CONTRACEPTIVES: YAY or NAY?
Contraceptives generally have a bad reputation when it comes to the topic of sexual
education. Particularly in the Philippines where intercourse without procreation is taboo in our
religion, the immediate reaction to contraceptives is typically negative. However, there are some
instances where contraceptives can be for the better good.
The concept of family planning is a common safe-haven to “pro-contraception”
individuals. According to an article by Rappler, the usage of family planning methods is steadily
rising in our country. Released on Wednesday, June 22, the second consolidated report on the
implementation of the RH law revealed the use of modern family planning methods in the
country was at 43.8% in 2015 – an increase from 41.14% in 2014.It has been steadily increasing
over the years, from 33.4% in 2003, 34% in 2008, and 37.6% in 2013. ( Retrieved from Rappler,
https://www.rappler.com/nation/137256-2nd-report-implementation-reproductive-health-rh-lawfamily-planning)
As of 2013, the unmet need for modern family planning methods is still very high at 18%. Of
this number, 7% want to space births, and 11% want to stop giving birth.
The report noted that women without any formal education have the highest levels of unmet need
(24%), while women with higher levels of education have the lowest unmet need (16%).
"Almost 5.5 million women are using modern family planning methods," the report read. Below
is a breakdown of the number of current users of short acting, long acting, and permanent
methods:
Short acting
Long acting
Permanent
Pills - 1,952,190
DMPA injectables - 817,750
Condoms - 251,593
IUDs - 400,071
Implants - 100,869
BTL - 718,553
NSV - 12,863
WHAT CONTRACEPTIVE IS APPROPRIATE FOR ME?

The Good Boy
There are methods in which the usage of devices is not required for basic family
planning. The perfect example of this method is abstinence, the complete avoidance
of sexual intercourse. Abstinence is typically pushed to the youth because it is less
expensive and requires only a strong will of the person. Withdrawal or “pulling
out” is also suggested to the Filipino youth, but is not appropriate to our religion
where
pre-marital
sex
is
not
advised.
(Retrieved
from
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/162762.php)

The Thrill Seeker
These contraceptives allow the users to have sexual intercourse without worrying
about impregnating their partners or pro-creating. The most common examples of
these contraceptives are condoms, both for males and females. The male condom
forms a barrier and prevents pregnancy by stopping sperm from entering the vagina.
It is placed over the penis before sexual intercourse begins. A condom is made of
polyurethane or latex. The female condom, or femidom, is made of polyurethane.
It has a flexible ring at each end. One fixes behind the pubic bone to hold the
condom in place, while the other ring stays outside the vagina. (Retrieved from
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/162762.php)
There are other devices wherein allow sexual intercourse, but does not allow the passage
of sperm cells towards the uterus. These devices include sponges, diaphragms, and cervical
caps. These are devices inserted in the vagina together with spermicides, preventing the
sperm from making it to the uterus for fertilization. Retrieved from
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/162762.php)
 The Pharmacy Enthusiast
There are pharmaceuticals that prevent partners from pro-creating. The perfect
example is the contraceptive pill. The combined contraceptive pill is taken daily.
It contains two hormones, estrogen and progestin. The hormones stop the release of
the egg, or ovulation. They also make the lining of the uterus thinner. It is effective
for between 91 and 95 percent of women on average. Another type is the emergency
or “morning after” pill. Emergency contraceptive pills, or the "morning-after pill,"
may prevent pregnancy after intercourse. It prevents ovulation, fertilization, or
implantation of an embryo. It is different from medical methods of termination,
because these act after the egg is already implanted in the womb. Emergency
contraception can be used up to 72 hours after unprotected sex. It is 95 percent
effective during the first 24 hours, falling to 60 percent by 72 hours. Emergency
contraception should only be used when primary methods fail.