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Adolescent experiences navigating contraceptive side effects and method satisfaction
Vanya Manthena1, Sophie Knifton1, Madeline Quasebarth1
1Complex Family Planning Research Center, 6030 S Ellis Ave, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, United States.
Objectives:
We explored adolescent contraceptive choices, their experiences with side effects, and how these experiences shaped perceptions of contraceptive use over time.
Study Design:
We conducted in-depth narrative interviews with adolescents aged 13-18 in Illinois to understand their contraceptive journeys. Participants were recruited through outpatient reproductive health clinics, social media, and snowball sampling. Interviews were conducted online via Zoom between December 2023 and October 2024, audio-recorded, verified, transcribed, and coded using Dedoose.
Results:
Of the 27 adolescent participants, the majority are adolescents of color, with a mean age of 16.5 years. Participants' contraceptive journeys occurred in four stages: (a) balancing preferences in contraception initiation (b) navigating physical and emotional responses with the selected method, and either (c) method satisfaction or (d) method switching. Participants anticipated potential side effects, and experienced emotional responses including mood changes, anger, and frustration when side effects disrupted daily life. More than half (n = 16) of participants reported changing their contraceptive method at least once, but none reported discontinuing entirely. A few participants considered negative side effects as 'worth it' if the method provided benefits such as menstrual regulation or hormonal balance.
Conclusion:
Adolescents often chose to switch contraceptive methods, emphasizing the importance of finding the option that best fits their needs. Clinicians can support this process by acknowledging emotional responses about negative side effects and discussing the benefits and considerations of method switching to facilitate informed, shared decision-making.
Implications:
Results suggest that clinicians should engage adolescents in discussions about their experiences with side effects and emotional responses when using contraception in order to help them find contraceptive options aligned with their preferences, including supporting them in switching methods.
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