Thursday, December 11, 2008
Women in London allowed oral contraceptives without prescription
6 comments
On a trial basis that will run for two years, two sites in London will be distributing oral contraceptives to women over 16, without any need for a prescription. This trial is intended to determine whether or not this change will lower the number of unintended pregnancies. I'm gonna go with a thumbs up on this change, and props to London for being open-minded enough to try this out. Right now, England has the highest rate of teen pregnancies in Western Europe, so clearly something needs to change. Come on, America, where's our trial run?
Posts
December 11, 2008 at 7:18 PM
Some big concerns here. If they don't require prescriptions, then how do they determine the right dosage and or the right type? Oral contraceptives can be tricky and getting the balances of hormones right for each individual woman can be delicate. How are they going to do this with out a physician's oversight?
December 11, 2008 at 9:32 PM
Oh no, a woman who wants to obtain birth control still has to have a consultation with a physician. They're still counseled on what type of birth control to use and how to use it.
December 12, 2008 at 1:06 AM
Sounds great. I mean pharmacists should be qualified for this anyway, right? I met an ex-pharmacist once when traveling and she said she had too much education for what she did most of the day. I would love to not have to make an appointment with a doctor when a prescription runs out if I know I want the same pills.
December 12, 2008 at 11:31 AM
That's great!
A pharmacy could advise someone to talk to a doctor the first time they get birth control, but shouldnt require it.
For something like the nuva ring, there's really no need for a doctor visit every time.
December 12, 2008 at 1:48 PM
I don't understand- if you still have to see a doctor, what's the point in not having a prescription?
December 12, 2008 at 1:52 PM
Because you don't necessarily have to see an actual doctor. I think you can receive guidance from a nurse or a pharmacist as well. Many women are discouraged from going on birth control because they do not want to have to make an appointment with a doctor, wait to be seen, answer a whole ton of questions, get the prescription, go to the pharmacy, etc. It can be a hassle. I know that a lot of my friends on birth control sometimes have problems with this whole ordeal. It's also convenient because you aren't limited to always go to one pharmacy to obtain the medicine - you can go to any pharmacy.