Anticoncepcionais orais de terceira geração e os impactos registrados no Brasil

Abstract

Third-generation oral contraceptives formulated with desogestrel, gestodene, and norgestimate have been widely used in family planning due to their high effectiveness in inhibiting ovulation. In addition to this central effect, they promote changes in cervical mucus, making it thicker, and modify the endometrial structure, hindering the implantation of possible embryo. These aspects explain their popularity both in clinical practice and among users. In Brazil, more specifically in the 1980s, third-generation contraceptives entered the market aiming to reduce the side effects of previous formulations (first and second generations), ensuring lower hormone doses, more advanced compositions, increased efficiency and effectiveness, and a considerable reduction of adverse effects. Due to these characteristics, the present study aimed to analyze the risks and benefits associated with the use of third-generation oral contraceptives in Brazil. To this end, an exploratory narrative review with a qualitative approach was conducted, using bibliographic sources and electronic databases such as SciELO, PubMed, and Medline. Although they offer benefits such as practicality, reproductive autonomy, and even dermatological improvements, their use is associated with long-term impacts and significant risks, as they interfere with blood flow and may compromise women´s health, ranging from deep vein thrombosis, arterial thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, cardiovascular changes, mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, possible development of breast cancer, decreased libido, and potentially permanent impairment of fertility.