Youths in Kiambu town have been cautioned against the tendency of using emergency pills rateher than the stipulated protective measures, in order to prevent unwanted pregnancies.
Speaking from her office, Teresia Mbua, a nursing officer from Kiambu District Hospital condemned the practice by stating the youths are risking their lives when they don’t use protection.
“It is shocking to learn that most youths do not protect themselves and instead opt for pills, which when used regularly at a tender age, may have negative impacts on their reproductive system,” she said.
She said public hospitals usually offer free condoms to the public therefore the youth should not be engaging in unprotected sex.
“The hospital usually dispatches free condoms on the dispensers for the public to use but am saddened to say they are fetched at a really slow pace,” she added.
She urged the youths to always make an effort of contacting experienced medical personnel regarding the appropriate contraceptives to use, rather than opting for emergency pills.
Alfred Mungai, a pharmacist in Kiambu town, said there’s rise in emergency pills usage among the youths based on his pharmacy statistics. He said his sales on emergency pills usually supersede the ones on condoms.
Joan Wairimu, a youth in the area claimed majority of the youth fear pregnancy more than they fear sexually transmitted diseases.
She added that the fear of child bearing, stigmatisation and the wrath of parents on the realisation that they are pregnant are among the major factors that make them opt for emergency pills.