THE Department of Health yesterday advised the public to consider using contraceptive methods other than the combined oral contraceptive pills because of dwindling stocks brought about by increased demand, global supply chain disruptions, and procurement delays.
“Stock out of combined oral contraceptive (COC) pills in the public sector is imminent,” said the DOH in Department Circular No. 2023-0415.
Different contraceptive methods are available for free at local health centers nationwide.
The DOH said for those who will use the progestogen-only pill (POP), they may shift any day in the cycle, with condom use for two days as a backup method.
For those shifting to depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) injectables, the DOH said they must get their first shot seven days before stopping the pill, and condom use for seven days as backup method, if it is uncertain of the pill cycle.
The DOH said those shifting to progestin implant may insert the implant any day in the cycle. Backup is condom use for seven days.
And for those who will choose to shift to the copper intrauterine device (IUD), they may insert the IUD any day in the cycle, with condom use for seven days as backup method. — Gerard Naval
