THINK BEFORE YOU POP!
Emergency contraceptive pills (ECP), are commonly used to
prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex, contraceptive failure,
incorrect use of contraceptives or cases of sexual assault.
They contain hormones that changes the normal menstrual
cycle and prevent ovulation, for example: levonorgestrel (POSTINOR
2, POST PILL), etc.
While these pills can be an effective form of emergency
contraception, they can also pose risks if taken excessively or improperly.
In this article, we will discuss the risks and dangers of
abusive intake of ECP.
Firstly, it is important to understand that ECP
is not intended to be used as a regular form of contraception. They are only
meant to be used in emergency situations and should not be relied upon as a
primary method of birth control. Abusive intake of ECP can cause irregular
menstrual cycles, hormonal imbalances (too much or too little of
one or more hormones), and other health-related issues.
One of the most significant risks of abusive intake of ECP
is an increased risk of blood clots. This is because some ECP contain hormones
that can increase the clotting factors in the blood. Blood clots can lead to
serious health problems, such as stroke or pulmonary embolism.
In addition, ECP can cause a number of unpleasant side
effects when taken in excessive amount. The side effects includes:
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• headaches,
• dizziness,
• breast tenderness.
In some cases, these side effects can be severe enough to
require medical attention.
Another danger of abusive intake of ECP is the potential
risk of damage to the liver. ECP are metabolised in the liver and excessive
intake can cause liver damage. This can lead to liver failure, which can be
life-threatening.
Abusive intake of ECP can also increase the risk of ectopic
pregnancy. This is a serious condition in which the fertilized egg
implants outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube. Ectopic pregnancies
can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
Finally, most women who take ECP may experience an
increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease and other reproductive tract
infections. This is because
1. Most of them don’t use diaphragms
2. Their male partners do not use condom
Since ECP does not protect against sexually transmitted
infections (STI), therefore they are prone to STI.
In conclusion, while emergency contraceptive pills can be a valuable tool in preventing pregnancy after unprotected sex, contraceptive failure, incorrect use of contraceptives, cases of sexual assault, they should not be abused. The dangers of abusive intake of ECP include an increased risk of blood clots, liver damage, ectopic pregnancy etc. It is important to use ECP only in emergency situations and always consult with a healthcare provider for advice on the best methods of birth control for your individual needs.
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