Perfil das mulheres submetidas à laqueadura tubária em um Hospital Universitário,Vitória,Espírito Santo

Abstract

Introduction: Tubal ligation (or sterilization) is the most common form of contraception in Brazil, and the country currently has one of the highest female sterilization rates in the world. Objective: To describe the profile of women subjected to tubal sterilization at a university hospital in the Espirito Santo, Brazil and to identify contraceptive methods known and used by these women. Methodology: A descriptive exploratory quantitative study with 20 women who underwent tubal ligation during the period of March/2003 to August/2009. We used sociodemographic and reproductive variables. Results: We found that 80% of women have brown skin, 45% incomplete elementary education, 70% were married, 60% Catholic, 65% work, 70% family income ≥ 2 salaries and age at the time of sterilization ≤ 35 years. It was found to be more prevalent the vaginal delivery (52.6%) and an average of 3.5 living children per woman. The most commonly used methods: the oral contraceptives (95%) and condoms (95%). From the total, 75% became pregnant using a contraceptive method reversible, 50% were satisfied with the number of children and 85% did not repent the choice of sterilization. Conclusion: Because it is an irreversible method, the option by tubal ligation should be accompanied by guidance and clarification on the subject, thus avoiding a future regret.