Avaliação do nível de conhecimento de mulheres sobre ciclo menstrual e métodos anticonceptivos hormonais orais

Juliana Pariz; Amanda Sales; Sabrina Pereira; Gabriella Paulo; Heloisa Silva; Stephanie Schroder; Marina Torres

doi:10.1590/SciELOPreprints.14977

##article.authors##

Juliana Pariz Methodist University of São Paulo
- Conceptualization
- Data Curation
- Formal Analysis
- Methodology
- Writing – Original Draft Preparation
- Writing – Review & Editing
- Supervision
Amanda Sales Membro da Liga Acadêmica em Saúde Sexual e Reprodutiva da Universidade Metodista de São Paulo; Curso de Biomedicina, Universidade Metodista de São Paulo https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7411-9966
- Conceptualization
- Data Curation
- Formal Analysis
- Investigation
- Methodology
- Writing – Review & Editing
Sabrina Pereira Membro da Liga Acadêmica em Saúde Sexual e Reprodutiva da Universidade Metodista de São Paulo; Curso de Biomedicina, Universidade Metodista de São Paulo https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3622-8643
- Conceptualization
- Data Curation
- Formal Analysis
- Investigation
- Methodology
- Writing – Review & Editing
Gabriella Paulo Membro da Liga Acadêmica em Saúde Sexual e Reprodutiva da Universidade Metodista de São Paulo; Curso de Biomedicina, Universidade Metodista de São Paulo https://orcid.org/0009-0009-8829-1044
- Conceptualization
- Data Curation
- Formal Analysis
- Investigation
- Methodology
- Writing – Review & Editing
Heloisa Silva Membro da Liga Acadêmica em Saúde Sexual e Reprodutiva da Universidade Metodista de São Paulo; Curso de Biomedicina, Universidade Metodista de São Paulo https://orcid.org/0009-0007-8755-3634
- Conceptualization
- Data Curation
- Formal Analysis
- Investigation
- Methodology
- Writing – Review & Editing
Stephanie Schroder Membro da Liga Acadêmica em Saúde Sexual e Reprodutiva da Universidade Metodista de São Paulo; Curso de Biomedicina, Universidade Metodista de São Paulo https://orcid.org/0009-0003-4106-5863
- Conceptualization
- Data Curation
- Formal Analysis
- Investigation
- Methodology
- Writing – Review & Editing
Marina Torres Membro da Liga Acadêmica em Saúde Sexual e Reprodutiva da Universidade Metodista de São Paulo; Curso de Biomedicina, Universidade Metodista de São Paulo https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7237-6950
- Conceptualization
- Data Curation
- Formal Analysis
- Investigation
- Methodology
- Writing – Review & Editing

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/SciELOPreprints.14977

Keywords:

Menstruation, Menstrual cycle, Health education, Oral contraceptives, reproductive health

Abstract

Introduction: Menarche marks the onset of female reproductive function and is associated with hormonal, bodily, and psychosocial changes that require adequate knowledge about the menstrual cycle and contraception. Among available methods, oral hormonal contraceptives are among the most widely used in Brazil; however, gaps persist regarding proper use and awareness of potential adverse effects.

Objective: To assess the level of knowledge of young women regarding the menstrual cycle, menstruation, and the use of oral hormonal contraceptives.

Methods: This observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted between July 2021 and December 2023 and included 113 women aged 18 to 30 years, recruited by convenience sampling through social media platforms. Data were collected using a structured electronic questionnaire addressing sociodemographic characteristics, menstrual history, and aspects related to the use of oral hormonal contraceptives. Data analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel^® and Jamovi^® software, applying descriptive statistics and non-parametric inferential tests.

Results: The mean age of participants was 22.63 ± 3.01 years. The mean age at menarche was 12.34 ± 1.35 years, predominantly occurring between 11 and 13 years. Most participants reported being sexually active (89.3%) and using oral hormonal contraceptives (77.7%), mainly for pregnancy prevention. Although the majority reported having received medical guidance prior to initiating contraceptive use, only 60.7% reported adequate knowledge of potential adverse effects, and 50.9% experienced side effects during use.

Conclusion: The findings demonstrate a high prevalence of oral hormonal contraceptive use among young women, accompanied by significant gaps in knowledge regarding their adverse effects. These results highlight the need for continuous educational strategies in sexual and reproductive health, integrated with public health services and university extension initiatives, to promote informed decision-making and reproductive autonomy among women.