Assessment of Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill Side Effects among Women Attending Maternal Child Health Centers in Erbil

Abstract

Purpose: Studies exploring the adverse effects of oral contraceptive pill (OCP) use among women living in Erbil/Iraq are lacking. This study aimed to assess the patterns of use and associated side effects among women in Erbil.

Patients and methods: A face-to-face questionnaire survey inquiring about demographic information and issues related to the use of OCPs and related side effects was completed by 235 women who had used OCPs at least once in their lifetime.

Results: The women exhibited positive attitudes towards OCP efficacy and safety, positively associated with their patterns of use. The following common side effects of OCPs were reported: pain (69.4%), vision problems (60%), headache and fatigue (59%), speech impairment (53%), irregular bleeding and breast tenderness (52%), nausea (51%), chest pains (40%), chloasma (37%), weight gain (33 %), abdominal pain (28%), shortness of breath (26%), swelling (20 %), spotting (12%), and allergy (7%).

Conclusion: The study revealed that women who have many side effects toward OCPs nevertheless tend to use them appropriately. However, educational programs are advisable to improve knowledge about OCP use among women in Erbil.