The use of preservatives, risk and occurrence of non-planned pregnancies, and awareness about and access to emergency contraception among HIV/aids-infected women

Abstract

This paper focuses both the risk and the occurrence of non-planned pregnancy, abortions, as well as the awareness about and the use of emergency contraception among HIV/aids-infected women. A quantitative observational approach was used after a domiciliary survey in Santo Andre, São Paulo State, Brazil, where it was found that, after receiving the information about the infection, 62.8% adopted the use of male condom, 77.2% using it exclusively, 13% associated with hormone injections, and 9.8% alternated with either interrupted intercourse, fertility schedule or vaginal shower. Mechanical flaws by the use of the preservative occurred to 38%. Added to flaws associated to the alternation with behavioral methods, they caused together 40% of non-planned pregnancy, which occurred to 24% of the interviewed women, 22% resulting in self-provoked abortions. Emergency contraception was known by 51.4%, although only 2.7% had used it. The conclusion is that mechanical or behavioral flaws related to the use of preservative by HIV/aids-infected women increased their exposure to non-planned gestations and abortions. It is needed to amplify both the options and the supply of contraceptive methods, including emergency contraception, with constant re-orientation on the use of preservative among this public.