Experiences and impacts of side effects among contraceptive users in the UK: exploring individual narratives of contraceptive side effects

Purpose While many women worldwide use contraception, there is a paucity of research on individual experiences of side effects and their impacts. To address this gap, we analysed free-text responses of contraception experiences from 337 women aged 18 to 35, based in the UK who took part in an online survey on contraception. Materials and methods Through a directed content analysis approach, we developed a coding framework based on existing literature and initial response review. It included six themes; method(s) of contraception, side effect(s) experienced, impact of side effect(s), timing of side effect(s), interactions with healthcare practitioners, and trial and error. Results Side effect experiences and impacts varied greatly between individuals and contraceptives. Most participants described negative effects, such as mental health issues and bleeding problems. Some shared positive experiences related to bleeding management and the absence of side effects. Some experienced side effects after years of use and felt unheard by practitioners. Conclusions This contraceptive experience variability underscores the need for further research into individual side effect variation. We advocate for a patient-centred approach to contraceptive counselling. Practitioners should play an active role in improving contraception prescription, acknowledging the diverse experiences and preferences of patients. ### Competing Interest Statement F.K., P.C., and E.R. hold paid positions at Dama Health. P.C. and E.R. hold equity. C.S., R.S., and J.H. received consultancy fees from Dama Health for their work. ### Funding Statement This study was supported by Dama Health. The Dama Health Genetics and Contraception Study (DHGCS) was supported by Dama Health and the Illumina Accelerator Programme. ### Author Declarations I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained. Yes The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below: Ethics committee of Reading Independent Ethics Committee (UK) gave ethical approval for this work on October 14, 2022. I confirm that all necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived, and that any patient/participant/sample identifiers included were not known to anyone (e.g., hospital staff, patients or participants themselves) outside the research group so cannot be used to identify individuals. Yes I understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance). Yes I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines, such as any relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material, if applicable. Yes The participants of this study did not give written consent for their data to be shared publicly, so due to the sensitive nature of the research supporting data is not available, avoiding identifying any of the authors prior to peer review