SUUKAUDSETE HORMONAALSETE RASESTUMISVASTASTE VAHENDITE KASUTAMINE JA TEADLIKKUS NENDE MÕJUST KAHE KÕRGKOOLI NAISÜLIÕPILASTE PÕHJAL
The use of oral contraceptives and awareness of their impact based on female students from two colleges
Marge Laan, Inga Ploomipuu MSc Abstract The aim of the present study was to clarify the use of oral contraceptives among female students and the users’ awareness of their impact/side effects. This is an empirical study involving 282 female students from two colleges in Tartu City. Hormonal oral contraceptives (the pill) are one of the most widely used contraceptives in Estonia as well as in the world. The number of the users is increasing continuously primarily due to the easy handling and reliability. Also, the pills are very widely used because of the health-related benefits, including reduction of menstrual disorders and cycle regulation, alleviation of skin problems. Like every other pharmaceutical, oral contraceptives have multiple side effects and contraindications. It is important to inform women about the dangers of the pill not only by a doctor/specialist, but in everyday life as well. This would help the majority of the users to get a sense of these hazards and if possible prevent them. The study results showed that nearly one-third of the subjects had used the pills as a birth control method at some point in their lives. It was also found that the women mostly searched information about contraception among their friends and on the internet. Nearly a half of the pill users had stopped the consumption due to the occurred side effects. Almost all of the respondents were able to mention effective methods to prevent sexually transmitted diseases.
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