What Saudi Arabian Women Believe about Oral Contraceptives and the Effect of Counselling

Authors: Abanmy NO

DOI: 10.23880/whsj-16000170

Volume 7, Issue 1

Abstract

Contraception is one of the major health concerns of women in developing countries, and it prevent pregnancy by interfering with the normal process of ovulation, fertilization or implantation. Recently, with improved health care facilities and health care education, women in Saudi Arabia have been practicing the newer methods of contraception. The oral contraceptive pill (OCP) provides very effective reversible contraception, and has an excellent overall safety and tolerability profile. It is the most widely used contraceptive method. In Saudi Arabia 73.6% of the women younger than 34 years old were using different methods of contraception and OCP was the first choice in preventing pregnancies. Women around the world share a common mythology about alleged ill effects of OCP. This mythology, which dates back decades, is perpetuated by gossip, rumours and illogic. The misinformation transcends continents and is shared by highly educated women as well as by illiterate women. This mythology is the most common reason why women quit taking OCP. Several studies have showed that at last half of OCP users discontinue the pill within the first year because of fears, side effects, and lack of Knowledge.

Keywords: Oral Contraceptive Pills; Counselling; Women’s Health

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