University students' subjective experiences of oral contraceptive use.

Abstract

A substantial proportion of women who commence oral contraceptive discontinue usage due to unwanted side-effects. In investigations of side-effects in current users, such women are excluded, and hence such studies will tend to underestimate the prevalence of side-effects. One hundred and forty-five female university students (both former and current users) completed a questionnaire focusing on their experiences of the impact of oral contraceptives upon their psychological and physical well-being. Although, on average, over half the women reported no effect, the vast majority of those who did report a change in well-being deemed this to be negative. The only exception was pelvic pain which was reported to be improved by oral contraceptive use.

• Authors: J T Condon, J A Need, D Fitzsimmons, S Lucy
• Journal: Journal of psychosomatic obstetrics and gynaecology (J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol) Vol. 16 Issue 1 Pg. 37-43 (Mar 1995) ISSN: 0167-482X [Print] England
• PMID: 7787956 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Contraceptives, Oral

Topics

• Adult
• Attitude to Health
• Contraceptives, Oral (adverse effects)
• Female
• Health Status
• Humans
• Mental Health
• Premenstrual Syndrome
• Retrospective Studies
• Students (psychology)
• Surveys and Questionnaires
• Universities