Oral contraceptive use rises among Bengaluru’s young women, doctors warn of misuse

Oral contraceptive use among Bengaluru’s young women has surged 20%, but misuse and repeated emergency pill use pose serious health risks

Bengaluru has seen a 20 percent increase in oral contraceptive use among young women, a trend that reflects both growing awareness and concerning patterns of self-medication. While contraceptive pills are widely prescribed to prevent pregnancy, they are also used to manage heavy bleeding, endometriosis, and acne. However, unsupervised consumption has led to serious health risks.

A recent incident involving a 19‑old girl who consumed combination contraceptive pills to delay her menstrual cycle without medical consultation resulted in blood clots and her death. The case has heightened concerns among medical professionals about the dangers of relying on peer advice or online information instead of professional guidance.

Doctors note that self-medication is common in India’s urban and student populations, with many young women turning to pharmacists, friends, or the internet for advice. While minor side effects such as headaches and weight gain are frequent, severe complications including blood clots and heavy bleeding can occur when pills are misused.

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Emergency contraceptive pills are also being taken repeatedly, despite being intended only for occasional use after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. Misconceptions about their safety have led to widespread misuse, further increasing health risks.

Experts emphasize that the rise in self-medication reflects deeper cultural challenges. Taboos surrounding pre-marital sex and menstruation, combined with fear of judgment from healthcare providers and stigma within families, push young women toward anonymous sources of information. This reliance often bypasses essential safety checks and professional counselling.

Medical professionals are calling for stronger awareness campaigns and confidential services to ensure safe contraceptive use. They stress that while oral contraceptives can be beneficial when prescribed appropriately, unsupervised use exposes young women to avoidable and potentially life-threatening complications.

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