Open Access Journal
Open Access Journal
Artigos | Vol. 3 Issue 4 (2025)
Bachelor's Degree in Nursing - UNIVERSO/PE
Specialization in Health Care Networks - FIOCRUZ/RJ
Master's Degree in Energy and Nuclear Technologies - UFPE
Published in August 03, 2025
Adolescence is a period of intense physical, emotional, and psychosocial changes resulting from hormonal changes triggered by puberty. This mismatch between physical development and emotional maturation increases vulnerability to risks related to sexuality, such as unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Hormonal contraceptive methods are widely used due to their effectiveness in preventing pregnancy; however, factors such as fear of adverse effects, misinformation, and irregular use reduce their practical effectiveness. Comprehensive sexual education, which includes detailed information on hormonal and barrier contraceptive methods, is essential to enable adolescents to make informed choices, considering benefits and potential risks, such as possible impacts on hormonal development and metabolism. Therefore, public health policies should invest in educational programs that promote in-depth knowledge about contraception, autonomy, and responsibility, avoiding self-medication and ensuring a comprehensive approach to adolescents' sexual and reproductive health. The objective of this study is to describe the relevance of health education in combating self-medication among adolescents. To this end, an integrative descriptive literature review was conducted using the Medline, Lilacs, Scielo and Google Scholar databases. In total, 7 articles were selected to support the results, 60% of which were in English and 40% in Portuguese. The analysis of the literature highlights the impacts of hormonal contraceptives on adolescents, addressing risks and benefits. While there are concerns about negative effects on bone development and increased risk of infections, benefits in the management of menstrual symptoms and in the quality of life of specific groups are also highlighted. Misinformation about emergency contraceptives is a central problem, highlighting the need for effective sex education. The lack of clear public policies and specific guidelines for vulnerable populations, such as adolescents undergoing medical treatment, highlights the importance of measures that ensure access to adequate care and correct guidance.
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https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1485-2007