The use and impact of contraceptives in women: a critical review

Authors

  • Success C. David Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
  • Shadrach C. Eze Department of Pharmacy, Federal Medical Centre, Hospital Road, Makurdi Benue State, Nigeria
  • Catherine C. Eleje Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
  • Evaristus C. Odoh Department of Pharmacy, Federal Medical Centre, Suleja-Lapai-Bida Road, Bida Niger State Nigeria
  • Faith O. Omotayo Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria Department of Public and Community Health Science, University of the People, California, USA
  • Onyinyechi L. Kalu Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
  • Cynthia C. Eze Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2454-2156.IntJSciRep20223039

Keywords:

Oral contraceptive, Quality of life, Contraception, Research, Review

Abstract

Around 40% of the 210 million human conceptions occurring globally each year are unplanned. Contraception involving the use of devices, medications, and sexual techniques have been the bail out. This has empowered women to make positive decisions about their life and sexual health. Various methods of contraception in use today include the barrier method, the fertility awareness method, hormonal method and permanent contraception. In the United States and in most parts of the world, oral contraceptives (OC) have been the most used contraceptive method. Their use however comes with its pros and cons. OC failure is already an issue of concern in the reproductive health of women. More serious concerns are the impact of the use of these OC's on the woman's quality of life. Women all over the world are becoming increasingly conscious of the ability of OC to either aid or interfere with their health and overall well being. There is paucity of data in recent times looking critically at how OC has been a factor in altering the quality of life of women. Hence this review highlights contraceptive preferences of women, Success and failures of OC use, perception of women towards OC and how the use of OC has impacted their quality of life. Overall, contraceptives have a positive impact on the quality of life of women due to many other benefits it offers apart from contraception including relief of menstrual blood loss, dys-menorrhea, and premenstrual syndrome.

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Published

2022-11-23

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Review Articles