Women's knowledge of health effects of oral contraceptives in five Brazilian cities.

BACKGROUND

Although acceptability of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) is widespread, patients are often unaware of the noncontraceptive benefits.

STUDY

DESIGN

An opinion survey through telephone interview was conducted to evaluate the knowledge of 500 Brazilian women 15-45 years of age who were current users or had recently used COCs. Data were obtained on their knowledge of adverse events, the effects of COCs on health- and menstrual-related symptoms, noncontraceptive benefits and aspects related to sexual response.

RESULTS

Most of the women interviewed learned about the pill from doctors or the Internet. Other than the pill, the best-known contraceptive methods were the condom and intrauterine device. The majority of women believe that COCs do not change the risk of gynecological cancers. Most believed that they had no significant effect on sexual response.

CONCLUSIONS

COCs users in Brazil lack precise information on aspects related to general health, particularly menstrual-related symptoms and noncontraceptive health benefits.