As reported by China.org.cn, the ease with which sexually active women in the country can access morning after pills is exposing them to several health risks.

Emergency contraception is meant to be used in case of an emergency only, e. g, a torn condom or a forgotten contraception. But medical authorities in Shanghai say many teenagers are using them like regular birth control pills, taking a tablet each time they have unprotected sexual intercourse. The implications of contraceptive misuse can be very damaging to health, they warn.

In a survey conducted by the Shanghai Food and Drug Administration, it was found that teen girls can obtain emergency contraceptive pills over the counter. According to China.org.cn, the authorities have decided to shake up the pharmaceutical industry in China next month to wipe out the distribution of banned or dangerous pills.

Those looking to take morning after pills in an emergency situation will also get expert advice from the pharmacies, the news agency notes, adding that the Shanghai FDA has promised to do everything it can to ensure transparency in the entire procedure.

Overuse of emergency contraception can lead to metabolic problems, the news channel warns, further reminding young women that it can even cause termination of pregnancy. Lack of knowledge about morning after pills can be one reason women, especially teenage girls, are popping more morning after pills than what is considered safe, suspects Wu Junqing of the Shanghai Family Planning Scientific Research Institute.

According to Mr Junqing, no woman should take emergency contraceptive pills more than twice in 180 days. But the reality tells a different tale as a significant part of the adult female population is reported to take these pills once every week, notes China.org.cn.

It may be noted that in the UK, sexually active women have a couple of emergency contraceptive choices in the form of ellaOne (ulipristal acetate) and Levonelle (levonorgestrel). ellaOne can be taken for up to five days after unprotected sex whereas Levonelle is known to provide contraceptive cover for up to three days.