Health experts in Embu County have raised concern over the increasing misuse of emergency contraceptive pills, commonly known as P2, among women and young girls.
The experts warn against relying on the pills as a regular family planning method, urging young women to seek professional guidance on contraceptive options.
Speaking during a free medical outreach dubbed Madaktari Mashinani at Siakago Level Four Hospital on November 6, Embu County Head of Primary Care Health Services Dr Mercy Wanjala said emergency contraceptives are intended for use after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure and should not replace regular family planning methods.
Dr Wanjala cautioned that repeated use may cause temporary hormonal changes and menstrual irregularities, and urged women and girls to avoid self-prescribing contraceptives.
She encouraged them to consult qualified healthcare providers to understand the available family planning methods and choose options that suit their individual needs.
The health official also called for increased public awareness and education on reproductive health, saying access to accurate information was important in helping women make informed decisions.
The concerns were raised during the Madaktari Mashinani initiative, which brought together medical specialists to provide free healthcare services to residents, particularly those who face challenges accessing specialised treatment.
Residents who benefited from the outreach welcomed the programme, saying it had reduced the cost and inconvenience of travelling long distances to seek medical attention. They urged the county government to sustain and extend similar services to other parts of Embu.
