SINGAPORE: To curb teenage pregnancies, the British government recently proposed to allow teen girls to be able to get contraceptive injections without parental consent.
It was a proposal that drew the ire of some parents and medical experts, who said that doing so would encourage teens to experiment with sex and increase the number of sexually transmitted infections.
Others worried about possible negative effects on the girls' growth and development.
Gynaecologists interviewed by Shin Min Daily News said the shots would not affect a teen's proper development.
While little known in Singapore, they said contraceptive injections, which contain a synthetic hormone, have been available for a long time. Few Singaporeans, however, want to use it as they generally do not like injections.
The contraceptive works by thickening the cervical mucus, which acts as a barrier to sperm, and preventing ovulation. The contraceptive also causes the lining of the uterus to become thinner, making it unlikely that a fertilised egg will be able to attach to the uterus.
In the Shin Min report, the gynaecologists were quoted as saying that this form of contraception is highly effective and is nearly 100 per cent effective in preventing pregnancies.
There are several types of contraceptive injections - some require a monthly shot while others, once in three months. The cost ranges from $50 to $100. The shots must be taken regularly for the contraceptive to be effective.
And while effective, possible side effects reported include irregular periods, weight gain and fluid retention.
