Abstract
Objectives: The study evaluates the knowledge about the risks of hormonal contraceptive use (OAC), by health academics of a University of Minas Gerais. Methods: It was conducted through questionnaires of a sample of 211 academics, from August to October / 2016. The variables considered were the types of contraceptives used in sexual intercourse, the understanding of the risks of using OAC and their recommendation. Results: There is a predominance of under-25 and sexually active academics from the evaluated courses. About knowing the risks of OAC most participants answered correctly about the action of OAC being inhibited by antibiotic use, however, this did not occur about OAC increasing the risk of stroke and protecting against sexually transmitted diseases. Most of these academics showed to be aware of the mechanism of action, side effect, contraindication and indications of OAC, but there was a significant portion that was not included in this. Conclusion: It turned out that even dealing with people with a higher level of education, there are still deficit issues related to the risks of using OAC. Concluding that the implementation of educational policies in the scope of sexuality is still necessary.