Concern as Kenyan Coastal Women Abuse of Contraceptives, Risk Infertility

Contraceptives

Abuse of contraceptives (morning-after pills) among university students and commercial sex workers is has been reported to be alarming in the Coast Region, as they are using the pills as a form of contraceptive and not for emergency purposes.

Seven out of ten young women are abusing contraceptives which could lead to the destruction of the womb and even infertility. According to the Kenya Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society Coast Chairman, Dr. Marjan, the fear of getting unwanted pregnancies has pushed many young women in colleges to opt for the pills, not knowing they are endangering their lives.

“They use the pill for the wrong reasons. The majority who have unprotected sex take these pills to cover for their mistakes which definitely prevents one from getting pregnant but cannot stop sexually transmitted infections,” he said.

A misconception that using the P2 pills immediately after a sexual encounter prevents one from contracting diseases, has been misleading any young women into not using protection, exposing them to HIV/AIDS infection. Others, especially in secondary schools and colleges, are abusing the emergency pills to avoid the stigma that the whole issue of contraceptives is covered in.

Long term use of the contraceptives could cause depression, ovarian cyst enlargement, gallbladder disease, high blood pressure, respiratory disorders, increased risk of ectopic pregnancy and in extreme cases death. Hence the dire need for learning institutions to educate their students on sex and contraceptives to protect the well-being of the future generations.

Sexually active women have been advised to visit medical professionals to get advice on long term contraceptive methods to avoid negative reproductive health effects and risking their lives.