Due to the lack of proper education about sexual health and pregnancy, many misconceptions persist about how pregnancy occurs and how to prevent or terminate it. Unplanned pregnancies, which often lead to abortion, remain a pressing issue, particularly among the youth, victims of sexual assault, and women in vulnerable professions such as prostitution.
These challenges are often accompanied by unscientific and unsafe beliefs about contraception and abortion methods. One such myth is the use of Cortal, a common over-the-counter medication, as either a contraceptive or an abortifacient. This article examines these claims and provides a fact-based perspective.
What Is Cortal?
Cortal is a brand name for aspirin, a medication widely used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. It is commonly prescribed for muscle pain, fever, and conditions like heart disease because it helps thin the blood and prevent clot formation.
Is Cortal Effective as a Contraceptive?
Some people believe that taking Cortal after sexual intercourse can prevent pregnancy, with methods including oral ingestion or inserting the tablet vaginally. However, this practice has no scientific basis and is not a reliable form of contraception.
Doctors strongly discourage the use of aspirin for this purpose, as it does not interfere with ovulation, fertilization, or implantation—the biological processes necessary for pregnancy. Using Cortal in this way can also cause unintended health effects.
What Are the Effects of Cortal on Pregnant Women?
Taking aspirin during pregnancy, especially in high doses, poses significant risks to both the mother and the fetus. Aspirin can cause bleeding, which, in some cases, might lead to a miscarriage. This property has led to the misconception that Cortal can be used as an abortifacient.
However, Cortal is not a guaranteed or safe way to induce abortion. Using it with the intent to terminate a pregnancy carries serious risks, including incomplete abortion, excessive bleeding, and damage to the uterus. These complications can endanger a woman’s health and may require emergency medical intervention.
Side Effects of Taking Excessive Cortal
In an attempt to terminate a pregnancy or prevent conception, some women resort to overdosing on Cortal, which can have severe and potentially life-threatening side effects. Overdosing on aspirin can cause:
- Dizziness
- Stomach acidity or severe abdominal pain
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Convulsions
- Severe vomiting or nausea
- Bleeding in the stool, vomit, or cough
- Persistent fever lasting more than three days
Such side effects highlight the dangers of misusing medications like Cortal for purposes they are not intended for.
Why These Practices Are Dangerous
Using Cortal as a contraceptive or abortifacient is not only ineffective but also unsafe. These misconceptions often stem from misinformation, desperation, or lack of access to proper reproductive healthcare. Resorting to unsafe methods can lead to severe health risks, including long-term complications and even death.
Safe Alternatives for Contraception and Abortion
- Contraception: Use scientifically proven methods such as condoms, birth control pills, intrauterine devices (IUDs), or injectable contraceptives. These methods are safe, effective, and accessible with proper guidance from healthcare professionals.
- Emergency Contraception: If unprotected sex occurs, emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) can be taken within 72 hours to reduce the risk of pregnancy. Consult a doctor or pharmacist for appropriate options.
- Safe Abortion: In cases where abortion is legally and medically permissible, consult licensed healthcare providers for safe and regulated procedures. Self-administered or unsafe methods are life-threatening and should be avoided.
The Importance of Education and Professional Guidance
Misinformation about reproductive health often leads individuals to unsafe practices. Proper education, access to reliable contraception, and open communication with healthcare providers are crucial to addressing unplanned pregnancies and reducing the stigma around sexual health.
If you are unsure about your options or need assistance, always seek advice from a trusted healthcare professional. Your health and safety should always come first.
