HOUSTON COUNTY, Ga. — For millions of women, birth control could soon be easier to access. The FDA recently approved the Opill, first over the counter pill.
The FDA says when it becomes available in early 2024, you can find it in drug stores, convenience stores, grocery stores, and online.
"I guess it's just each person's individual thing," Brooke Frost said.
"My opinions positive on it," Cynthia Valdez said.
Central Georgia women had varying opinions on the Opill.
Frost says it will bring more accessibility.
"I have family members who, they struggle with their jobs right now to get insurance, so she wants to be on birth control, but she's having a hard time getting it," she said.
Currently, the pill has no age restrictions, but Cynthia Valdez questions if there should be.
"That way it's not a young female going and grabbing it and they haven't done that much research," Valdez said.
Dr. Chinenye Adimora is a gynecologist with the Women's Health Care of Georgia and Houston Healthcare. She says she's seeing more young children coming in who are sexually active, some as young as 10-years-old.
"If there is an age limit, obviously I would say when a patient is in that 11-12 age range," she said.
She says for those with concerns, the pill is not a new formula.
"It's a drug or a progesterone contraception that's been in use for quite some time," Dr. Adimora said.
The pill does not contain estrogen. Dr. Adimora says this lowers the risk of blood clots and pulmonary embolisms.
She says she thinks this is a good thing for access to care, but there are things you should keep in mind.
"It's still a medication, so it's important to talk with your provider and know what your own medical issues are, know what your other co-morbidities could affect your use of this medicine. Don't use it without discretion," she said.
Arthandreale Nicholas is a nurse practitioner with the Houston County Department of Health. She says they see people, of all ages, come in daily to find out about contraception. She says they offer many types of birth control including the Opill, and they plan to still recommend it.
"This pill has to be taken at the same time every day, so that has to be stressed to the patient for it to work effectively," she said.
Dr. Adimora warns people to not take this medication if they are pregnant, or have a suspicion they may be. She says the pill should not be used for STD prevention. Plus, she says this does not mean that you should not get routine check-ups.
You should still consult with a doctor for all other women's health needs. There is no estimated cost for the pill at this time.