Magpa-Checkup Na, Mommy! Free OB-GYN Checkups In These Clinics

(SPOT.ph) When was the last time you turned to Dr. Google during a health scare? We're not judging: The internet has revolutionized how we access information about women’s sexual health so it's no surprise that we fall into the rabbit hole of self-diagnosis, even if it's not the healthiest recourse.

Women are at risk of developing specific health conditions, including menstruation-related diseases, vaginal infections, and chronic ailments like endometriosis, and while online information may provide valuable insight, it often lacks context and personal guidance that a healthcare professional can offer.

This has prompted Bayer Philippines to launch free pop-up clinics in and around the Metro as part of its Bayer for Her campaign. There, women can consult with professionals on reproductive health concerns at no cost.

“We don’t judge. It’s really important to seek health professionals. Learn when to ask for help. What you see on social media may not be what your problem or concern is. Health care is really individualized,” dermatologist Jarische Lao-Ang said.

Bayer launches free checkups for women’s reproductive health

To better assist women, Bayer Philippines is offering free OB-GYN consultations at selected branches of partner drug stores like Mercury Drug, Southstar Drug, Rose Pharmacy, and Watsons until October.

“We know from listening to health care providers and patients that it’s not easy to talk about contraception, period pain, and related topics in our cultural context. Bayer For Her enables these Conversations of Care with free pop-up clinics,” said Angel-Michael Evangelista, Managing Director and Country Division Head of Pharmaceuticals of Bayer Philippines.

September 15

• Mercury Drug – Ever Gotesco Commonwealth – 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Rose Pharmacy – Ayala Cebu – 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

September 21

• Watsons – SM Megamall – 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

September 26

• Watsons – SM City North EDSA – 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Southstar Drug – SM C. Raymundo Pasig – 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

September 29

• Mercury Drug – West Avenue, Quezon City – 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

October 13

• Mercury Drug – Sampaloc, Espana – 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Southstar Drug – Robinsons Ortigas – 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Rose Pharmacy – Fuente Cebu – 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

October 20

• Watsons – SM Mall of Asia – 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

October 23

• Watsons – SMDC Jazz Mall – 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

October 27

• Mercury Drug – EDSA Congressional – 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

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Why do women self-diagnose?

The biggest barrier for patients in seeking professional help is the normalization of pain, especially in menstruation, said OB-GYN Margaret Joyce Cristi-Limson during the Bayer for Her: Conversations of Care panel on August 30.

“You have to admit there is a normalization of pain in families,” Cristi-Limson said.

On adolescents who resort to taking school absences to cope with the pain, she said it could already be a sign of endometriosis: “That shouldn’t be. What kind of quality of life do these adolescents have? That’s not normal.”

This is also applicable with the opposite: when the self-diagnosis is always positive, as not even healthy people are spared from certain health conditions. Among the panelists is Melissa Gohing-Nacino, a Filipino volleyball athlete, who was shocked to find out that she had PCOS when she visited an OB-GYN.

“‘Yung mga mindset kasi ng athlete–I’m healthy, so there’s nothing wrong,” Gohing-Nacino said.

Another barrier is the cost of and access to women's healthcare in the Philippines. Because of this, there are still an estimated 44% of women who are unable to make decisions about their own health in 2019, according to the Commission on Population and Development.

“That’s why it’s great to have free platforms like this,” Cristi-Limson said, highlighting the importance of open communication in maximizing Bayer's free pop-up clinics.

“Trust your doctor. That way we can help you the most."

This story originally appeared on Spot.ph.

*Minor edits have been made by the SmartParenting.com.ph editors.

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