The sale of emergency contraceptive pills (ECP), oral contraceptive pills (OCP), and pills to terminate a pregnancy without a doctor’s prescription is on the rise as young couples are exploring withdrawal options and shunning the use of condoms. While unprotected sex and the resulting unwanted pregnancies make couples rush to the nearest drug store, where varieties of pills are available, several experts have warned that the use of OCP and ECP is harmful to women’s health. They have stated that, in the long run, the self-use of the pills without the guidance of doctors can lead to severe complications, for example, the woman bleeding for months.

Psychiatrist Dr. Samrat Kar added that the medical store owners never mind giving the drugs even without a prescription. Another professional shared his experience with the termination pill and stated that he had to pay a heavy price for going for termination of the first conception. Dr. GSS Mohapatra explained that the case of self-medication can turn catastrophic and fatal, such as if pregnancy has occurred in the fallopian tube and the patient takes an over-the-counter medication for termination, it can turn fatal. He added that it is advisable to consult a physician, get an ultrasound done to spot the site of pregnancy, and then take medication.