Risks by releasing the morning after pill?

Physicians fear increased problems in the application of the „Pill afterwards“

03/16/2015

With the release of the sale of „Pill afterwards“ Pharmacies since last Sunday have greatly simplified the possibilities of subsequent contraception, but physicians are increasingly afraid of using them, which in turn could increase the risk of unwanted pregnancy.

The „Pill afterwards“ delays ovulation by about five days, which should prevent fertilization. She can avoid unwanted pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or in case of a contraceptive period. So far, a levy was only possible against prescription in Germany, so that a minimum of medical supervision took place. Since Sunday women can now buy the pill over the counter in the pharmacy.

Hormone preparations prevent unwanted pregnancies
The preparations with the active ingredients levonorgestrel, which must be taken at the latest 72 hours after sexual intercourse, and ulipristal acetate, which is taken no later than 120 hours thereafter, offer relatively effective ways to avoid unwanted pregnancies. But errors in the application could affect the safety of the hormone preparations. Physicians evaluate the now lack of medical control therefore quite critical.

Lack of medical control?
The most commonly used are the „Pill afterwards“ from 16 to 20 years old, reports the „Rheinische Post“. The advice for the application takes place directly in the pharmacy. Only girls under the age of 14 should be sent by the pharmacists before the delivery to a medical consultation, the „Rheinische Post“ continue. An increase in uncertainty in the application is feared, because various factors, such as body weight can have a significant impact on the effects of the preparations. (Fp)