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Sexual health

Managing side effects of contraception

02 August 2023
Clinical Focus
02 August 2023
Volume 5 · Issue 8

Abstract

All contraceptive methods can cause side effects, some of which may be beneficial. Women often discontinue or change their contraception due to recognised or perceived side effects of the method. Good contraceptive counselling should include discussion of side effects, and prepare women for what to expect. Many initial side effects may with lessen with time. Explanation and understanding of this can discourage early discontinuation of methods. The Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare offers practical and evidence-based options for management of method side effects. Using proven management strategies, in a partnership with the woman, may increase acceptability of the method and reduce early discontinuation.

It could be said that no contraception is free of side effects. While some side effects could be argued to be beneficial, most attention is placed on perceived negative side effects. Side effects may be cited by women as the reason for discontinuing or changing contraception. This article will discuss common side effects and strategies for management.

A side effect is defined as ‘any effect of a drug, chemical, or other medicine that is in addition to its intended effect, especially an effect that is harmful or unpleasant’ (dictionary.com, 2023).

Side effects and the meanings associated with them matter; with experience of side effects being predictive of early discontinuation, and the presence of three side effects increasing the likelihood of discontinuation by 320% (Rosenburg et al, 1995). Women report changing their contraception due to side effects, with non-contraceptive side effects cited as the main reason for this (Wigginton et al, 2016). Wigginton et al (2016) argue that it is not only side effects themselves that lead to discontinuation or change of method, but also the social meanings attached to side effects, with the example given of a negative sociocultural context of weight gain as a side effect.

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Non-medical prescribing
Contraception side effects
Unscheduled bleeding
Discontinuation
Contraceptive counselling