SUBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT OF HEALTH AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN WOMEN USING HORMONAL CONTRACEPTIVES

Background. Modern hormonal contraceptives are effective remedies for the prevention of

undesirable pregnancies, have a positive impact on the health of women, and serious complications at their using meet seldom. However, 30-50% of women refuse to hormonal contraception during the first year of using. The main reasons for the refusal are side effects and a fear of their appearing.

Material and methods. Our objective was to study the influence of hormonal contraceptives on the health and quality of life of women. We carried out the anonymousquestioning of 145 patients at the age of 20-39 years which were on a treatment in obstetric and gynecological hospitals of the Grodno region and ever used hormonal contraceptives.

Results. H ormonal c ontraceptives a re h ighly e ffective a t r egular u sing. S ide e ffects a re

widespread and were found in 9 of 10 (90.4%) women. However in 73.3% of cases they disappear during the first 3 months. Some women admitted that new diseases were diagnosed for them in a usage time of hormonal contraception. Gastritis was almost at every fifth respondent (18.6%), that requires attention.

Conclusions. The most of women are satisfied with hormonal contraception. The half of

respondents are ready to continue using despite side effects, and every third – if other hormonal contraceptive will be suitable. The quality of life of the women using hormonal contraceptives can be estimated as close to average norm.