Debunking The Myths featured in the Examiner and News Talk

We’re proud to share that Debunking The Myths: The Science Behind Our Sexual Health has been featured in Irish Pharmacy News, the Irish Examiner, and NewsTalk not once, not twice, but THREE TIMES last week—highlighting the growing impact of our work in tackling sexual health misinformation among young people. 

In recent workshops, we’ve seen a noticeable shift: students are increasingly turning to Generative AI tools and social media to answer questions about their sexual health. While technology can be helpful, it’s also a major source of confusion. Misinformation spreads fast—especially when it’s packaged in viral videos or catchy headlines. 

Prof. Fergal Malone, Dr. Ronan Daly, and Elisa Belmonte, from Debunking The Myths spoke to the media about the myths young Irish people face—like whether it’s safe to take the pill back-to-back, or if skipping a period is unhealthy. Myths that aren’t just confusing—they can have real consequences for young people’s health and confidence. 

That’s why Debunking the Myths exists: to give teenagers, parents, and teachers clear, trustworthy information and the confidence to talk openly about sexual health. We work accompanying the national RSE curriculum, offering expert-led workshops, educational resources, and social media content that directly challenge misinformation. 

So far, we’ve reached over 17,700 students in 166 schools across 26 counties, with the help of 52 dedicated professionals from RCSI and beyond—including doctors, academics, and science communicators. 

We’re also seeing the effects of misinformation reflected in national trends. A recent study showed that contraception use among young people dropped from 78% in 2018 to just 66% in 2022. In our own workshops, 60% of students wrongly believe hormonal contraception harms long-term fertility—a myth we work hard to correct. 

Our approach goes beyond facts and figures. We embed sexual justice into everything we do—teaching students about consent, respect, safety, and how to navigate social pressures. We help them think critically about the information they see online and understand that a viral TikTok isn’t a substitute for expert medical advice. 

We believe every teenager deserves access to accurate, unbiased sexual health education—and we’re committed to making that happen. 

Want to learn more? Check out our educational videos on TikTok and Instagram @DebunkingMyths_ 

Debunking the Myths: The Science Behind Our Sexual Health is developed by the RCSI Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in collaboration with the Rotunda Hospital, and funded by Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland.