Table 4.
Beliefs About the Effect of Oral Contraception on the Menstrual Cycle
| How Does Oral Contraception Affect the Menstrual Cycle? | n | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 1107 | 100.0 | |
| Headache | No changes | 147 | 13.3 |
| I do not know | 323 | 29.2 | |
| Decrease | 28 | 2.5 | |
| Increase | 609 | 55.0 | |
| Mood changes | No changes | 91 | 8.2 |
| I do not know | 224 | 20.2 | |
| Decrease | 26 | 2.3 | |
| Increase | 766 | 69.2 | |
| Menstrual pain | No changes | 196 | 17.7 |
| I do not know | 318 | 28.7 | |
| Decrease | 180 | 16.3 | |
| Increase | 413 | 37.3 | |
| PMS | No changes | 180 | 16.3 |
| I do not know | 526 | 47.5 | |
| Decrease | 87 | 7.9 | |
| Increase | 314 | 28.4 | |
| Blood flow during menstrual cycle | No changes | 154 | 13.9 |
| I do not know | 311 | 28.1 | |
| Decrease | 220 | 19.9 | |
| Increase | 422 | 38.1 | |
| Leg swelling | No changes | 319 | 28.8 |
| I do not know | 486 | 43.9 | |
| Decrease | 27 | 2.4 | |
| Increase | 275 | 24.8 | |
| Weight change | No changes | 205 | 18.5 |
| I do not know | 271 | 24.5 | |
| Decrease | 80 | 7.2 | |
| Increase | 551 | 49.8 | |