Are emergency contraceptive pills safe to use? Experts weigh in
Social media has once again become a battleground for conflicting viewpoints, this time regarding the safety of emergency contraceptive pills for women, with experts at odds over the supposed link to cancer.
What happened
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The entire conversation was sparked by a viral post from user @Prateek_Aaryan, featuring a screenshot of a woman holding a packet of emergency contraceptive pills with the caption 'girl breakfast.'
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In a lengthy commentary, he expressed concern about the potential harm caused by these pills, claiming they could lead to breast and cervical cancer and even infertility.
Take a look at his post:
Women nowadays are stooping to new lows; initially, they engage in unprotected sex and rely on contraceptive pills shown in TV ads to prevent unwanted pregnancies, which are not completely safe and can harm their bodies. They are buying and using these pills without any… pic.twitter.com/k341amWt3g
— Prateekaaryan 𝕏 (@Prateek_Aaryan) October 24, 2023
User opinion divided
While the post garnered a staggering 2.9 million views, it prompted a stark division among internet users.
While some agreed with the risks mentioned, others, especially experts, disagreed vehemently, leading to a contentious debate on the platform.
Check out here:
Understanding emergency contraceptive pills and their side-effects
Emergency contraceptive pills are specifically designed to prevent unwanted pregnancies. According to Dr Anuradha Kapur, a gynaecologist from Noida, these pills contain hormones that regulate a woman's reproductive system and are taken orally.
These hormones include estrogen and progestin, available in various forms in the market.
Exploring the side-effects
Dr Parul Singhal, another gynaecologist from Noida, highlights the potential side effects of these pills, which include nausea, breast tenderness, irregular bleeding or spotting, headaches, weight gain, mood changes, and, in severe cases, the risk of tubal pregnancy.
Do emergency contraceptive pills cause cancer?
Dr Parul asserts that she hasn't come across any conclusive study proving the link between these pills and cancer.
However, Dr Anuradha suggests that while the evidence may not be definitive, certain studies indicate a possible association between these pills and cancer, urging caution in their use.
Bottom line
While the debate over the alleged cancer risks of emergency contraceptive pills remains inconclusive among experts, it is essential to be aware of the potential side effects associated with their usage, highlighting the importance of responsible and informed decision-making.