He said such abuse has become so common because most of the drugs are sold over the counter without any proper investigation or prescription by a qualified doctor.
The maternal health expert noted that women experiencing difficulty in conception need to be evaluated first by clinicians to know what the problem is before being placed on ovulation induction drugs, adding that in some cases of infertility, the problem might be from the man and not the woman.
The gynaecologist, who disclosed this during an exclusive interview with PUNCH Healthwise, said some ovulation induction drugs have severe side effects that may do more harm than good and warned that they cannot treat all causes of infertility.
He said, “Ordinarily, it is not advisable for women to take ovulation drugs except on doctor’s prescription without considering the attendant consequences.
“Women who engage in self-medication by taking drugs for ovulation induction are at risk of several side effects of the drugs, depending on the one they choose.
“Such side effects may include headache, dizziness, abdominal discomfort, ovarian cyst formation and pelvic pain or discomfort, depression, and mood swings. There are chances of multiple births as well as ectopic gestation. They may suffer hyperstimulation of the ovaries with the attendant consequences.”
Prof. Avidime said ovulation induction medications can cause Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome, noting that when the condition occurs, it may be in its mild form or become a life-threatening condition.
“Women that develop OHSS can have symptoms like fluid accumulation and tense abdominal distension, shortness of breath, abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. They may also have rapid weight gain, body swelling, and low urinary output”, he added.
The maternal health said concerns raised on the use of fertility drugs without doctor’s prescription borders around inappropriate dosages, warning that it will give worse side effects than expected.
“When ovulation-inducing medicine is used indiscriminately, it can affect the ovaries. If it is used for a long time, it can increase the risk for ovarian tumours and cancer”, he warned.
The professor advised women having delayed conception to see a gynaecologist as soon as possible.
He described self-medication as a double tragedy that has serious implications for individuals engaging in it.
According to WebMD, infertility poses serious worry for many couples because it’s a diagnosis that has the potential to dramatically alter the life envisaged by those involved.
“But infertility is not as bleak as you might imagine. Although a person may be considered infertile after one full year of trying to conceive, 12 months may not mean that much.
“One recent study conducted by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences found that the majority of women up to age 39, who didn’t become pregnant in their first year, did become pregnant in their second year — without any medical assistance.
“For women between ages 27 and 34, only six per cent were unable to conceive in their second year. And for 35 to 39-year-old women, only nine per cent were unable to conceive in their second year, provided their partner was under 40.
“So even if you’ve been trying to get pregnant for a year, this does not mean you are infertile. Resist the temptation to rush into expensive infertility treatments before you need to”, the online portal stated.
source: healthwise.punchng
