Individual family planning services
As children transition into adolescence and young adulthood, there is an opportunity to include discussion of protection and family planning services in a medically accurate and age-appropriate manner. Gynecologists play an important role in providing personalized family planning services, and increasing access to such services is an essential part of dealing with unplanned pregnancies.
Many countries in Asia, including India, China and South Korea, allow oral contraceptives to be purchased over the counter, but not in Singapore. Supporters of over-the-counter availability argue that making the pill more accessible could reduce the incidence of unplanned pregnancies and abortions, and eliminate barriers such as cost and hesitation associated with seeing a doctor. are doing.
However, there are legitimate concerns and considerations associated with making pills available over the counter. Oral contraceptives may not be suitable for women with a significant medical history, such as breast cancer or blood clot formation. Oral contraceptives, like all medicines, have side effects and are not suitable for everyone.
Maintaining prescription status allows health care professionals to assess a patient’s medical history, consider potential contraindications, and offer an alternative contraceptive method, such as an intrauterine device (IUD), instead.
Additionally, over-the-counter availability may limit comprehensive educational opportunities. Healthcare providers play an important role in educating individuals about proper use and what to do if they miss a dose. For example, an older woman who has an unplanned pregnancy may mistakenly think that she does not need to use contraceptives because her fertility declines after age 40.
Increasing the allocation of health funding to family planning services for gynecological care and GP follow-up will make it more affordable and accessible for women to accept contraception as an effective means of preventing unwanted pregnancies. there is a possibility.