Hi, I am an 18-year-old married woman. We are not planning to have a baby soon and hence, I wish to take oral contraceptives. Can I take oral contraceptives without doctor’s prescription? When can I start taking the pills? Will it have any effect on mt health? Please help.
The query is answered by Dr Uma Vaidyanathan, Senior Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Max Hospital, New Delhi.
One can start taking oral contraceptives (OCPs) if they are sexually active and not planning to get pregnant. However, the right age to start taking OCPs is 16 – 17 years and anyone below 16 years should strictly restrict taking these pills, unless it is prescribed by your doctor. You do not need a doctor’s prescription as oral contraceptives are available over-the-counter (OTC), however, never take them on chemist’s prescription. Here's everything you need to know about birth control pills — effectiveness, side-effects and health risks.
For how long can you take OCPs?
Although it can be safe to take OCPs for 5 years at a stretch, it is always advised to consult your doctor if you experience any side-effects like a severe headache, high blood pressure and weight gain. Hence, it is important to carefully monitor your blood pressure level and keep a tab on your weight to avoid any health complications. And if you experience any unexplained symptoms after taking the pills or suffer from any health problems, consult your gynaecologist immediately. As far as choosing the right formulation of OCPs is concerned, it is better to ask your doctor and know about any contraindications that might be present beforehand.
Do oral contraceptive pills have any side-effects?
OCPs are not recommended if you suffer any medical problems. However, these pills are found to be effective in treating PCOS and other hormonal problems due to their high progesterone and estrogen content. In such cases, starting on OCPs at an early age and under medical supervision is recommended. So if you have any of these issues and are planning to take these pills to prevent pregnancy, then consult your gynaecologist. Also, read about when should you stop taking contraceptives if you are planning to get pregnant.
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