The contraceptive pill, still commonly prescribed in France, is seeing a decline in popularity among many women due to concerns about side effects. The French Medicines Agency (ANSM) has decided to inform around 1.6 million women who use desogestrel, a type of progestogen found in certain birth control pills, about a very low risk of developing meningioma, a typically non-cancerous brain tumor. Desogestrel is used in nearly half of all contraceptive pills in France, while the other half contain a combination of estrogen and progestogen, specifically levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol. These are often prescribed to women with cardiovascular issues or those who are postpartum or breastfeeding, as they are not linked to blood clot risks. A recent study found a very low increased risk of meningioma among long-term users of desogestrel, particularly those over 45 and those who had previously taken another progestogen with known risks. The ANSM is writing to these women to inform them, but medical experts stress that this does not mean the pill is unsafe. Common side effects include irregular bleeding, weight gain, mood changes, and decreased libido, but the overall benefits—such as preventing unintended pregnancies, reducing endometriosis pain, and lowering the risk of certain cancers—still outweigh the risks, according to gynecologists. The drop in pill usage has been significant: in 2005, more than half of women aged 18 to 49 used the pill, but by 2023, that number had fallen to 26.8%. While it remains the most used method among the youngest (18–29 years), its use has declined since 2013, when concerns about third- and fourth-generation pills were raised. A lawsuit by a woman who suffered a stroke after using a third-generation pill led to a climate of "hormone phobia," says Dr. Geoffroy Robin, fueled by misinformation on social media. Some women now prefer "natural" methods like tracking body temperature or cervical mucus, but these are less effective and not suitable for those with irregular cycles. The intrauterine device (IUD) has become the most popular contraceptive method among women aged 18 to 49, with 27.7% using it in 2023. More gynecologists are now offering it to women without children, and the number of vasectomies—male sterilization—has risen sharply in recent years. Condoms are also increasingly favored, especially among younger women, though experts note that protection against sexually transmitted infections should be a higher priority than concerns about the pill's rare risks. Ultimately, no contraceptive method is perfect, and it's important for women to regularly review their choice with a healthcare provider, considering their health, lifestyle, and any potential side effects. The ANSM recommends assessing hormonal contraception starting at age 35.