"OB/GYNs back over-the-counter birth control pills"

[Skwim]

"No prescription or doctor's exam needed: The nation's largest group of obstetricians and gynecologists says birth control pills should be sold over the counter, like condoms.

Tuesday's surprise opinion from these gatekeepers of contraception could boost longtime efforts by women's advocates to make the pill more accessible."

SNIP

"Half of the nation's pregnancies every year are unintended, a rate that hasn't changed in 20 years - and easier access to birth control pills could help, said Dr. Kavita Nanda, an OB/GYN who co-authored the opinion for the doctors group."

SNIP

"Many women have trouble affording a doctor's visit, or getting an appointment in time when their pills are running low - which can lead to skipped doses, Nanda added.

If the pill didn't require a prescription, women could "pick it up in the middle of the night if they run out," she said. "It removes those types of barriers."

SNIP

"Prescription-only oral contraceptives have long been the rule in the U.S., Canada, Western Europe, Australia and a few other places, but many countries don't require a prescription."
source

​

I haven't formed an opinion yet, and urge everyone to read the entire article before responding.

 

[Falvlun]

I'd be for it; I see no reason medically why it shouldn't be OTC.

Walmart currently offers BC at $9 a pack, without insurance. I wonder if there is any reason why the cost (besides greed, of course) would need to go up if it was sold on the other side of the counter. Actually, you'd think it could be cheaper, since they don't have to pay a specialized tech to dispense it anymore.

 

[Storm]

I'd be for it; I see no reason medically why it shouldn't be OTC.

I do. I was taken off hormonal birth control recently due to potentially fatal interactions with my other meds (It put me at risk of heart attack and stroke). I'm not convinced hbc should be available free of doctor's supervision.

 

[4consideration]

I am hesitant to agree that OTC birth control pills are a good idea.

I wonder what level of legal problems (malpractise claims) OB/GYN's are experiencing from their involvement in prescribing birth control pills, and if that has anything to do with an inclination to separate themselves from legal access to its use.

I took the pill for about 10 years and am not convinced that they are safe enough for ongoing OTC access.

 

[Shadow Wolf]

Personally I do not think birth control should be OTC. It should be easier to get, but many people seem to not realize there are potentially very hazardous, even fatal side effects to birth control pills. Every woman's body is different, and will react to different BCs differently. Some women are highly allergic to some forms, some will have an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, or blood clot, and sometimes BC can lead to infertility or difficulties becoming pregnant. I think they should be easier to get, but not without medical supervision.

 

[dawny0826]

"It's unfortunate that in this country where we have all these contraceptive methods available, unintended pregnancy is still a major public health problem," said Nanda, a scientist with the North Carolina nonprofit FHI 360, formerly known as Family Health International.​

I certainly agree with this.​

And I do think that for SOME people, a generic warning label and instruction booklet would be sufficient to educate users on side effects, warnings, etc.​

But, the "pill" isn't a one size fits all. I think that some people need the advisement of a professional and that over the counter "advice" isn't the same as a one on one consultation with your doctor, who knows your history and may be able to identify factors that could conflict with the form of oral contraception that's used.​

In addition to this, there are other forms of prescriptive contraception. I think it's important that women understand that there are varied options - condoms and "the pill" are two choices but not the only choices. ​

 

[Falvlun]

Personally I do not think birth control should be OTC. It should be easier to get, but many people seem to not realize there are potentially very hazardous, even fatal side effects to birth control pills. Every woman's body is different, and will react to different BCs differently. Some women are highly allergic to some forms, some will have an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, or blood clot, and sometimes BC can lead to infertility or difficulties becoming pregnant. I think they should be easier to get, but not without medical supervision.

But aren't allergic reactions, side effects, and misuse a risk of almost any OTC medication?

 

[Alex_G]

needs a consultation in my opinion. Both from a medical point of view re the potential side effects, and interections but also regarding family planning councelling and education.

 

[Skwim]

If it wasn't for the fact that the nation's largest group of obstetricians and gynecologists say birth control pills should be sold over the counter, I would have thought it a questionable if not risky maneuver, but because of their specialized training and intimate knowledge of the issues involved, they, above all others, should have the best grasp on the pros and cons of OTC birth control drugs. So, I'm deferring to their opinion, and have decided to side with them.

