The sale of emergency contraceptive pills has shot up in the city and doctors are alarmed by the trend. The pills are used as a regular contraceptive method rather than an emergency pill, say the doctors.
“An increasing number of adolescent girls are using these pills without understanding the side effects,” said Dr Padmini Prasad, director of Institute of Sexual Medicine.
“Morning after pills are only for emergency situations. But the way these pills are projected in advertisements mislead women. Many girls use these pills frequently, without realising the harm it will cause their body. I have many young patients coming to me because of disturbed menstrual cycles, which has been caused by the repeated intake of such morning after pills,” said Dr Padmini.
The demand for the emergency contraceptive pills has increased in the city, say medical shop owners.
“Morning after pills are very popular, especially among young girls. On an average, we sell five to six pills every day and the sale doubles during the weekends,” said Sumati GR, partner, Cash Pharmacy. “Over the counter sale of these pills has made it easy for girls to procure it,” she said.
Emergency contraceptive pills, if taken frequently, will have strong side-effects. It may even lead to infertility.
“Many women have come to me with complaints of irregular periods after using these pills four or five times in one cycle,” said Dr Praveena Shenoy, consultant gynaecologist, Manipal Hospital.
“Measures should be taken to inform women about the side effects of morning after pills. Not many are aware of the fact that consumption of these pills at a young age can lead to infertility. Such pills shouldn’t be taken more than once in one menstrual cycle. Women should also avoid taking the pills every month,” said Dr Praveena.
One of the common side effects of the morning after pills is irregular periods. “There are many other complications. If the pill is taken after the release of the egg, it will not help much. It may lead to ectopic pregnancy (development of embryo in fallopian tube), hormonal changes etc,” said Dr Padmini.
Comments