn’t mean everyone will,” Lidegaard said. “Women naturally respond differently to hormonal fluctuations during their menstrual cycle, so varied reactions to the pill are expected.”

Pernille Ravn, a professor and senior consultant at Odense University Hospital, acknowledged that while the pill may increase depression risk by roughly 30 percent, this statistical risk has been amplified in public discourse. “It’s important to communicate these risks, but it’s equally important to note that many women use the pill without issues,” she said.

Alternative methods gain ground
Though birth control pills remain among the most common contraceptive methods, their use has declined alongside overall hormonal contraception sales over the past decade. Hormonal IUDs have seen increased adoption, but not enough to offset the drop in pill usage.

Julia Kadin Funge, a health advisor at Sex & Samfund (Sex and Society), noted that young women’s concerns often stem from anecdotal reports or social media rather than personal experience. “Some have encountered side effects like acne, weight gain, or mood changes, but many fear them based on what they’ve heard or read,” she said.

Lidegaard added that the pill’s effects—including any elevated risks—cease shortly after discontinuation. “Even after decades of use, the body’s natural hormone system reactivates surprisingly quickly once you stop,” he said. He also stressed that the pill remains one of the most effective methods for preventing unintended pregnancies.