 

[MysticSang'ha]

I'm on the fence. The article mentioned that some countries sell birth control pills OTC. Is there data on the side effects experienced by these women who purchase OTC compared to women who purchase the pill through prescriptions?

I'm also unsure because some risk factors are more prevalent due to age and family history of breast cancer. This was made apparent through my doctor, who prescribed a very low dose of estrogen for me to regulate my hormones while staying within a safe enough dosage because of my age and my family history on my mother's side of breast cancer.

 

[beenie]

I'm very on the fence about this as well.
BC pills are not your average Tylenol, and there are many risk factors that render it downright dangerous for a young girl to be on birth control pills. For instance, without getting into details, I am not a very good candidate for BC pills. I wouldn't have known that if my doctor didn't inform me about it...

I do agree with making it easier to get them through a doctor though, I'm just not sure *how* much easier. Most OTC versions are weaker, and with BC, putting out a weaker version is NOT a good idea.

For me, it's not a moral issue, it's more of a health issue.

 

[Lady B]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well I would like to see the stats in other countries where this is instituted also before being gung ho. I think it will lead to a lot more teen promiscuity, where they now would need their parents to take them to a doctor and all the safe sex lectures that accompany that embarrassing time would not even be necessary. I also believe std's would reach higher levels, since the pill does not protect genitals as a condom can, and if the pill is as easy to purchase as the condom, the condoms will probably be forsaken as a uncomfy alternative.....And Then we have the health risks and possible death toll rising from using it in ignorance and not reading or understanding the paperwork included in the box. And let us not forget the possible MIS-use and abuse the druggy kids will concoct with it, I mean they smoke potpourri, sniff paint, snort riddilyn and mothballs.....what Could they do with hormone pills

 

[Falvlun]

If it wasn't for the fact that the nation's largest group of obstetricians and gynecologists say birth control pills should be sold over the counter, I would have thought it a questionable if not risky maneuver, but because of their specialized training and intimate knowledge of the issues involved, they, above all others, should have the best grasp on the pros and cons of OTC birth control drugs. So, I'm deferring to their opinion, and have decided to side with them.

That was my reasoning as well. I'm sure the doctors who specialize in this field understand the risks way better than any of us do. If they don't think they warrant a prescription, then they probably don't.

And also note that just because BC would be over-the-counter, that doesn't mean you can no longer consult your doctor or pharmacist over which type would be best suited for you.

 

[MysticSang'ha]

That was my reasoning as well. I'm sure the doctors who specialize in this field understand the risks way better than any of us do. If they don't think they warrant a prescription, then they probably don't.

And also note that just because BC would be over-the-counter, that doesn't mean you can no longer consult your doctor or pharmacist over which type would be best suited for you.

There was a certain dosage of progesterone I took once back in my 20s for birth control that had me in a near suicidal and depressed state for about 6 weeks. I certainly hope the doctors don't think that particular dosage of BCP is safe for being OTC. My personal experience with the successes and failures of various dosages of birth control pills are the reasons why I'm a little apprehensive without more information on what dosage would be considered safe over the counter as well as the data from the other countries that do sell BCP over the counter.

 

[Shadow Wolf]

Well I would like to see the stats in other countries where this is instituted also before being gung ho. I think it will lead to a lot more teen promiscuity, where they now would need their parents to take them to a doctor and all the safe sex lectures that accompany that embarrassing time would not even be necessary. I also believe std's would reach higher levels, since the pill does not protect genitals as a condom can, and if the pill is as easy to purchase as the condom, the condoms will probably be forsaken as a uncomfy alternative.....And Then we have the health risks and possible death toll rising from using it in ignorance and not reading or understanding the paperwork included in the box. And let us not forget the possible MIS-use and abuse the druggy kids will concoct with it, I mean they smoke potpourri, sniff paint, snort riddilyn and mothballs.....what Could they do with hormone pills

The solution is unbelievably simple: Teach highschool students, probably middle school students just to be safe, about sex, contraception, STI's, and protection methods. It has been shown in study after study that it doesn't matter what method of sex-education you use, all groups still have the same amount of sex, but those who were taught a comprehensive approach to sex, including putting it in a non-embarrassing and positive aspect, use protection more often and thus have a lower rate of STI's and pregnancy.

