‘90% city women take pills without consultation’

LUDHIANA: Unaware of their side-effects, women in Ludhiana are increasingly opting for emergency contraceptive pills. Doctors say those belonging to upper middle-class families mostly pop such pills, ignoring the health problems these can cause.
Talking to TOI, a private gynaecologist, Zoni Jain, says, ‘‘Many women, including the educated ones, are unaware of the complications these pills can trigger.About 90% of them take these without any consultation and visit a doctor later when there is a problem. Consultation is a must before taking the oral pills, as these can adversely affect health, like cause menstrual problems, infertility, hormonal imbalance and breast and uterus cancer.’’
Exposure to the media and their easy availability were making more women opt for these. About 10% of the patients were unmarried, she adds.
Another city-based private gynaecologist, Iqbal Singh Ahuja, says, ‘‘An important reason for its increased use is sexual intercourse at an early age. Many women visit me with complaints of menstrual disorders, continuous bleeding and unwanted hair on face, which occur after taking the pills. I am surprised how educated families allow their women to go for these when there are many safer options.’’
Dr Vineet Kaur, a gynaecologist at Apollo hospital, says, ‘‘I know many women who take these thrice a month. These should be avoided, as the pills can affect the monthly reproductive cycle. Their sale on counter without prescription should be checked. It’s important for people to know their side-effects.’’