A University College London study has found that women who drink to excess are almost twice as likely to need emergency contraception, such as the morning after pill, and are far more likely to have an abortion.
The study, reported in the Journal of Public Health, examined 25,000 individuals amid growing concerns about the rise of binge drinking. Researchers examined the alcohol consumption and sexual activity of individuals aged 16 to 44 over a ten-year period.
The study found that women who drank to excess, which experts say is more than 14 units a week, were 1.8 times more likely to have taken emergency contraception (such as the morning after pill) at least once over the past year. They were also 1.4 times more likely to have had at least one abortion over the past 18 months.
Official statistics show that more abortions are carried out annually in Britain than in any other country in Europe. Recent figures show that Britain had the highest number of teenage abortions – 48,150 among girls under 20 compared to France's 31,779.
Dr Sarah Jarvis of the Royal College of General Practitioners said:
‘We have known for years that excessive alcohol use is linked to unprotected sex which can increase the risk of catching sexually transmitted infections.
‘I have seen an increase in patients at my surgery with alcohol problems and from young women requiring emergency contraception over the last few years. Alcohol misuse is now a huge problem and is costing the NHS millions every year.
‘We should be screening patients for alcohol problems and then offering them brief interventions, which we know can help to tackle the problem.’
Norman Wells, director of Family and Youth Concern, said:
‘These findings reinforce the fact that parents can never afford to take a casual, laid-back approach to alcohol.
‘It is important that they set an example of moderation in their own drinking habits and exercise control over their children’s exposure to alcohol. The importance of a stable family background and responsible parenting can never be overstated.’
Sources: