KNOW MORE TO LIVE MORE : What every woman needs to know about sexual health, early pregnancy and maternal mortality and how to prevent them.

How can you care for a baby, if you yourself are still a child?

Teen mothers in the Philippines have never been unusual. But if decades ago, most teenage mothers were 16 or 17 years old . they are now getting pregnant as early as 12 or 13. 

Critics blame the lack of available information about sex and reproductive health for these early pregnancies. In most classrooms, teachers only go as far as teaching students about the various parts of the anatomy, as well as menstruation, and circumcision. But sex itself is not discussed. 

Women are trained to refrain from talking about sex. But hey we are in the modern times and I'm very much concerned about every woman's health and our exploding population. It's about time to not be a know-it-all but a know-how individual.


I gave birth to my first-born when I was 22, a year after I graduated from college. Right age? I don't think so. That's why when I had my first menstruation 2 months after, my OB-gyn and I agreed on one thing -- I need to use contraceptive to avoid mistimed pregnancy. There were 2 methods we considered : Injectable and pills. I first tried the injectable because I'm afraid I might miss a pill. Every three months I would go to her clinic for the administration of the said method. But after months of into it, I've experienced palpitations, difficulty in breathing, headaches and mood swings . Then I switched to taking pills, with my OB's recommendation of course I took pills for years and when I decided to have a baby again, I stopped that's when my second child was born, I was 30 then. In those years on pills I still have lots of questions on mind. 

Dra. Anna Belen Ignacio- Alensuela MD, FPOGS

Luckily, last July 27, I was invited to attend an intimate gathering about reproductive health, themed #knowmorelivemore at CERCHIO in Quezon City and it opened up my eyes and mind and learned a lot from the bubbly expert, Dra. Anna Belen Ignacio- Alensuela MD, FPOGS  (Yes! After all these years, I still have a lot to know). Let me share with you some facts and myths about taking pills.

1. All birth control pills are basically the same?

2. Taking pills for a long time will make it harder to get pregnant later on?

3. Taking pills cause acne?

4. I can get pregnant even during my menstrual cycle/period.

5. Contraception is like abortion?

6. You won't become pregnant if you miss one pill.

7. At 40 and above, it's impossible for me to get pregnant?

8. Taking pills can cause you gain weight?

9. You should have a break from taking the pill. You should not take it consecutively every month.

Getting pregnant at an early age has higher risk of acquiring the virus that causes cervical cancer and preeclampsia. I'm supporting this advocacy to save every woman's life, Lower maternal mortality rate and to have a better future for our children. 

I am appealing to all parents and guardians out there to help our adolescents address their needs by talking to them openly about reproductive health  to prevent early pregnancy. Schedule a visit to an OB-gyn  just like going to your favorite salon and spa.

There are products that are committed in caring for every type of women.


THE YOUNG ADULT -
The ideal pill to use for first time users is the the one with the lowest dose. The brand Minipil, is a combination of 100 mcg Levonorgestrel + 20 mcg Ethinylestradiol. (“mcg” is micro gram) It is the lowest available in the market. Other bands have 125 to 150 mcg of Levonorgestrel and 30mcg of Ethinylestradiol. It has to be noted that low dose does NOT mean reduced efficacy, but it will definitely reduce side effects, especially if it will be the first time to use the pill.

THE UGLY DUCKLING

For those that have severe acne, chances are the pill with the active ingredients: Cyproterone acetate 2mg + Ethynylestradiol 35mcg will be prescribed. It is prohibitively expensive at Php 656 in Mercury, I guess that is the price you have to pay to get clear skin, the pill is made in Europe after all, however there is brand that is more affordable at about Php 450 in Mercury, that is Cybelle, it is also made with Cyproterone acetate 2mg + Ethynylestradiol 35mcg and also made in Europe. I guess beauty has a price, but is doesn’t have to be pricey.
For girls that have been diagnosed with PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), chances are you have been prescribed a pill with Cyproterone acetate and Ethynylestradiol. It is prohibitively expensive at Php 656 in Mercury, the pill is made in Europe after all. However there is brand that is more affordable at about Php 450 in Mercury, that is Cybelle, it is also made with Cyproterone acetate and Ethynylestradiol and also made in Europe. Cybelle will definitely give you more value for your money without scrimping on your treatment.

THE FASHIONISTA

For girls that have uncomfortable periods or PMS, treating with regular pain reliever is not enough to manage all the symptoms, especially bloating and mood swings! You have to take pills with Drospirenone and Ethinylestradiol. Hurry and consult your doctor to best manage this. However, as they are made in Europe, be prepared as the pills cost anywhere from Php 889 to Php 905! It will certainly cause your mood to swing. But fret not, I found more affordable brands in Mercury, these are Lizelle, which cost only Php 629 and Liza, which is only Php 600! Same Drospirenone and Ethinylestradiol and also made in Europe. If this isn’t a deal, I don’t know what is. Best to check on you ObGyn as Liza and Lizelle have different doses and number of pills; one of them should be the ideal brand for you.

For ladies that get bloated and gain weight when they take the pill,  the ideal pills to take would be with Drospirenone and Ethinylestradiol. Consult your ObGyn about you weight concerns when taking pills. There are Europe made pills that cost anywhere from Php 889 to Php 905 that will help you maintain your weight. It is certainly expensive, but ther are affordable brands in Mercury, these are Lizelle, which cost only Php 629 and Liza, which is only Php 600! Same Drospirenone and Ethinylestradiol and also made in Europe. If this isn’t a deal, I don’t know what is. Best to check on you ObGyn as Liza and Lizelle have different doses and number of pills; one of them should be the ideal brand for lighter you.

THE CAREER WOMEN -

(Same with Liza ) For girls that have uncomfortable periods or PMS, treating with regular pain reliever is not enough to manage all the symptoms, especially bloating and mood swings! You have to take pills with Drospirenone and Ethinylestradiol. Hurry and consult your doctor to best manage this. However, as they are made in Europe, be prepared as the pills cost anywhere from Php 889 to Php 905! It will certainly cause your mood to swing. But fret not, I found more affordable brands in Mercury, these are Lizelle, which cost only Php 629 and Liza, which is only Php 600! Same Drospirenone and Ethinylestradiol and also made in Europe. If this isn’t a deal, I don’t know what is. Best to check on you ObGyn as Liza and Lizelle have different doses and number of pills; one of them should be the ideal brand for you.

For ladies that get bloated and gain weight when they take the pill,  the ideal pills to take would be with Drospirenone and Ethinylestradiol. Consult your ObGyn about you weight concerns when taking pills. There are Europe made pills that cost anywhere from Php 889 to Php 905 that will help you maintain your weight. It is certainly expensive, but ther are affordable brands in Mercury, these are Lizelle, which cost only Php 629 and Liza, which is only Php 600! Same Drospirenone and Ethinylestradiol and also made in Europe. If this isn’t a deal, I don’t know what is. Best to check on you ObGyn as Liza and Lizelle have different doses and number of pills; one of them should be the ideal brand for lighter you.

CONTRACEPTION DOES NOT MAKE WOMEN PROMISCUOUS, INSTEAD IT EMPOWERS HER TO CARE FOR HER OWN SEXUAL HEALTH.

It still best to consult medical experts about this matter.

I WOMAN.
I MATTER.
I INFLUENCE.
I WORK.
I NURTURE.

If you have further questions/concerns  feel free to ask on the comment section. Ü Ü Ü