Hyderabad: How irregular bleeding, weight gain, other side effects force women to shun contraceptives

Hyderabad: A new report by GlobalData has revealed that the unmet needs in the female contraceptive market continue to persist.

The report echoed the concerns that were prevalent a decade ago.

Gynecologists say a lack of therapeutics that offer enhanced safety leads to side effects that deter patients from consistent contraceptive use.

Persistent Side Effects and Patient Discontinuation

Currently, available oral contraceptives still pose risks of irregular bleeding patterns, weight gain, mood changes, depression, migraines, nausea, and acne. These side effects continue to be a primary reason why patients may opt to discontinue contraceptive use, inadvertently increasing the risk of unintended pregnancies.

Hesitation Towards Hormonal Contraceptives

GlobalData's report highlights the reluctance of some women to embrace hormonal contraceptives due to associated side effects. The unmet need for non-hormonal contraception becomes crucial for those seeking alternatives based on personal preferences, religious beliefs, or concerns about side effects.

Access and Affordability Challenges

Beyond the product itself, access to contraceptives remains a challenge in many countries. Even if contraceptives are approved and launched, their coverage by insurance companies becomes a determining factor.

Shireen Mohammad, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Analyst at GlobalData notes, "If they are not covered, many patients are not able to afford them."

Limited Awareness of Contraceptive Methods

The report emphasizes that awareness of available contraceptive methods is still insufficient among both patients and healthcare providers. Many are unaware of the various forms of contraception in the market and lack knowledge about their proper usage, especially when devices are involved.

Compliance and Adherence: Crucial but Challenging

Compliance and adherence issues persist, with patients struggling to remember daily oral hormonal contraceptives or discontinuing them due to side effects. Compliance difficulties are more prevalent among oral contraceptive users, where unintended pregnancies might not be immediately recognized as a consequence of poor compliance.

Hyderabad Doctors and Gynaecologists Weigh In

Hyderabad Doctors and gynecologists echo the concerns highlighted in the GlobalData report.

Dr. Susmita Reddy, a prominent gynecologist in Hyderabad, emphasizes, "The side effects associated with current contraceptives impact patient adherence, and there's a growing need for alternatives that are not only effective but also well-tolerated."

Dr. Jasmine Rath, obstetrician and gynecologist at Apollo Health City adds, "Educational interventions are crucial to enhance knowledge about contraceptive methods. This can empower individuals to make informed decisions, increasing the overall effectiveness of contraceptive usage."

Innovations Needed for User-Friendly Options

To address the persistent unmet needs, Dr. Swapna Mudraga, obstetrician and gynecologist at CARE Hospitals suggests, "The development of user-friendly methods with fewer side effects that require less frequent administration is needed."

She emphasizes that improving compliance and adherence is essential, requiring a combination of healthcare provider support, education, and innovative contraceptive options.

“A decade after identifying unmet needs in the female contraceptives market, the challenges persist. The call for innovations that prioritize safety, reduce side effects, and enhance user-friendliness remains crucial. As the conversation continues, it's evident that a collaborative effort involving healthcare providers, researchers, and policymakers is necessary to meet these longstanding challenges and ensure effective contraceptive solutions for women worldwide” Dr. Mudragada concludes.