Contraceptive agents and smoking status

Introduction and Objective In Portugal, the tobacco consumption among women between 15-64 years is 32.8%. The use of combined hormonal contraceptives(CHC) associated with tobacco increases the risk of cardiovascular disease(CVD) and the risk of myocardial infarction increases if ≥15cigarettes/day. The CHC should not be used in women with >35years and who smokes ≥15cigarettes/day and should be preferred to other contraception in women >35years and who smokes 15cigarettes/day or suspended its use for <1year. The aim of this study is to characterize the contraceptives used in women with 35-50years and assess the adequacy of contraceptives in women with smoking habits. Method Study:Cross-sectional descriptive. Population:women 35-50years belonging to the author’s file. Exclusion criteria:no indication for contraception(menopause, hysterectomy, pregnancy or without sexual activity);incomplete registration;without consultation in the last three years. Data source:MIM@UF® and SClínico®. Statistical analysis:Excel®. Results and Conclusions There was obtained a sample of 140women with an average age of 42.7years. It was found that 54.3% of women on CHC, 12.9% barrier methods, 12.9% tubal ligation, 8.6% subcutaneous implantation, 8.6% intrauterine device, 1.4% progestin-only pill and 1.4% injectable progestogen. 26 women (18.6%) had smoking habits (16women <15cigarettes/day and 10women ≥15cigarettes/day). Within the 38.5% smokers not using CHC and 61.5% have an association between tobacco and CHC (50.0%with absolute contraindication and 50.0%relative contraindication to its use). In conclusion, due to the existence of other suitable contraceptives, it is up to the Family Doctor to remain active in the prevention of CVD, taking the initiative to encourage smoking cessation or by changing the contraceptives.