When you say reproductive health, what comes into your mind?
As 35 years old single lady, I’ve never used any contraceptives and heard about the RH Bill. Last Wednesday, July 27, I attended a roundtable session with Dra. Anna Belen Ignacio-Alensuela, Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society officer and Board of Trustee and Committee on Reproductive Health chairperson. I became curious about the topic.
She discussed to us on why it is important to take birth control pills. I didn’t know that if you don’t want to get pregnant there’s a lot of ways to control it. When I tried out to visit an OB Gyne few years back, I’m scared of having a medical check-up. But with Dr. Alensuela’s encouragement to take action to reproductive health, I’m going to see an OB Gyne soon, once my schedule became available.
Meanwhile, they introduced us several products such as Minipil, Cybelle, Liza, and Lizelle.
For the first time users, you can try it with the lowest dose. Minipil is a combination of 100 mcg Levonorgestrel + 20 mcg Ethinylestradiol. It is the lowest available in the market. Other brands 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.
For those that have severe acne or have been diagnosed with PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), chances are the pill with the active ingredients: Cyproterone acetate 2mg + Ethynylestradiol 35mcg will be prescribed. For an affordable price, Cybelle is available in Mercury Drug for about Php 450. It is also made with Cyproterone acetate 2mg + Ethynylestradiol 35mcg and also made in Europe. Cybelle will definitely give you more value for your money without scrimping on your treatment.
For girls that have uncomfortable periods or PMS, gain weight and get bloated, 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.There are more affordable brands available in Mercury Drug, such as Lizelle, which cost only Php 629 and Liza, which is only Php 600! Same Drospirenone and Ethinylestradiol and made in Europe. Best to check on you ObGyne as Liza and Lizelle have different doses and number of pills; one of them should be the ideal brand for you.
Before taking these pills, always ask your OB Gyne on what’s the best for your health.
