RISCOS ASSOCIADOS AO ANTICONCEPCIONAL DE EMERGÊNCIA

Abstract

Emergency contraceptive (EC) is a hormonal substance composed of levonorgestrel, an isolated progestin, popularly known as the morning-after pill, widely used in Brazil to prevent unwanted pregnancy, this drug should be administered soon after sexual intercourse or up to 120 hours after the sexual act. Although this method is practical, frequent use can lead to loss or decrease in effectiveness, triggering hormonal problems and infertility. This study describes the mechanism of action of EC, identifying risks associated with continued use and its most common adverse effects. This is a descriptive qualitative literature review study on the risks associated with the use of emergency contraception, carried out by means of studies and information obtained from research in sources such as scientific articles. The articles used for the development of this work were found in databases such as websites, Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SCIELO) and Academic Google. EC does not have a precise mechanism of action, but it is known to alter the physiological processes of fertilization. It prevents the occurrence of ovulation, interferes with fertilization, with the transport of the embryo to the uterus, or inhibits implantation in the endometrium. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that EC has a high hormonal concentration, its use in excess can harm the fertilization of the egg. of gynecological diseases caused by different partners and also in patients at risk of vascular thrombosis, thromboembolism, diabetics with vascular complications, uncontrolled hypertension, blood diseases, obese people, women who have excessive menstrual flow. EC is a true hormone pump and can contain ten times more hormones compared to conventional contraceptives, abuse can cause several damages to the female body, as well as adverse effects that involve, in addition to nausea and vomiting, thromboembolic effects and other tension reactions breasts, vaginal bleeding, fatigue, headache, dizziness, asthenia and pelvic pain. In conclusion, EC has the function of preventing a possible unwanted pregnancy after unprotected intercourse, thus having its advantages and disadvantages. However, it should be used with caution, as it causes a hormonal overload in the female body, generating serious consequences for its user, when used in excess and without prior knowledge, as it is an easily accessible drug.