Introduction: Combined hormonal contraceptive pills are most widely used contraceptive. As every other drug, combined oral contraceptive pills too, have advantages and disadvantages. Nurse has an important role in educating women about appropriate administration of contraceptive. Therefore evidence based on science is important. Purpose: The purpose of this diploma theses is to present the effects of contraceptive pills on the menstrual cycle in theory, and to describe the role of nurse in the process. Methods: The research was based on a descriptive method, with a systematic literature review. We used the time frame from 2007 to 2017 as a search filter, and literature in Slovenian and English language. We searched the databases of CINAHL, ScienceDirect, Medline, (PubMed) and COBIB.SI. Discussion and Conclusion: Combined hormonal contraceptive pills contain synthetic female hormones. They were first developed to treat menstrual disorders. Today they're used to prevent unintended pregnancy, painful menstrual periods, as well as controling menstrual bleeding. Oral contraceptive pills contain a hormone progestin, that protects from cancer of uterus, ovary, endometriosis and colorectal cancer. It is also recommended for treatment of polycystic ovaries. Use of oral contraceptive pills helps manage problems of many women with painful menstrual period, menstrual period with high blood loss, or periods that last for several days. The incidence of iron deficiency anemia with women using oral contraceptive pills is much lower, as well as consumption of feminine sanitary products, such as cotton sanitary pads and tampons is reduced. Women decision to use oral contraceptive pills is rather uncertain, mainly because of concerns they have regarding the side effects that are not excluded, especially by women with associated risk factors. Consistent oral contraceptive administration has a significant impact on it’s efficiency, that’s why a nurse should educate a woman about the correct administration of the oral therapy, and at the same time about all the side effects and advantages using the combined hormonal contraceptive pills. It's important for nurse to consider every women wish, and provide her with information that's based on evidence.
Keywords: oral hormonal contraception, menstruation, nursing care, side effects
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