More and more Filipinas are getting contraceptive implants

Contraceptives aren't just a means for reducing the number of unwanted pregnancies. Contraceptives also allow women to be in control of when they choose to be pregnant. And among Filipinas, contraceptive implants are slowly gaining traction.

What are contraceptive implants?

Last November 2017, a restraining order against the contraceptives Implanon and Implanon NXT were lifted, as the FDA certified that they were not abortifacients; or medicine that induces abortion.

As a result, women in the Philippines are now shifting towards implants as a means of birth control.

The implant is a small plastic rod that's inserted into the arm. It helps prevent pregnancy through the use of progestin, a hormone that prevents sperm from reaching the egg cell. Some implants also stop the body from releasing an egg cell each month.

The implants last about three to five years, and is a viable option for women who do not wish to get pregnant. They're also 99% effective when it comes to preventing unwanted pregnancies. The implants can also be easily taken out should the woman want to get pregnant again.

Additionally, these implants do not cause any changes in weight, mood, sex drive, nor do they cause headaches.

Where can Filipinas get the implants?

In Pasay City, women can avail of contraceptive implants from Apelo Women’s Health Association, which is a partner of the NGO, Likhaan, that aims to provide health services for Filipinas.

Likhaan health centers offer the implant for free, along with other forms of contraception.

Here's a list of their health centers:

Likhaan-Quezon City (Central Office)

27 Ofelia St., Ofelia Village Brgy. Bahay Toro, Quezon City

Tel./Fax Nos. (632)926-6230 and (632)454-3854

Email: [email protected]

Clinic Hours: Mondays-Fridays; 10am-4pm (please call for appointment)

Likhaan-Dalagang Bukid (Navotas)

Units 1B-D, Block 21, Lot 11 Dalagang Bukid corner Karpa Alley, Brgy. North Bay Boulevard South, Navotas City

Tel. No. 398-2784