Work

On “minor” adverse effects: some misconceptions affecting the handling of epistemic risks in medical research

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: One of the main reasons for discontinuing hormonal contraceptives or switching to less effective methods is the experience of perceived side effects. Users are particularly bothered by symptoms that health professionals consider to be mild and generally tolerable. Although these symptoms are important to users, they are rarely mentioned in evidence-based guidelines; on the contrary, medical professionals often assume that there is no evidence of a link between minor adverse symptoms and hormonal contraceptives. I will argue that this position and the following communication towards is fundamentally grounded in flawed epistemic standards and unsuitable value influences that do not reflect all the epistemic interests relevant to clinical practice. These problematic value influences set a high, unproductive evidence standard.

Source: Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part A

DOI: 10.1016/j.shpsa.2025.102080

Author: Ilvie Prince

Institution: Medizinische Hochschule Hannover

Language: English

Topic: Reproductive Health and Contraception

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,930