MAPs

These days a lot of hue an cry is being raised over the availability of MAPs or morning-after-pills over-the-counter (OTC - with out a valid prescription from the doctor) just like some other common drugs like Saridon or Anacin. Pardon the comparison but for some people unwanted pregnancy can be a real headache! Some say this is unethical because then teens might misuse the freedom the pill offers. They might lead a wild life and there by the moral values of the society might be at stake. Some argue that previously the couples used to consult a doctor and the fear of falling in the public eye - all made them exercise utmost precaution. Now since they have it in their reach they can buy it and pop it in right there at the medical store itself!

True, the worry that exists after unprotected sex, gauging for the symptoms, pregnancy checkup, doctor's appointments, abortion - a lengthy procedure cut short. If by accident you do have unprotected sex you can visit the chemist next morning buy it and swallow it. The chances of getting pregnant are very very less (about 5%) when you take the pill less than 12 hours after the event. There are some brands in the market that are useful even upto 72 hours after having sex. I grade the MAP as one of the wonders in modern medicine. How does the MAP work? It is nothing but an overdose of the contraceptive pills which women generally use with the same chemical composition (Progesterone, Oestrogen) but when taken the immediately after having unprotected sex they can actually delay ovulation or in worst case make the endometrium lining on the inner side of the uterus unfit for holding the fertilized ovum. The embryo unable to attach itself will be rejected by the body (The endometruim lining cracks once every month - we call it menstruation and the unfertilized ovum is rejected by the body).

Are they safe? The drug companies say they are safe (At 24 pounds a dose in London, obviously the drug companies will say so). Some doctors opine the contrary. However research says that they are bad if they are taken more than twice a month. Whatever they say - In my opinion: they would surely lead to hormonal imbalance in the body. Excessive hormones floating around in the blood is not good for health. Psychological effects of excessive hormones would also accompany the physiological ones.

Do I support their use? I believe that everyone should have a choice to decide whether or not to conceive. The MAP would give more freedom to women. I opine that women should also enjoy the same degree of freedom that the darker sex enjoys. Iam not talking about rape-victims here because they anyway will have a prescription from the doctor. What about those who are crying hoarse over the availability OTC? I can just say that excess of anything is dangerous. The body has its own way of expressing its dissent - in the form of nausea, head ache, stomach ache, vomiting etc; Will they be able to take such painful symptoms more than twice a month? The effects of the pill on the children who survive the dose (those 5% of cases) has not been studied yet making the usage an issue of conscience. Also all those who wish to have unbridled sex and pop in a pill in the morning should also know that the pill offers protection only against unwanted pregnancy but not against STDs.

What about the doctors who say it is unsafe? 20000 abortions a month - In Hyderabad alone! Why would they want to lose their business? Who would want to go to the doctor if there is an option as simple as popping in a tablet? There is nothing unethical in deciding not to get pregnant when your social, financial, physical or emotional conditions are not in favor of bringing in a child into this world. I also appreciate the government in taking such a bold decision for making a pill that costs 24 pounds in London for Rs.5 here! Let us see what ripple effects this decision will have on the generations to come ...

For more info:

http://www.physiciansforlife.ca/morning.html

http://www.eenadu.net/vasundhara.asp?qry=health (best viewed in IE)