NEW DELHI: There may be troubling news for women who rely heavily on morning-after pills to avoid pregnancy. Doctors warn that frequent use of emergency contraceptive pills can disrupt hormonal balance and menstrual cycles, cautioning that the medication is meant only for unexpected situations and should not be used as a routine method of birth control.Gynaecologists say the pill is intended for emergencies such as contraceptive failure or unprotected intercourse, but many women are increasingly using it repeatedly within short spans of time.”Emergency contraception is a very useful tool when there is an unplanned situation,” said Dr Aparna Sharma, professor of obstetrics and gynaecology, AIIMS. “But when it is used regularly it creates multiple problems. 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Frequent use can disturb ovulation and lead to irregular menstrual cycles,” Dr Sharma said.Dr Rahul Manchanda, senior consultant in endoscopic gynaecology at PSRI Hospital, said the medication can trigger several short-term side effects.”The common short-term side effects include headaches, nausea, vomiting, abnormal spotting or bleeding and menstrual irregularities,” he said. “These pills are intended for emergency situations. Frequent or indiscriminate use can disturb menstrual health and hormonal balance.”Repeated hormonal exposure may also interfere with ovulation patterns over time, potentially affecting reproductive health, doctors say.Another concern is that emergency pills do not protect against sexually transmitted infections.”Barrier methods like condoms remain essential because emergency pills only prevent pregnancy and do not protect against infections,” Dr Sharma said.Experts say there is no medically fixed limit on how many emergency pills can be taken in a month. However, doctors emphasise that needing them repeatedly usually indicates a need for a more reliable contraceptive method.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTMC, BJP Engage In War Of Words Over Change In Governor Ahead of Assembly ElectionsTMC RS Nominee Menaka Guruswamy Declares: ‘Shall Fight EC in Every Court’ in Fiery First SpeechNishant Kumar Will Make Political Debut On March 8, To Formally Join JD(U) After Nitish’s RS Move‘What Went Through The Administration’s Mind?’ Droupadi Murmu Flags Lapse, Mentions Mamata BanerjeeThe Khamenei’s Killer: Israeli Missile Family India Is Quietly Acquiring | WatchBJP Blasts TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee’s Shocking Remark Against CEC Gyanesh KumarNo Confidence Motion Against Om Birla: Mamata Banerjee’s TMC Set To Support Resolution In Parliament”Future Is In Countries Like India…” Piyush Goyal Hails India As Engine Of Growth’PM Modi Betrayed India’: Rahul Gandhi Launches Scathing Attack Over US Trade Deal, Russian OilLPG Cylinder Price Rise Heats Up Inflation Debate As Opposition Targets Modi Government123PhotostoriesExclusive – The 50’s Divya Agarwal breaks silence on divorce rumours with husband Apurva Padgaonkar; says ‘We live in separate houses…’How to make Bihari-style Champaran Mutton for dinner at home6 things you should never ignore in car maintenance10 desi Indian ways to enjoy Oats for dinner and dessert7 bedroom plants for better sleep and cleaner indoor airFrom iron deficiency to lung disease: Doctors say your nails may reveal hidden health problemsAllu Arjun’s brother Allu Sirish marries Nayanika Reddy: Bride dazzles in diamonds and Kanjivaram saree, groom steals show in ivory sherwani6 most luxurious homes owned by Indian cricketers with estimated prices5 famous war museums around the world travellers can visitWalt Disney once said, “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage…”: 5 lessons it teaches students123Hot PicksMiddle East Oil RisksIran Mobile Missile LauncersDwarka ExpresswayUttam Nagar murderIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingFortnite Wild Weeks Power Hour EventDaksh ChaudharyUPSC ResultsMiddle East ConflictNoida AirportCody RhodesWWE Smackdown HighlightsUCEED ResultBombay High CourtWhere to watch ind vs nz t20
NEW DELHI: There may be troubling news for women who rely heavily on morning-after pills to avoid pregnancy. Doctors warn that frequent use of emergency contraceptive pills can disrupt hormonal balance and menstrual cycles, cautioning that the medication is meant only for unexpected situations and should not be used as a routine method of birth control.Gynaecologists say the pill is intended for emergencies such as contraceptive failure or unprotected intercourse, but many women are increasingly using it repeatedly within short spans of time.“Emergency contraception is a very useful tool when there is an unplanned situation,” said Dr Aparna Sharma, professor of obstetrics and gynaecology, AIIMS. “But when it is used regularly it creates multiple problems. Compared to regular contraception, it is less effective, so the chances of pregnancy are higher if someone relies only on emergency pills.”Doctors say one of the most common problems reported by women who use the pill repeatedly is disruption of the menstrual cycle. Periods may be delayed, unusually heavy, or accompanied by spotting between cycles.“Emergency pills contain a high dose of hormones. Frequent use can disturb ovulation and lead to irregular menstrual cycles,” Dr Sharma said.Dr Rahul Manchanda, senior consultant in endoscopic gynaecology at PSRI Hospital, said the medication can trigger several short-term side effects.“The common short-term side effects include headaches, nausea, vomiting, abnormal spotting or bleeding and menstrual irregularities,” he said. “These pills are intended for emergency situations. Frequent or indiscriminate use can disturb menstrual health and hormonal balance.”Repeated hormonal exposure may also interfere with ovulation patterns over time, potentially affecting reproductive health, doctors say.Another concern is that emergency pills do not protect against sexually transmitted infections.“Barrier methods like condoms remain essential because emergency pills only prevent pregnancy and do not protect against infections,” Dr Sharma said.Experts say there is no medically fixed limit on how many emergency pills can be taken in a month. However, doctors emphasise that needing them repeatedly usually indicates a need for a more reliable contraceptive method.
