Expectations versus reality: Two cross-sectional studies on expected and experienced discontinuation symptoms in current and former contraceptive pill users

These studies provide the first data on contraceptive pill discontinuation symptoms, showing that current users expect them, and former users experienced them. Psychological factors (e.g., trait anxiety) were linked to expected symptoms, suggesting nocebo-like mechanisms. Future research integrating nocebo theory (e.g., addressing negative expectations directly) could help empower women to make informed choices when discontinuing the contraceptive pill.