Guinée : La pilule du lendemain, entre solution d’urgence et usage abusif chez les jeunes femmes
Increasingly used in Guinea, the morning-after pill is becoming a common form of emergency contraception for many young girls and women. Easily accessible in pharmacies and often perceived as a quick solution to an unwanted pregnancy, it nevertheless remains surrounded by much misunderstanding. Healthcare professionals warn of its limitations, its variable effectiveness, and the risks associated with misuse, emphasizing that it cannot replace a conventional contraceptive method.
Intended to prevent pregnancy after unprotected or inadequately protected sex, the morning-after pill should only be used in emergency situations. But in Conakry, its repeated use is becoming a worrying habit.
A 22-year-old woman, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: "I took it several times because I thought it was safe. We reassure each other among friends by saying it prevents pregnancy, without thinking about anything else. Then we hear that it can disrupt periods or not work at all."
To shed light on this subject, Dr. Édouard Tolno, a general practitioner at the Ratoma Medical Center, explains: “The morning-after pill works by blocking ovulation. It must be taken after unprotected sex, around the ovulatory period, when no condom has been used. Two methods exist: taking emergency hormonal contraception (the morning-after pill) or having a copper IUD inserted.”
The doctor clarifies that the morning-after pill should never be used as a regular method of contraception. "Some young women take it like candy, sometimes several times in the same month. This exposes them to adverse effects: headaches, dizziness, fatigue, vomiting, abdominal pain, or even menstrual irregularities," he warns.
Another important point: the pill's effectiveness also depends on body weight. "It is less effective in women weighing more than 75 kg. From 80 kg onwards, it is almost ineffective. In these cases, it is better to consider implants or an IUD," emphasizes Dr. Tolno.
Regarding its effectiveness, the doctor reminds us: "Emergency contraception is never 100% effective. Norlevo achieves approximately 98% effectiveness if taken within 12 hours of intercourse; 85% within 72 hours and much less after three days. After this period, the risk of pregnancy increases."
Faced with the alarming increase in its use in Guinea, specialists are calling for greater awareness about reproductive health and contraception. The morning-after pill remains a temporary solution, not a means of long-term prevention.
For effective protection against unwanted pregnancies, doctors recommend adopting classic contraceptive methods, adapted to each individual profile.
Commentaires (5)
Participer à la Discussion
Règles de la communauté :
💡 Astuce : Utilisez des emojis depuis votre téléphone ou le module emoji ci-dessous. Cliquez sur GIF pour ajouter un GIF animé. Collez un lien X/Twitter ou TikTok pour l'afficher automatiquement.