Dr Andrew Thompson believes there is a concerning lack of awareness around the health risks associated with the contraceptive pill.
With many online telehealth and prescription services now offering the pill, he fears there is a lack of regulation in prescribing the pill and many providers are not asking their patients sufficient questions.
One of Dr Thompson’s greatest concerns is the lack of education on the link between oral contraception and blood pressure. It comes after InstantScripts telehealth customers questioned the need to provide information on their previous blood-pressure reading to receive a renewed prescription.
This concern indicated that InstantScripts is likely one of the few digital health services that require patients to specify a recent normal reading or commit to having their blood pressure checked at the pharmacy when picking up medication.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a primary modifiable risk factor for chronic health conditions including stroke, heart disease and kidney disease. While the chances are relatively low, Dr Thompson says women should still be aware of the dangers. One in three Australians (34 per cent) experience high blood pressure, and one in five women (20 per cent) experience uncontrolled high blood pressure.
Dr Thompson says: “It is extremely important that women have a pharmacist or GP check their blood pressure prior to being prescribed oral contraceptive medication, and then every six months for as long as they are on the pill.
“It can be easy for medical professionals to downplay issues surrounding blood pressure and oral contraception, simply because hypertension generally does not affect people in the 18-40 age group, who are the primary target market for contraceptives. However, this is not a reason to remove all precautions as the potential health outcomes for women, if they occur, may be dire.
“Symptoms surrounding high blood pressure can also be easy to miss. Headaches, fatigue, irregular breathing and chest pain could all have an underlying link to high blood pressure. For this reason, it is important patients are educated on the matter.”
Dr Thompson says patients should be sure they are obtaining their prescription from a trustworthy and reputable online service that understands and communicates the associated health risks and benefits of oral contraceptives, and works with patients to get any necessary checks.
“Online providers have a duty of care and responsibility to minimise health risks by ensuring patients are taking all necessary precautionary measures.”
Read more:
5 things to do before coming off the pill
How a lipstick can save your life
Women’s Health Week is Monday 5 to Sunday 11 September 2022. Women’s Health Week is a nation-wide campaign of events and online activities – all centred on improving women’s health and helping you to make healthier choices.
