Menstrual bleeding expectations and short-term contraception discontinuation in Mexico.

This study tests the hypothesis that women will be more likely to continue a contraceptive if their expectations about changes in bleeding and discomfort are accurate. The study examined the relationship between women's expectations and discontinuation rates for IUD and pill acceptors over a three-month interval. The results show that attitudes and expectations are as important as actual changes in accounting for contraceptive discontinuation among pill users; the results for IUD users are not as clear. It is recommended that family planning programs make it a priority to inform women about the changes in their bodies that can be caused by contraceptives in order to reduce high rates of discontinuation.