Oral Contraceptive pill and psychoaffective effects

Coelho, André; Folga, Marta; Sousa, Simão; Nascimento, Luís; Taboada Costa, Xavier

http://hdl.handle.net/10198/34910

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Authors

Taboada Costa, Xavier

Abstract(s)

Background: Oral contraceptive pills (OCP’s) are widely used for fertility control, yet their potential psychoaffective impact is increasingly debated in clinical research (1). Studies show that users may experience increased negative effects and reduced emotional well-being compared to non-users (2). Experimental data further suggest that hormonal contraception can significantly lower general well-being in healthy women (3). Objective: To assess how the use of OCPs and age are associated with the expression of positive and negative psychoaffective effects. Methodology: A cross-sectional, observational, and descriptive-correlational study with a quantitative approach. The non-probabilistic convenience sample included 291 women (aged 18-44) residing in Northern Portugal. Data were collected through an online questionnaire, which included the scale Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS-SF). Considering the type of variables, statistical analyses included the Kolmogorov-Smirnov, t-student, and ANOVA tests (p ⩽ 0.05). Results: OCP users reported lower levels of positive affect (M=28.40; SD=8.83) compared to non-users (M=34.51; SD=9.07; p⩽ 0.001). Regarding negative affect, users showed higher levels (M=25.31; SD=10.42) than non-users (M=19.96; SD=7.55; p⩽ 0.001). No significant differences were observed between the age groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The findings suggest an association between OCP use and a less favourable emotional profile, regardless of age. This raises critical ethical and clinical concerns about the underestimation of the psycho-subjective effects of oral contraception. In this context, it would be pertinent to consider measures such as periodic psychological follow-up, regular emotional screening, and informative sessions involving mental health professionals.

Keywords

Psychoaffective effects Oral contraceptive pill Panas sacale

URI

http://hdl.handle.net/10198/34910

Citation

Coelho, André; Folga, Marta; Soua, Simão; nascimento, Luís; Taboada Costa, Xavier (2025). Oral Contraceptive pill and psychoaffective effects. In 13th APLF Annual Conference. Aveiro. ISSN 2042-0984. 16:5, p. 19-19