Underdosing of oral contraceptives Save
ICD-10 code: T38.4X6
Chapter: Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes
Understanding the Risks of Underdosing of Oral Contraceptives
Oral contraceptives are a popular form of birth control that many women rely on to prevent unwanted pregnancies. However, there are risks associated with underdosing of oral contraceptives that many women are unaware of.
Underdosing occurs when a woman takes a lower dose of her oral contraceptive than prescribed or skips doses altogether. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as forgetting to take the pill or experiencing side effects that make it difficult to continue taking the medication.
Here are some of the risks associated with underdosing of oral contraceptives:
- Increased risk of pregnancy: Underdosing of oral contraceptives can increase the risk of unintended pregnancy. When a woman does not take her medication as prescribed, she is more likely to ovulate and become pregnant.
- Irregular periods: Underdosing oral contraceptives can lead to irregular periods or even missed periods. This can be concerning for women who rely on their menstrual cycle as an indicator of their overall health.
- Increased risk of ovarian cysts: Oral contraceptives are often prescribed to women to help reduce the risk of ovarian cysts. When a woman underdoses her medication, she may be at an increased risk of developing these cysts.
- Increased risk of endometrial cancer: Endometrial cancer is a type of cancer that affects the lining of the uterus. Women who underdose their oral contraceptives may be at an increased risk of developing this type of cancer.
It is important for women to take their oral contraceptives as prescribed in order to avoid these risks. If a woman is experiencing side effects that make it difficult to continue taking the medication, she should talk to her healthcare provider about alternative forms of birth control.
In conclusion, underdosing of oral contraceptives can lead to a variety of health risks, including an increased risk of unintended pregnancy, irregular periods, ovarian cysts, and endometrial cancer. Women should be aware of these risks and take their medication as prescribed in order to stay healthy and avoid unintended consequences.