10 Filipino Parents On Contraceptive Choices In Every Life Stage

Family planning plays a crucial role in the health and well-being of Filipino families, most especially women, offering individuals and couples the opportunity to make informed choices about if and when they wish to have children. In the country, contraceptive use has increased over the years, yet access to family planning service remains a challenge for many. According to the 2021 data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), about 58% of married women aged 15 to 49, use some form of contraception. However, only 40% of these women use modern contraceptive methods, with the rest relying on traditional methods.

Women and couples have a range of contraception options available to them, including pregnancy pills, injectables, implants, and intrauterine devices (IUDs), to barrier methods like condoms. The 2012 Responsible and Reproductive Health Act signed into law and enacted in 2014 also guaranteed free contraception and reproductive health education in schools, and even included the no-scalpel vasectomy option into the method mix.

The reality is, contraceptive use is a deeply personal decision–often influenced by a variety of factors such as health, access to healthcare, religious beliefs, and even life stages. A woman in her 20s might prefer a short-term method like birth control pills, while someone in her 30s or 40s might seek long-term prevention like an IUD or implant. Other couples, who might be done with having children, may even choose more permanent solutions like vasectomy or tubal ligation. Ultimately, family planning is not a one-size-fits-all approach, but a journey of informed decision-making that evolves over time.

We talked to a number of parents in the Smart Parenting community on their family planning experiences–asking them about the factors that influenced their choices. Through their stories, we hope to shed light on the diverse and dynamic nature of family planning in the country, showing how it empowers individuals to take control of their reproductive health across various stages of life.

*These stories have been edited and condensed for clarity.

Real parents' insights on family planning

Rhapsody
Implant
Mom of two; done having kids

I underwent ovarian surgery in 2019 and my OB advised me not to take any pills because we had to regulate my menstruation. That same year, nagkaroon kami agad ng anak ng partner ko. After ko manganak, I was then diagnosed with bilateral polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), so my OB prescribed pills to manage and for contraception. I stopped when my OB noticed an improvement from my PCOS and she let me decide on my preferred family planning method. I decided to use an implant after I gave birth to our second child.

An implant is the perfect choice for me because it’s long-term and after-care is not a hassle. You just have to let it heal for a week after getting it, avoid mag-curve or mabali, then it’s good na, unlike birth control pills na hindi pwede sa makakalimutin like me since everyday siya need i-take, at injectable na three months lang ang duration. Before deciding on an implant, nag-research at nagtanong din muna ako about different birth control methods. I went to the barangay clinic and joined different groups and communities. And in my research, I learned na pwede pala tayong mag-inquire sa Commission on Population and Development NCR for the nearest clinic na may libreng assessment and procedure.

The most challenging part of an implant for me is siguro yung pagpapagaling ng arm, but it will not take long naman since after a week, it’s good na. I had mild side effects during the first month but it was tolerable.

I’d like to encourage other mothers to not be ashamed to ask about the right family planning for themselves. Ask their partner, family members, OB-GYN, barangay health care providers, and even online resources. Basically people who are experienced and informed at huwag lang umasa sa mga personal opinions and experiences ng iba dahil iba-iba naman ang effect ng family planning method sa ating mga katawan.

Also, I admit na nung una I had doubts about family planning kasi I thought na hindi ko kaya or malaki ang impact niya sa health ko, and hindi ko alam saan ako magtatanong to start and decide. I think sometimes nauunahan tayo ng hiya to ask or talk about family planning kasi its related to sex and sex education, pero mothers should know na it’s important not just for us but also para sa pamilya natin. And para makontrol din ang populasyon natin because may impact din ito sa society natin.

Overall, I think finding the right family planning method has made me a happy and productive mother. Mas na-aalagaan ko ang family ko at well-being ko since wala masyadong mabigat na side effects for me. May time ako na mag-aral online, do outdoor activities with my kids, and mag-exercise. Mas naging confident ako sa sarili ko.

J
Condoms
Dad of two; done having kids

We use condoms because they are the most accessible option. My wife tried birth control pills, but she didn't like how it felt or its effects on her body, so we stopped. Admittedly, I sometimes do get frustrated with it but it is necessary.

To other couples, do what you think is right for you and your family.

Ruth
Implant
Mom of two; done having kids

I chose an implant because it’s convenient and effective for me, hindi ako natatakot na mabuntis. It’s life-changing for me kasi hindi ko na need bumalik sa center for replacements, and hindi din siya nakakasagabal sa everyday life ko, halos nakakalimutan ko nga na may implant pala ako.

