Abstract:
Background: The use of hormonal contraceptives is on the increase among women of reproductive age in Nigeria. In this
study effort was made to examine the influence of combined oral contraceptives on some Red blood cell (RBC)
parameters in women attending family planning unit. Materials and Methods: Data for this study were obtained through
questionnaire administered on one hundred and twenty (120) respondents who were randomly purposively selected. The
subjects blood samples were collected and analysed using appropriate techniques. One way ANOVA was adopted as
statistical analysis method for the study. Results and Discussions: It was observed that while combined oral
contraceptives therapy caused reduction in MCV value, MCHC was significantly raised. The significant increase in
haematocrit value coupled with con-comitant reduction in haemoglobin concentration in circulation as reported by this
study is of great advantage in terms of oxygen carrying and delivery capacity of red blood cells and maintenance of
normal function in individuals. Conclusion: The combined oral contraceptives does not show the capacity of inducing
anaemia in users.
