The morning-after pill p2, also known as emergency contraception or Plan B, has become increasingly popular among college students, who see it as a lifesaver from early pregnancies. For many sexually active young adults, their greatest fear isn’t the risk of contracting viral diseases like HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted infections, but becoming a parent at a young age.
Upon entering university life, many students are exposed to newfound freedom and the desire to explore campus life, leading to casual meet-ups like ‘Netflix and chill,’ sleepovers, and cohabitation. With these encounters often comes the use of the emergency contraception pill to undo any consequences.
University students can attest it’s common to find hostel rooms meant for six students either empty or occupied by just one or two people. The others are probably out meeting their partners for the weekend.
The Backfire Effect
A handful of girls have has an experience with the Postinor-2 pills failing despite using them consistently for years. Others argue that the pills are a safety net since sometimes, even when you use protection, things don’t always go as planned.
However, some oppose the use of Postinor-2, citing religious and health concerns as it has more side effects than benefits. Churches like the Seventh Day Adventists don’t recommend using it.
Peer Pressure and Influence
Peer pressure plays a significant role in the decision to use the pills. Most students are convinced that unprotected sex is safe as long as they know their partner’s health status use the pill and end up normalizing it.
Pharmacy attendants report selling the pills frequently, with many of their customers being university students and interestingly, it’s often the men who come to purchase the pills for their partners.
Health Risks of P2
Postinor-2 contains Levonorgestrel, which can disrupt the hormonal balance and ovulation cycle. When taken before ovulation, it prevents the release of an egg and thickens cervical mucus, altering the hormonal balance by increasing progesterone levels.
While P2 is generally considered safe, it comes with potential side effects, including an increase in ectopic pregnancies. Although studies haven’t definitively linked the pill to higher rates of ectopic pregnancies, some theories suggest that the progesterone in P2 can modify the tubal function, slowing the transport of the egg and increasing the risk of ectopic pregnancies. Notably, ectopic pregnancies can lead to internal bleeding, which can be fatal if not detected early.
As more students turn to emergency contraception as a quick fix for unintended pregnancies, it’s important to weigh the short-term advantages and long-term health risks of relying on the morning-after pill.
