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| Implants, also known as progestin subdermal implants, are among the available long-acting and reversible family planning methods for women. (Photo by: Jumalynne Doctolero/PIA-NCR) |
by: Janna Pineda
In celebration of the 2025 National Women’s Month, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) has partnered with the Quezon City Health Department in conducting a health information drive focusing on responsible reproductive choices.
The initiative also anchors the provision of basic family planning services among the employees.
Access to family planning services empowers families to make informed decisions about their reproductive health. It also plays a crucial role in women empowerment, allowing them to have control over their bodies.
For 26-year-old “Gemma,” choosing to get implants after consulting with a healthcare professional, represents an important step in her journey toward greater bodily autonomy and personal health.
“I’ve considered implants for its benefits, especially in menstrual cycle regulation. A friend introduced this option during college, but I never pursued it until recently, when I discovered the availability of implants here in PIA. I believe that it is important for women to have access to family planning as it empowers women to make informed decisions about their health and their bodies,” said Gemma.
Maria Margareth Agdeppa, the health worker who administered the progestin implant placement to Gemma, underscored how family planning extends beyond making empowered reproductive decisions because it also integrates responsible parenthood and improved maternal and child health outcomes.
“Para sa amin bilang health workers, ‘yung kaginhawaan din kasi ng buhay na naidudulot kapag ikaw ay may family planning, kapag maayos napag-uusapan ng mag-asawa kung ilang bilang ba ng anak ang gusto niyo, at least nandoon ang [pagpaplano] at nabibigyan ng halaga ‘yung kalusugan,” said Agdeppa.
(For us as health workers, it is really the ease of life that comes when you have family planning, when couples can properly discuss how many children they want, at least the planning is there, and health is given priority.)
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| Women employees from the Philippine Information Agency gain direct access to basic family planning services and commodities through the Quezon City Health Department. (Photos by: Jumalynne Doctolero/PIA-NCR) |
Subdermal implants explained
Implants, also known as progestin subdermal implants, are among the available long-acting and reversible family planning methods for women. This method utilizes a small vinyl rod, roughly the size of a matchstick, which will be placed beneath the skin of the upper arm while the patient is under local anesthesia.
In terms of effectiveness, implants exceed 99% in preventing pregnancy up to three (3) years due to the sustained release of “etonogestrel” or the hormone that suppresses ovulation.
Women between ages 15 and 49 are typically eligible for contraceptive implants, as long as they meet certain health criteria and undergo thorough medical evaluation by a healthcare provider.
Although implants are an effective family planning option, there are important limitations and considerations that women should keep in mind before making their decision:
- Certain medications, such as anticonvulsants and tuberculosis treatments, may affect the effectiveness of the implant.
- Implants are not protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or HIV/AIDS.
- Implants may affect menstruation bleeding patterns, often leading to lighter or less frequent periods, or even total absence of menstruation, which can be beneficial for those with heavy or painful menstruation.
- Implants may also cause temporary headaches, dizziness, weight changes, acne, and even mood swings.
Before scheduling an appointment at a health clinic for implant, it is also important to know these essential pre-planning steps:
- Prior to appointment, it is essential to confirm that you are not currently pregnant.
- The ideal time for implant placement is during your menstrual cycle. If not, ensure that you have not had unprotected sexual intercourse since your last menstrual period.
- It is generally safe for women who are using other contraceptive methods to transition to implants.
In addition to family planning methods, the Department of Health (DOH) collaborates with city health departments and barangay health centers to enhance women’s access to various health services. These include vaccination against cervical cancer, maternity and newborn care, support for individuals living with HIV, protection units for women and children, and mental health services. (JMP/PIA-NCR)
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