 

[Shadow Wolf]

But aren't allergic reactions, side effects, and misuse a risk of almost any OTC medication?

It can happen, but with hormonal based BC it really should be under some sort of medical and personal life supervision. I know one girl who had to be rushed to the hospital because she had an allergic reaction so severe from her pills that not only did her face swell up, her esaphagus also swelled up and made breathing difficult for her. In cases such as this, any BC should be on a patients medical chart so a doctor will know what to look for.

That was my reasoning as well. I'm sure the doctors who specialize in this field understand the risks way better than any of us do. If they don't think they warrant a prescription, then they probably don't.

I would think so, but then again many doctors are gung-ho about prescribing a myriad of psychotropic medications even though in many cases they cause more problems than they solve. Even opiods are becoming more and more common, even though it has been demonstrated they are habbit forming and very destructive to the body.

 

[Lady B]

The solution is unbelievably simple: Teach highschool students, probably middle school students just to be safe, about sex, contraception, STI's, and protection methods. It has been shown in study after study that it doesn't matter what method of sex-education you use, all groups still have the same amount of sex, but those who were taught a comprehensive approach to sex, including putting it in a non-embarrassing and positive aspect, use protection more often and thus have a lower rate of STI's and pregnancy.

I agree somewhat, however I prefer the parents be in control in teaching their children, It is not the schools responsibility, that is of course a whole new debate and I respect other views. Even if safe sex is taught to all, will teenagers choose what is safest or what is more comfy? They will undoubtedly feel they don't need both as the condom protects both pregnancy and std's while bcp protects only pregnancy, I wonder which one they will choose when and if both are as easy to purchase. I can see the young man saying to his girl " C'mon go get on the pill so I don't have to wear this stupid raincoat"

 

[Shadow Wolf]

I agree somewhat, however I prefer the parents be in control in teaching their children, It is not the schools responsibility, that is of course a whole new debate and I respect other views. Even if safe sex is taught to all, will teenagers choose what is safest or what is more comfy? They will undoubtedly feel they don't need both as the condom protects both pregnancy and std's while bcp protects only pregnancy, I wonder which one they will choose when and if both are as easy to purchase. I can see the young man saying to his girl " C'mon go get on the pill so I don't have to wear this stupid raincoat"

America having the highest pregnancy rate in the world only shows that parents are not teaching their kids about sex, and it because many people view it be an unpleasant and embarrassing discussion. Our society indeed has a terribly unhealthy attitude towards sex. And studies have shown teens exposed to comprehensive sex education use condoms more frequently and more regularly than those exposed to other forms of sex education.

 

[Lady B]

America having the highest pregnancy rate in the world only shows that parents are not teaching their kids about sex, and it because many people view it be an unpleasant and embarrassing discussion. Our society indeed has a terribly unhealthy attitude towards sex. And studies have shown teens exposed to comprehensive sex education use condoms more frequently and more regularly than those exposed to other forms of sex education.

I agree parents have a problem taking this responsibility, I just don't agree the solution is to make the school system the authority or responsible party. I agree our society has a willing ignorance and dismissal of uncomfortable discussions, I think we should work on that rather then promoting our schools involvement. In my opinion schools do not promote abstinence as much as protection. And in my opinion A school passing out condoms is condoning sexual behavior much like a parent saying "well I bought my kids beer because hey if they are going to drink, I'd rather it be at home" I prefer to teach my teenagers sex is something to be waited on,deeply considered and safely done at the right time and with the right person, preferably in marriage but never in ignorance and a heated moment. Schools are for education, so let them educate without passing out condoning materials and liberal opinions after all if a teenager gets pregnant from one of their supplied condoms will they take responsibility? No it is always the parents fault for not preventing their kids sexual exploits, so then If we have the backlash, let us have the authority.
and by the way the statistics showing the pregnacy rate and std's going down since schools have given kids the "go ahead heres a condom "solution only show that more kids in the usa have sex then anywhere else, and I would go further to say in countries where promiscuity is just not allowed and punished severaly, there is a very low pregnacy rate !

 

[no-body]

In my opinion schools do not promote abstinence as much as protection.

That's because they tried it during the Bush years and it was an utter failure. You can shriek about abstinence all you want, if your kid is going to have sex, they are going to have sex. You can be all "Not MY child" all you want. But they will find a way.