CONTRACEPTION IN ATLETHIC WOMEN

• Grant number: 11/09179-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: November 01, 2011
• End date: October 31, 2012
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Maternal and Child Health
• Principal Investigator: Marair Gracio Ferreira Sartori
• Grantee: Raquel Margiotte Grohmann
• Host Institution: Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus São Paulo. São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

A growing number of women are dedicated to physical activity and there are undeniable benefits that this practice provides to health. However, whether as a professional athlete or a frequent visitor to the gym, women are exposed to both musculoskeletal trauma known as a strong impact gynecological endocrine and genito-urinary tract. Athletes in training courses have a life marked by intense physical activity that involves many biological and social factors, often increasing the feeling of protection, health and virility. In addition, some specific regimes of intense training, lifestyle and high-risk behaviors may influence the risk of athletes to make an unwanted pregnancy. Objectives: This study aims to analyze athletes' knowledge about contraception as well as provide the necessary guidance on contraceptive methods. Objective is also to characterize this population in aspects related to socio-economic and demographic characteristics, sexual practices, STDs and knowledge about the same in this group. Expected Results: This information will be useful for defining actions for education and health policies appropriate to the reduction of unwanted pregnancies in this group and may have high social impact, not only within the sports sector. The aim is to enable better diagnosis and propose preventive measures, which are part of a major public health issue in the country.