iWOMAN: YOUR BODY, YOUR CHOICE, YOUR RESPONSIBILITY!

The Reproductive Health Bill in the Philippines remains heavily challenged.  Up to now, we have yet to wait whether it will really reach its full implementation under the Duterte administration.  All we know, based on the State of the Nation Address held last July 25, 2016, the President said, "the implementation of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law must be put into full force and effect so that couples, especially the poor, will have freedom of informed choice in the number of spacing of children they can adequately care and provide for, eventually making them more productive members of the labor force."   

But as we wait.... the SAD facts still remain:

source:   cnn philippines

And what exactly do these facts suggest?

1.   We have a BIG problem if we don't address population explosion.  We are seeing the negative effects every single day.  The number of poor or those living in the slums continue to rise. The poorest of the poor, they are the ones who have an average of 4-5 children that they cannot fully support.  Which leads later on to more problems -- uneducated malnourished children, child labor, unwanted teenage pregnancies....

2.  The numbers are quite clear.  A lot of unwanted pregnancies. A large number of maternal deaths.  Filipinas are not using any forms of birth control.  If our leaders remain indecisive to the full implementation of the RH bill -- then we must do something about it. Women need to be pro active.  Women need to be responsible for their bodies and health. 

3.  Sexually transmitted diseases are on the rise.  We should be extra cautious.

What I would like to tell the women out there?   Once you become sexually active, responsibility should accompany it.  Unless your main goal is to get pregnant.  But if you are not yet READY, then be responsible and take your reproductive health seriously.

There are many choices, there are injectables, implants and the PILL.  And I URGE all you empowered ladies --- to go and consult your Ob-Gyn and ask what is best for you. Always, always consult the health professional before you take any contraceptives.

Last July 27... I attended the launch of #knowmore.livemore campaign.  Dr. Anna Belen Ignacio Alensuela shared valuable information on reproductive health.

I learned that there are products that are committed in caring for every type of women.

THE YOUNG ADULT - as she begins her journey to adulthood, MINIPIL (00 mcg Levonorgestrel + 20 mcg Ethinylestradiol)  is the perfect product to start with. It has the lowest dose in the market, making it the ideal pill for younger women who are just starting to become responsible for their health.

THE UGLY DUCKLING - for women who are plagued by severe acne problem, CYBELLE (Cyproterone acetate 2mg + Ethynylestradiol 35mcg )  has a clear advantage. Severe acne may be an indication of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Its symptoms are irregular menses, infertility, excess hair growth and acne.  If unmanaged, PCOS may lead to complications such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease and endometrial cancer. So better consult your OB-Gyn if you have these symptoms.

THE FASHIONISTA - if you tend to be bloated while on the pill, it is best to try LIZA (Drospirenone 3mg and Ethinylestradiol 30mcg).  It is developed so as not to cause water retention leading to bloating.  It can also reduce oily skin and hair, leading to clear skin and healthier complexion.

THE CAREER WOMEN - this is the pill for those who always suffer from PMS.  Some women  have PMDD or Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, this is PMS times 10! LIZELLE (Drospirenone 3mg and Ethinylestradiol 20mcg) is the effective pill for women suffering from these disorders. 

TRUE STORY:

I have always believed in the power of CHOICE.  Knowing the facts and choosing what is best.  When it comes reproductive health, me and my husband chose vasectomy.  It was an informed and joint decision.  I gave birth twice, both are lamaze babies.  No anaesthesia.  So I don't want to be the one to undergo tubal ligation, for it will entail opening me up. The fact that I delivered via lamaze, I don't want any operation done on me. Good thing my husband is quite the brave one.  He did the operation one morning, drove home, just in time before the anaesthesia wore off. Hahahaha... I can still remember that pained look in his face.  But he did it.  We were responsible parents.  Kudos to my husband!   And..... I have proven "hindi dapat babae ang nag-a-adjust" -- Men should take responsibility too!  Yes to gender equality!  

             

NOTE TO MY FUTURE SELF AND ALL THE MOMS:

Mommy... when your daughter reaches 18 years old, accompany her to the Ob-Gyn. Introduce her to the doctor that could best explain things to her.  The Ob-Gyn is a friend who can guide her.