Viral TikToks about intrauterine devices (IUDs) tend to portray negative experiences more often than positive ones, recent research found, and often focus on physical pain and mistrust of doctors. Just under 28% mentioned distrust of health care professionals, while around 24% contained “moderately or highly inaccurate scientific claims,” according to the researchers. Wu said she perceives a "communication gap between health care providers and patients on this topic," which can contribute to distrust in the health care system. "From my own experience as a resident physician, I do have patients talking to me more about pain," Wu said. Her team's research also demonstrates that "there is a space for health care professionals, or health care professionals working with influencers that people trust and love" to talk about birth control options, Wu said.

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