Poland is one of the countries where hormonal contraception is available only on prescription. This applies to birth control pills, vaginal patches and rings. A new recommendation from the American College of Gynecologists and Obstetricians (ACOG) suggests that this type of contraception should be available over the counter.
Hormonal contraception without a prescription
If taken correctly, hormonal contraception is one of the most effective forms of contraception. There are several types of hormonal contraception available on the market – pills, patches, injections or vaginal rings.
Until now, hormonal contraception was available only on prescription. This means that not every woman has access to it. Monthly visits to the gynecologist are expensive (if we go privately), and in addition, in small towns there is no doctor of this specialty and women are forced to go to larger cities for visits.
All this means that even if he would like to use this form of security, for logistical reasons, they cannot always. The solution to this problem would be hormonal contraception without a prescription.
As we read in the recommendation, over-the-counter birth control would be a step towards greater access to an essential component of women’s health care and give them greater opportunities to manage their reproductive health.
Hormonal contraception available immediately
The ACOG believes that vaginal rings, contraceptive patches, and medroxyprogesterone acetate depot injections are safe for women and should be available over the counter and without age restrictions. The guidelines published by the ACOG were an extension of previous recommendations that covered the issue of the availability of over-the-counter contraceptive pills.
At the same time, the organization reminds that women should visit a gynecologist every year to conduct a health assessment. It is during these visits that they should also discuss the methods of contraception they are using and their reproductive plans. In addition, the visit should also include screening tests, e.g. cytology or ultrasound of the breast.
According to the ACOG, the need to obtain a prescription for hormonal contraceptives may lead to inconsistent use of the preferred method of birth control.
The editorial board recommends:
- The 10 most common questions about contraception
- Hormonal contraception promotes the formation of more lasting relationships
- Poland is a country with one of the lowest rates of access to contraception
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