ORAL HORMONAL CONTRACEPTION AND RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM

Abstract

Introduction: Contraceptives are methods used to prevent pregnancy, as they act by preventing fertilization. Oral hormonal contraceptives, also called birth control pills, are steroids used alone or in combination with the basic purpose of preventing conception. Objective: This study aims to discuss the use of oral hormonal contraceptives and the risks associated with the cardiovascular system. Materials and Method: The research is an exploratory bibliographic literature review that sought data in the following databases: PubMed (US National Library of Medicine), ScienceDirect, Scielo (Scientific Electronic Library Online), Mediline and Lilacs (Latin American and Latin Literature Caribbean in Social and Health Sciences) between 2010 and 2021. The inclusion criteria used in the research were: review articles, studies and clinical cases (written in Portuguese, English and Spanish). As a result, it was possible to gather information that will elucidate the risks of hyperbolic use of oral hormonal contraceptives, warning women about the dangers of the continued use of these medications. Results: The findings of this review resulted in the certainty that despite fulfilling their purpose (avoiding conception or treating specific cases of hormonal disorders), oral hormonal contraceptives can pose risks to women's health. Conclusion: Through this, it is inferred that the regular use of these drugs should be minimized in order to prevent immediate or future damage.