Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) also known as 72 hr pills are specifically customized for the safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy within 3 days (72hr) of unprotected intercourse, failure of contraceptive pills or sexual assault. There exist both positive as well as negative aspects on use of emergency pills for contraception.
A survey on ECPs
users revealed that the women of age less than 25 account for maximum users in
Nepal. The increased usage of ECPs could have been attributed to its single
dose intake and its easy availability in pharmacies. Unlike the oral
contraceptive pills taken daily, ECPs can be taken when necessary so younger
women might have inclined towards ECPs. Besides, it also served as a convenient
option for unmarried girls who cannot opt for other birth control measures due
to societal norms. Lack of awareness on protection against STDs by
contraceptive tools and the misconception of ECPs being the safest
contraceptive option may have been credited to its regular use. Hence
Misinterpretation of the actual purpose of ECPs with its over-the-counter
availability has led to its surging popularity among young women.
Looking into the
positive part of heightened use of ECPs,
it has effectively supported women's autonomy concerning pregnancy. It provides
women with an emergency back-up plan to safeguard herself from unplanned pregnancy.
Undoubtedly, ECPs are a great choice to avoid unplanned pregnancy and its
emotional, physical and mental consequences. WHO as well as medical experts
advocate ECPs to be completely safe to be used by any woman at any time of
menstrual cycle. Reported serious side effects from ECPs are rare with no
negative effect on fertility. Also, there is not any evidence based specified
limit to frequency of use despite being disregarded for regular use. The
ensured safety and efficacy have made ECPs trustworthy for everyone intending
to control pregnancy.
The negative
effects of ECPs can't also be denied though it has several benefits. Unlike the
barrier method of contraception, ECPs don't protect against sexually
transmitted diseases which increases risk on health. When ECPs are taken
repeatedly, the body receives a higher amount of progestin hormone potentially
leading to more frequent side effects and disturbance to the menstrual cycle.
There are many conditions for failure of ECPs such as interaction with certain
medicines like barbiturates, phenytoin, rifampin, griseofulvin, etc. ECPs don't
work if ovulation has already occurred before it is taken so it is not 100%
effective everytime. It is also found less effective in women with a BMI of 30
or higher.
The increased use
of ECPs is not bothersome but the center of discussion lies on the habitual use
of ECPs when more reliable and safer forms of contraception are available. It
is crucial to understand that these pills are only for ‘emergency use’, not the
routine method of birth control. The reasons for trusting ECPs as routine birth
control measures are yet to be explored in the context of Nepal however there
is need to educate the younger women on the proper use of ECPs.
References:
- The American College
of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. FAQs for Emergency Contraception.
[cited 2023 Dec 4]. Available
from:https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/emergency-contraception
- Thapa S. (2016). A
new wave in the quiet revolution in contraceptive use in Nepal: the rise
of emergency contraception. Reproductive
health, 13(1), 49.
- Verma, Anjana et. al.
(2021). Use of emergency contraceptive pill in India: boon or bane. International Journal of Reproduction,
Contraception, Obstetrics and Gynecology, 10, 425-427.