iWOMAN - Let's protect our Reproductive Health

I nurture. I work. I influence. I matter.

Filipinos are predominantly Catholic and many are being affected by their religious belief. A 'conservative country', Filipinos claimed but we, Filipinos, often asked ourselves why this country who belongs in a third world is one of the top 10 most populated country in the world? We have the highest number in terms of unemployed, poverty, early pregnancy and among others.


I'm a field researcher for a long time. I used to interact to different kind of people in all levels and travel different places. I agreed with the numbers of Statistic that the poorest among the poor has the highest number of household members and unfortunately they are the unemployed/underemployed and they lived in a slum areas. While those who belongs in upper class, has the lower number of household and yet, they are the professionals and higher income earner and lives in a concrete homes or exclusive villages.

Dr. Ana Belen Ignacio Alensuela is a  Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Specialist.

In the Philippines, nobody talks about contraceptive. Though in school, reproduction system puberty and health education was tackled but the the topic is only inside the classroom. Our awareness about sex is not only opened-up in school even with your friends or playmates it is a part of a joke and of course, the influence of the media. Teenagers who reached high school becomes aggressive and curious, they're all experimental and in a rebellious stage. Most of them are experiencing family or personal problems. They think that to be in a relationship somehow escaped them and it is the only solution to their problems. That's why they engaged in sex at the very young age without realizing the aftermath. Early pregnancy and Abortion began.  That's why I believe that the RH Bill should imposed immediately to educate the youth.



Birth control pills, IUD, Injectables and condoms are among the most usable contraception now a days. Some have tried at least one of those. Most of my friends have used pills. They consult in a private clinic and even in a Barangay Center. The reason why they used pills is because of spacing. They only wants at least 2 to 3 children. It is effective but some scared of the effect because they experienced palpitation, acne and believe that they gain weight.

You can check #knowmore.live more campaign, it is an advocacy wherein it gives women the right information to help her live life without regrets and enjoy life to the fullest. There are effective products that are committed in caring for every type of women. Check this out:

Levonorgestrel + Ethinylestradiol MINIPIL® is an ultra low dose pill that prevents pregnancy. Its low hormone content is ideal for women just starting on the pill (or perimenopausal women), hormone sensitive women, and women who cannot tolerate the side effects of higher dose pills.

For young adult.

As she begins her journey to adulthood, Minipil (Levonorgestrel 100mcg + Ethinylestradiol 20mcg) is the perfect product to start with. It has the lowest dose in the market, making it the ideal pill for young women who are just starting to become responsible for their health. If you are a novice to contraception, better to take the lowest dose possible to assist and aid your bodying adjusting to the pill. The active ingredient, Levonorgestrel and Ethinylestradiol combination is as one of the most trusted pills by most ObGyn due to its length of time 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. However, with all brand in the market, only Minipil can claim to have the lowest possible dose. Once you have decided to become responsible and health, have a chat with an ObGyn. He/She is your friend who will guide you at this early stage of your life.

Cyproterone acetate + Ethinylestradiol CYBELLE® is an oral contraceptive used to prevent pregnancy. It is also widely prescribed formulation to treat acne and other skin conditions caused by excessive androgen production.

The ugly duckling.

For women that are plague by severe acneproblem, Cybelle (Cyproterone acetate 2mg + Ethinylestradiol 35mcg) has a clear advantage. Acne’s root cause is excessive oil to the face; Cybelle is able to reduce this. With less acne, you are more confident. Being more confident, you are more empowered.

Of course, it is best to consult with your ObGyn. Severe acne may be an indication of PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome). It is one of the most common gynecologic problems women have resulting in symptoms such as irregular menses, infertility, excess hair growth and of course acne. If you have friends that frequent waxing salons to remove hair growth on the upper lip or in any other parts, ask them if they have other symptoms mentioned. If they do, you may want to suggest, along with visiting her waxing salon, to also visit an ObGyn. If unmanaged, PCOS may lead to complications such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease and endometrial cancer. Fortunately, for today’s women, this is easily treated with Cybelle. Its main active ingredients Cyproterone acetate and Ethinylestradiol combination is the first line of treatment for PCOS.

Drospirenone + Ethinylestradiol LIZA® is an oral contraceptive used to prevent pregnancy. It also prevents weight gain due to water retention, plus it has favourable effects on skin and hair.

The Fashionista.

For the fashion forward women of today, being responsible and fit is important. You cannot rock an outfit if you start gaining weight. If you tends to gets bloated while on the pill, it is best to try Liza (Drospirenone 3mg + Ethinylestradiol 30mcg). This is actually one of the newer types of pills, the fourth generation. It was developed so as not to cause water retention leading to bloating, very ideal for the modern woman who wants look svelte and sleek. This is one way of being responsible while staying in shape. As an added bonus, Liza can also reduce oily skin and hair, leading to clear skin and healthier complexion. This truly is a pill for the modern women.

Drospirenone + Ethinylestradiol LIZELLE® is an oral contraceptive used to prevent pregnancy. It also prevents weight gain due to water retention, plus it has favourable effects on skin and hair.

The career women.

For women on the go having their monthly menses is not a welcome occurrence. This would bring about menstrual cramps and headaches. At times she may have a hard time concentrating; in addition she feels lethargic, depressed and irritable causing difficulty in handling situations in the office, or even managing personal relationships. These may be symptoms of PMS (Premenstrual syndrome). And if this is not enough, some women have PMDD (Premenstrual dysphoric disorder) – this is PMS ten times over! Fortunately Lizelle (Drospirenone 3mg + Ethinylestradiol 20mcg) is an effective pill for women with PMS. This is a God-send for women working around the clock, managing their careers in the morning and handling their families in the evening. They cannot afford to be bogged down. It is best to work with your ObGyn; think of him/her as your business partner that would enable you to grow to fullest potential.

All these products are European-made so rest assured that it is excellent quality and the prices are all reasonable. I recommend to choose your birth control wisely. It's better to consult your ObGyn about your concerns when taking pills they will surely guide and protect you.