We did withdrawal before this but I learned that it’s risky because of the possibility of pre-ejaculation, making it not 100% effective. I did my research on breastfeeding and contraceptives nung buntis palang ako sa bunso ko, and I asked din from my doctor who handled my pregnancy. One thing I noticed about having an implant is that I don’t feel as excited with sex compared to before. Hindi kasi nagre-release ng egg cell katawan ko kaya I think may effect with how I feel about sex.

I think contraceptives is trial and error, we should remember na iba iba ang pagtanggap ng katawan natin sa mga contraceptives–hiyangan talaga. I’m grateful and happy na the right family planning method has given me control over reproductive choices in life, kasi it enables me to focus on my family’s needs and have the freedom to do what I want. It’s empowering because I get control over my body.

A
Birth control pills
Mom of two; done having kids

I first started taking birth control pills when I was diagnosed with PCOS before I had kids, so tinuloy tuloy ko lang i-take even after. It took us some time to have our kids because of my PCOS din, so when we were trying, we didn't use anything for around 8 to 9 months. After I gave birth to my second child, I used progestin only pills na because of my hypertension. And honestly, I have to admit na I'm still using pills because nakasanayan ko nalang but I'm also on the lookout for better options. Most of the time, I feel relieved, kasi nakakatakot mabuntis nang wala sa plano. But I'm also scared of the possible long-term effects like maybe cancer, pero huwag naman sana.

To other women, I would suggest na explore your options! Ako kasi nakasanayan ko nalang, but I think it's best to spend some time and effort to find what really works for you and your lifestyle.

EJ
Withdrawal and calendar method
Mom of two; not done having kids

We chose the calendar and withdrawal methods because these are what’s most convenient for me and my husband and we currently don’t want any invasive procedures. Plus, my husband has been doing the withdrawal method even before we got together–so he’s responsible for this; and we also follow the calendar method for added safety.

I initially had doubts over the effectiveness of the withdrawal method, but I’ve eventually grown confident with it as we approached our second year of marriage. We also manage our sexual urges by masturbating.

I think it’s best for couples to decide on the family planning method they know and are willing to commit to. Right now, I feel good and confident with our family planning choice and I’m grateful to my husband for his support. It has been working well so far for us, even allowing us to put a 7 year age gap between our two kids–something we’ve decided on.

Mark
Vasectomy
Dad of two; done having kids

We used pills and condoms before, but after having two kids, we decided na tama na ang dalawang anak. We don’t like tubal ligation because parang nanganak din ang recovery, plus we learned na may possible side effects din siya and we don’t want to take risks.So we decided to go for vasectomy. The procedure is free and mas madali din ang recovery. After doing the procedure, we used condoms and pills first while hindi pa kami nakakapag-sperm test. Once we had it done and the results show na no sperm detected, hindi na kami gumamit ng ibang protection.

JA
Calendar method
Mom of two; not done having kids

We use the calendar method, and I rely on an ovulation tracking app to help monitor my cycle. Even before we got married, my husband and I talked about having two kids, and we're still considering adding one more, despite learning how challenging it can be to raise multiple children. We're happy with our choice so far. To other parents, I’d suggest always communicating openly and deciding on a method together. Be honest with each other about your thoughts and feelings regarding conceiving and family planning.

JV
Vasectomy
Mom of three; done having kids

I tried birth control pills and depo (birth control shot), pero hindi ako hiyang and I think hindi din maganda ang long-term effects. So my husband decided to have a vasectomy since we already have three kids and it’s a free procedure offered by a foundation. Mas mabilis ang recovery and procedure compared sa tubal ligation. Of course, matagal naming pinag-isipan because this is a permanent procedure. Pwede ma-reverse but mas magastos. So I think if more or less done na with having kids, okay na option ang vasectomy.

MP
Abstinence
Mom of one; not done having kids

Abstinence for seven years when we were still unmarried. We got pregnant 2 months after our wedding. We then used condoms for the next four years, although naging abstinence na din because we still live with my parents, so we don’t have privacy all the time plus we’re also raising our only child. This year, we’ve decided to just “go with the flow” without anything since we are trying to get pregnant again.

PA
Bilateral tubal ligation
Mom of five; done having kids

At 32 years old and after five kids, I opted for bilateral tubal ligation–no side effects and my menstruation is regular na. I’ve tried pills, injectables, implants, and even IUDs, but laging may side effect sa akin. I feel so much better now and wala nang takot about getting pregnant again.

Read here for a guide on contraceptives and family planning methods.