Avaliação da utilização de anticoncepcionais orais e de emergência entre mulheres de Santa Cruz do Capibaribe-PE

Abstract

In Brazil, it is clear that women have started their sexual life early, and therefore, they also start contraception early. Currently, the pill (combined oral contraceptive) is one of the main contraceptive methods most used. However, the misuse of oral hormonal methods, in the long term, can pose serious risks to women's health. Furthermore, side effects may arise, such as weight gain, depression, decreased libido, headache, exhaustion and acne. Measure knowledge about the use and risks of using oral and emergency contraceptives among women in the city of Santa Cruz do Capibaribe-PE. The research was carried out online, via the Google Forms platform, from August to September 2023. During the research it was observed that 63% of respondents preferred oral contraceptives, among the age group of 18 to 25 years (70.6%). The main intention of use is to prevent conception (88.8%). The users who are least adept were those who had completed higher education (8.6%), compared to those who completed primary education (63.8%). Nausea (21.6%) and headache (19.6%) were the most prevalent adverse reactions described by the interviewees. Through the study it was possible to analyze the way in which these methods are being used, thus providing important information for all professionals and the population, such as: most used contraceptives, sociodemographic profile of users, as well as possible adverse reactions.