Understanding Why Some Women Experience Side Effects from Birth Control Pills

Many women who take oral contraception report experiencing side effects, which can often influence their continuation with the medication. A recent study conducted by psychologists at the University of Sheffield sheds light on the psychological factors that may be contributing to these experiences. The research highlights the role of the nocebo effect—a phenomenon where negative expectations or beliefs about a medication lead to the perception or reality of adverse effects. In this context, women’s beliefs about the pill, media messages, and personal attitudes toward medicines can significantly impact their experience.

The study involved 275 women aged 18 to 45 who had used the pill within the past 18 months. Participants completed online surveys assessing their side effects, attitudes towards medicines, and beliefs. The findings identified four key psychological factors associated with negative side effects: initial negative expectations that the medication would be harmful, low confidence in how medicines are developed, suspicion that medicines are overused and harmful, and feeling overly sensitive to medicines.

Interestingly, nearly all participants (97%) reported experiencing at least one side effect. Despite this, only 54.2% continued using the pill over an 18-month period, while 45.8% discontinued, with some switching to other contraceptive methods. The research suggests that the nocebo effect may be a significant factor influencing these decisions.

The researchers emphasize that the side effects are often very real but can have a psychological component. Recognizing the nocebo effect's influence may help healthcare providers develop better strategies to support women in managing side effects and making informed choices. As Dr. Rebecca Webster from the Sheffield psychology team states, understanding these psychological influences allows for more personalized counseling and potentially reduces unnecessary discontinuations.

The study also points to the impact of media and social messaging, particularly among younger women, who tend to encounter more negative portrayals of the pill. Overall, this research highlights the importance of addressing psychological factors to improve women’s experiences with oral contraception and suggests avenues for future interventions.

For more insights, see the full study: DOI: 10.1111/psrh.70012. Source: Medical Xpress