The environmental impact caused by female hormones through the use of contraceptives and their disposal

Abstract

Contraceptive pills have undoubtedly been the most widely accepted contraceptive method by women. In order to prevent unwanted pregnancies, steroids are also used to regulate disorders related to menstrual cycles. However, the substances excreted from the use of this type of medication are directly affecting our ecosystem. This study aims to demonstrate the impact of the substances contained in contraceptive pills. To conduct this study, we evaluated available data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) to analyze birth rates and correlate them with contraceptive use. Research from the IBGE clearly shows the decline in birth rates in Brazil between the years 2000 (20.86%) and 2015 (14.16%). This change indicates an increasing use of contraceptives, with an analysis revealing a 2.5 rise in birth rate control intensity. The synthetic female hormone 17 alpha-ethinylestradiol, present in women's urine, is found in domestic effluents and is one of the main factors disrupting fauna and flora. There is significant concern about the effects these residues bring to the environment. The consumption of contraceptives impacts the biological activities of the ecosystem, causing environmental changes in the way these substances are discarded without proper treatment. The toxicity of steroids has a direct impact on basic sanitation. These substances, when in contact with aquatic organisms, can cause feminization or hermaphroditism. Incorrect disposal of residues, using landfills and/or sewage systems, leads to soil contamination, groundwater pollution, and harm to fauna and flora, cyclically affecting society as a whole.