Health experts in Embu County have raised concern over the growing misuse of emergency contraceptive pills, commonly known as P2, among women and young girls, warning against relying on the medication as a regular family planning method.
The experts have urged women to seek professional medical advice before using contraceptives to avoid misinformation and ensure they make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
Speaking during a free medical camp dubbed Madaktari Mashinani at Siakago Level Four Hospital, Embu County Head of Primary Care Health Services Dr Mercy Wanjala cautioned against the repeated use of emergency contraceptive pills.
Dr Wanjala explained that P2 pills are specifically designed for emergency situations and should not replace regular contraceptive methods.
She noted that repeated use may cause temporary hormonal changes and menstrual irregularities, potentially affecting women’s menstrual cycles.
The county health official encouraged women and young girls to visit qualified healthcare professionals for guidance on the various family planning options available and to establish the most appropriate methods for their individual needs.
She also called for increased public awareness and education on reproductive health, noting the importance of providing accurate information to help women make responsible healthcare decisions.
The concerns come amid growing attention to reproductive health trends in Embu County, with health officials emphasising the need to improve access to reliable contraceptive information and professional services.
The Madaktari Mashinani medical camp brought together specialists from different medical fields to provide free healthcare services to residents, particularly those who face challenges accessing specialised treatment.
The initiative offered residents an opportunity to receive medical attention closer to their homes without incurring the additional costs associated with travelling long distances to seek specialised care.
Residents who benefited from the outreach programme welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that had improved access to healthcare services within rural communities.
They called on the Embu County Government to sustain the programme and extend similar medical outreaches to other parts of the county to ensure more residents benefit from specialised healthcare services.
