Al-Hikmah University Journal

This study examined effects of contraceptive pills on health as perceived by female undergraduates of University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria. In this study, differences in the effects of contraceptive pills on health as perceived by female undergraduates based on age, academic levels, faculties and religions were examined. This study made use of descriptive survey method. The population for this study was all female undergraduates of University of Ilorin. One-hundred and ninety-six (196) female undergraduates were sampled for this study using simple random sampling technique.  A researcher’s designed questionnaire was used for data collection while the data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions while the hypotheses were tested with the use of inferential statistic of Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and independent t-test at 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that the perceived weight effect of contraceptive pills on the health were increase in weight even when on diet, change in body shape and obesity; the menstrual irregularity effect of contraceptive pills on the health were irregular menstrual bleeding among new users; earlier menopause; menstruation delay among others; the nausea effect of contraceptive pills on the health result in throw-up, dizziness, loss of appetite to food and bring about incessant spitting; the perceived breast tenderness effect of contraceptive pills on the health lead to breast soreness, engorgement, discomfort and swollen nipple. It was therefore recommended among others, females should be enlightened on the danger and health problems associated with the use of contraceptive pills by Ministry of Health officials and personnel; females should always contact health personnel for guidance on the appropriate use of contraceptive pills to avoid its adverse effects on health; health educators should organize a sensitization programme to inform and enlighten all females both in and out schools on the health problems of continuous use of contraceptive pills.