There are 5 classifications of contraception that are accepted in the Philippines.

Long-Acting Reversible Contraception or LARC
LARC are methods that last for a long period of time often in years.

These methods include the Intrauterine Device (IUD) and Implant.

Hormonal Methods 
These are laboratory-made hormones to make changes to your body that prevent pregnancy.

These methods include the Combined Oral Contraceptive Pills (COC), Progestin-Only Pills (POP), Progestin-Only Injectables (DMPA) ,Implant, and Progestin IUD.

Barrier Methods
These methods stop the sperm from reaching an egg.

These methods include the Male and Female Condoms, Diaphragm, Cervical Cap and Spermicide.

Fertility Awareness-based Methods
These make use of natural methods to identify the fertile days when you are likely to get pregnant after a sexual intercourse.

These methods include the Standard Days Method (SDM), Two Day Method, Billings Ovulation Method, Basal Body Temperature Method and the Symptothermal Method.

Permanent Methods
These methods involves surgical procedures to permanently block the release of the sperm from the man or egg from the woman.

These methods include the No-Scalpel Vasectomy (NSV) and the Bilateral Tubal Ligation.

The best method for you may differ depending on your age, your health, relationship status, and priorities. It’s best to get checked by a doctor. They will be asking you questions and based on your answer they will recommend the best and safest contraception for you.

Effectiveness of the Contraceptive Methods with Typical Use

• Implant – 99.90%
• Intrauterine Device Hormonal – 99.90%
• No Scalpel Vasectomy – 99.80%
• Injectable (DMPA) – 99.70%
• Bilateral Tubal Ligation – 99.50%
• Intrauterine Device (IUD) Copper T – 99.2%
• Progestin-only Pills (POP) – 99.00% Combined with breastfeeding
• Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM) – 98.00% First 6 months from giving birth
• Standard Days Method (SDM) – 95.00%
• Combined Oral Contraceptives (COC) – 92-97%
• Condom – Male – 85.00%
• Condom – Female – 79.00%

Only one method of contraception can prevent sexually transmitted infections, and that is the condom.

Non-hormonal barrier contraceptives like condoms have no side effects

You can get contraception from a nurse or doctor no matter how old you are. They can also help if you are not sure which method is best for you.

Other than abstinence, there is no method that can guarantee 100% that you will not get pregnant. If in case you are using birth control methods and you get pregnant, it is best you get checked by your doctor to make sure that you and the baby are healthy.

Many hormonal contraceptive choices have risks, but infertility is not one of them. According to numerous studies, you are as likely to conceive if you used birth control in the past as a woman who has never used hormonal contraceptives.

For some women using hormonal methods, it is possible that the re-balancing of hormones that occurs when starting or switching to a new contraceptive may cause changes in sexual desire. If reduced sex drive continues, talk to your doctor about different options.

If preventing pregnancy is the goal, women should not stop using birth control until they have gone twelve months without a period.

These methods are provided for FREE in all City and Municipal heath centers and hospitals.

• Combined Oral Contraceptives (COC)
• Condom – Male
• Implant
• Injectable (DMPA)
• Intrauterine Device (IUD) – Copper T
• Progestin-only Pills (POP)

Bilateral Tubal Ligation and No-Scalpel Vasectomy (NSV) are also provided for free under the PhilHealth Package in government facilities. The private practitioners charge professional fees for these surgeries.

Lactation Amenorrhea Method (LAM) has no cost.

The cycle beads for Standard Days Method (SDM) maybe provided for free by some City and Municipal heath centers and hospitals.  If not, the cost of the cycle beads is around Php100.00.