Myths on the Use of Pills/COCs as Contraceptives
Breaking
barrier and misconceptions key to sustain acceptance and utilization of modern
contraception
For many
Catholics, topics about sex and the use of contraceptives is taboo. But over
the years, as we learned to cope with modern times and the problem of
overpopulation, we have become educated on the importance of family planning
and the importance of reproductive health especially on the part of women.
Recently, our government has intensified its implementation of its family
planning program. In the next four years, the government plans on educating the
Filipinos more about the importance of reproductive health and to correct the
misconceptions about modern contraception.
Despite the
availability and accessibility of different types of contraceptive methods.
accelerating the acceptance and utilization is still hindered by misconceptions
and lack of
knowledge on
modern contraception.
“Following the
launch of the first World Contraception Day Philippines in 2018. we want to
continue the conversation to empower and educate Filipino women and couples to
make informed choices about their reproductive and sexual health,” said Junll
Kim, Country Division Head, Bayer Pharmaceuticals.
Among the types
of modern contraceptives, the pill, Intrauterine System (IUS), female
sterilization, contraceptive patch and injection are the most effective types
of interventions with ~99% efficacy, when administered correctly and used with
100% accuracy. However, male condom, fertility awareness trackers and
withdrawal method remain to be the most commonly used with approximately 72-82%
efficacy. '
Earlier, the
government has announced the implementation of an intensified family planning
program nationwide targeting 11.3 million women over the next four years. This
is to increase the usage of contraceptives among Filipinos from 40 percent to
65 percent.
Via Antonio,
actress and comedian, talked about her own experiences in pursuit of better
reproductive and physical health, “In this day and age. reproductive health
remains to be a taboo topic, even among women. Many are using contraception for
various reasons yet no one is openly talking about it. The stigma on birth
control is alive.”
Dr. Amity
Casurao-Trono, Obstetrician and Gynecologist at St. Luke’s Medical Center 0C
and Rizal Medical Center, shed light on the myths and misconceptions about
modern contraceptives during her “Pillowtalk” session held in Makati City.
In 2018. an
estimated 25.8% or 7.1 million Filipinas aged 15-49, are using modern
contraception, an increase of 1.2 million since 2012. “
Oral
contraceptives or the pill remains to be one of the most effective and
preferred form of modern contraception among Filipinas because they are
convenient, non-invasive and reversible. It comes in two types -the combined
oral contraceptive (COC) pill, which contains both progestin and estrogen
hormones and the Mini Pill or progestin-only pill (POP).
Progestin is the
main contraceptive ingredient that prevents ovulation, thins out the uterine
lining and thickens cervical mucus such that sperm cannot pass through. Ethinyl
estradiol, the synthetic female hormone, stabilizes the endometrium and
enhances the action of progestin.
Dr. Casurao-Trono
clarified and put sense into the most prevalent myths about the use of COCs
Pills do not
cause birth defects
No adverse
effects were observed when COCs were accidentally taken during early pregnancy.
Past COC use is not associated with an increase in spontaneous abortions.
Pills do not
increase cancer risk
Studies have not
established strong and direct links between breast cancer and pill usage. In
fact, the risk of cancer lowered with CDC use. It reduces risks for certain
cancers such as ovarian cancer (~40% lower), endometriai cancer (~50% lower)
and colorectal cancer (~20% lower)". However, it does not protect from
sexually transmitted diseases.
Pills do not make
you infertile
21% of women get
pregnant after one month of stopping taking 0005 and 79% get pregnant after one
year of stopping. “
Pills, depending
on the formulation and indication, also treat a variety of hormone-related
conditions and imbalances such as hyperandrogenism, premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a severe and debilitating form of
PMS. Over 88% of women receiving COCs report no adverse effects. “
PILLS ADDITIONAL
BENEFITS BEYOND CONTRACEPTION
Aside from
preventing unintended pregnancies, selected COC pills offer added benefits
beyond contraception such as:
Reducing
estrogen-related fluid retention and bloating because of its
antimineralocorticoid property.
Regulates
hormonal problems such as acne, facial hair and hair loss due to its anti-androgenic
quality. Some COC pills also come in a 24/4 regimen that promotes user
compliance.
Despite its
additional benefits, OB-GYNs highly recommend women to go on a healthy diet and
take regular exercise to achieve the desired results.
Like any other
medication, it comes with some common side effects such as nausea, breast
tenderness and headache, which are tolerable. “
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Some
contraindications to taking the pills are presence or history of Deep Vein
Thrombosis, Pulmonary Embolism, Myocardial Infarction, Ischemic stroke,
Transient ischemic attack, angina, Severe liver disease, DM with vascular
disease, Migraine with aura, Breast cancer, Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, known
or suspected pregnancy, smokers > 35 y/o, severe lipid disease and uncontrolled
hypertension.
Dr. Casurao-Trono
reiterates that, “It’s time for women to take a more active stance in taking
control of their reproductive and sexual health. We should be able to normalize
these discussions, without the fear of being shamed or embarrassed.”
To learn more
about contraception and reproductive health, visit www.Your-life.com or visit
http://www.facebook.com/wcdphilippines/
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