Being sexually active is nothing to be ashamed of and can even feel liberating for most people. But the possibility of pregnancy is always possible. Unless you’re planning on becoming a parent, it’s important to know your options when it comes to safe sex so that you won’t have to go through pregnancy scares and the anxiety of waiting for your period. Learn more about birth control pills and other options here.
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Importance of Planning Ahead
Abortion is illegal in the Philippines and that makes it all the more important to focus on preempting unexpected pregnancies. Planning ahead is investing in not only the future of your possible family (or lack thereof), but also your personal timelines.
An unexpected pregnancy can very easily throw off your relationship plans or your career plans or whatever timeline you have. This also puts a lot of strain on your schedule, your finances, and may pressure you into settling down before you’re ready.
Luckily, there are several options for birth control in the Philippines like birth control pills to help you.
Birth Control Options
Condoms
The most common method for birth control is using condoms. Condoms are available almost everywhere from groceries to general merchandise stores to convenience stores and pharmacies. Aside from preventing pregnancy, these also help protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
Contraceptive injections
Contraceptive injections are done every three months and administered by trained personnel. It’s often referred to as depot medroxyprogesterone acetate or the “Depo” shot, “Depo-Provera” or DMPA. As you use these more regularly, your body gets used to the active drug and this may make the effectivity of the drug last beyond the three months.
Depo Medroxyprogesterone Acetate constantly releases the hormone (Progesterone), which prevents ovulation and thickens the cervical mucous, preventing sperm from reaching the egg.
Contraceptive implants
Contraceptive implants are in the middle range of effectivity for around 3 years. These are available at public health centers like Likhaan and hospitals. Rates may vary.
Contraceptive implants, just like the Depo Medroxyprogesterone injection, also steadily release the hormone Progesterone.
ECPs
Emergency contraceptive pills, also known as the “Morning After Pill,” are difficult to source and can only be acquired by prescription. These include Progestin (plan B), Levonorgestrel (Nordette), Ulipristal Acetate (Ella). They work to delay ovulation and prevent fertilization. However, these are called “emergency” for a reason and should not be taken regularly nor replace regular birth control.
Birth control pills
Another method is taking birth control pills. It’s required that these are taken every day and they come in both prescription and non-prescription forms. For this method, consistency is essential. Some form of these pills is available in most major pharmacies.
What Birth Control Pills are Available?
There are several available brands and pills in the Philippines. Like most medicine, it’s important to know that the active ingredient is what makes these pills work.
All these pills contain ethinylestradiol with different accompanying drugs. Brands Protec, and Lady (from Trust) have Levonorgestrel. Cybelle and Diane-35 have Cyproterone Acetate. Brands Lia, Lizelle, Yaz, and Yasmin have Drospirenone.
If you’re researching possible side effects of taking these medicines, these brands are interchangeable and that will make it easier for you to make better-informed choices.
Why Take Birth Control Pills?
As mentioned above, pills could be the ideal form of birth control considering its effects can wear off anytime instead of having fixed windows of effectivity. This controlled frame of effectivity makes it ideal for people who don’t want to commit to months, years, or even decades of not being pregnant.
On top of that, pills are one of the more affordable options that are easily accessible. You’ll have to stay consistent with the pills for them to work. There are even resources online like Dima that carry these pills under FDA approval.
What to Expect?
The birth control pill experience varies from woman to woman but generally, the way they work is by controlling your hormones. It’s likely that your period will either be gone or very light. This also goes for the symptoms that come with your period. Your irregularity, cramping, acne, and migraines could be alleviated by taking the pill.
However, side effects are still present. For some women, they may experience nausea, mood swings, or weight gain. It’s important to test for months at a time so you can discern if it’s just your body adjusting or your body rejecting it. Always consult your doctor.
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Key Takeaways
Birth control pills are an easy, affordable, and effective means to prevent pregnancy. In general, when it comes to your sex life, it’s important to protect yourself against STDs and prevent unwanted pregnancies. Always consult your doctor before taking any birth control pills.
Learn more about Contraception here.
