Side effect expectations, experiences, and implant continuation and satisfaction among adolescents and young adults at two clinics in Utah.

OBJECTIVE: We compared adolescents' expectations and experiences of side effects with the contraceptive implant and examined if mismatches were associated with continuation or satisfaction over one year. METHODS: Adolescents and young adults (aged 15-24) initiating the implant at two clinics in Utah completed a baseline survey rating expected side effects and follow-up surveys assessing experienced side effects, current use, and satisfaction. We assessed (mis)alignment between side effect expectations and experiences, and examined whether it was associated with implant dissatisfaction and discontinuation. RESULTS: Satisfaction and continuation were high. Most participants expected and experienced side effects. Expectation-experience misalignment was not associated with implant dissatisfaction or discontinuation. DISCUSSION: Unexpected negative side effects did not drive implant discontinuation or dissatisfaction.