Family Planning

Modern Contraceptives as an Effective Tool for Population Control in the

Philippines

A Research Paper Presented to

Prof. April Antonio
Mapua Institute of Technology Makati

In partial fulfillment
Of the requirements in
English for Academic Purposes 2
(ENG11)

By:
Kate Lance S. Yabut

March 2016

Abstract
With the turbulent crisis that out country is facing right now, such as
extreme poverty, malnutrition and lack of employment and education, there is a
dire need for a drastic change within the society. The core of our countrys
crisis is centered on the vast growth of population. A person reproduced each
year is equivalent to another mouth to feed, higher demands for jobs in the
market,

and

more

rooms

to

spare

for

formal

education.

All

crises

are

intertwined and point to a common resolution, and that is through an effective

family planning method.
Using contraceptives as a tool for family planning are both safe and
effective.

Contraceptives guarantees a lesser probability of getting pregnant

compared to the natural family planning method which depends on the natural
signs and symptoms occurring in a womens body.

Natural family planning can

easily backfire if not observed rigorously.

The researchers believe that implementing further education on the usage
of contraceptives, and providing contraceptives for the consumption of the
public
future.

will

strongly

improve

the

possible

population

growth

in

the

near

This in turn will benefit other factors influenced by overpopulation

such as poverty.

Family planning
refers to the factors that may be considered by a couple in a committed
relationship and each individual involved in deciding if and when to
have children.[1] Though rarely articulated, family planning may involve
consideration of the number of children a couple wish to have as well as
the age at which they wish to have them. These matters are obviously
influenced by external factors such as marital situation, career
considerations, financial position, any disabilities that may affect their
ability to have children and raise them, besides many other
considerations. If sexually active, family planning may involve the use
of contraception[2][3] and other techniques to control the timing
of reproduction. Other techniques commonly used include sexuality
education,[3][4] prevention and management ofsexually transmitted infections,
[3]

pre-conception counseling[3] and management, and infertility management.[2]

Family planning is sometimes used as a synonym or euphemism for the use

of contraception. However, it often involves methods and practices in
addition to contraception. It is most usually applied to a femalemale couple who wish to limit the number of children they have and/or to
control the timing of pregnancy (also known as spacing children). Family
planning may encompass sterilization, as well asabortion.[5]
Family planning services are defined as "educational, comprehensive
medical or social activities which enable individuals, including minors,
to determine freely the number and spacing of their children and to select
the means by which this may be achieved".[4]

Introduction

Background
Every citizen in the Philippines is aware that the country is currently
facing a nationwide problem that regards its population. According to the
International Data Base, the Philippines ranked 12 th place in the list of most
populated countries, with China being number one but compared to China, and
other countries, the Philippines has smaller land territories. The country is
already overpopulated and the gradual change in the countrys growth rate is
not much of a help in the problem.
In the last three years, the Philippine Census claims an estimated
population of 90,136,000 for the year 2008; 91,817,500 for the year 2009; and
93,506,600 for the year 2010. The data shows a total amount of 1,769,400
population growth from 2008 to 2009; and 1,786,600 from 2009 to 2010. Based on
the statistics shown, the countrys population is more likely to increase in
millions or even billions in the next couple of years. In turn, the country is
anticipating a need to increase workforce and production of food and resources
despite of poverty and scarce resources.
The Republic of the Philippines is a third world country and is already
struggling in keeping up with the development of the society especially during
this modern age. The Filipino citizens, particularly families between the
lower demographics, are experiencing poverty and famine. Youll see skinny
children roaming around the streets naked, in hopes to find something to eat;
some children even die from reported cases of extreme malnutrition. Other
families

depend

on

spoiled

food

that

they

find

in

garbage

cans.

These

instances are most common in urban places. A surprising irony is that those
families who dont know where to get dinner every night are those who produce
children by the dozens. It is clear that family planning and population
control is essential in these present times.

Poverty is a significant problem that poses a serious threat to the

stability in the Philippines. The more the population increases, the more
poverty is bound to amplify. And all this could be solved if the growth of
birth rate would lessen in its figures, and that is through the help of family
planning.

Statement of the Problem

This research aims to identify the difference between the natural method
of family planning and modern method of family planning with the help of
contraceptives.
This research specifically answers the following questions:
1. Why is there a need to have family planning in the Philippines?
2. How

will

the

use

of

contraceptives

effectively

resolve

these

problems?
3. What other methods of family planning are being practiced by Filipino
families?
4. Is it feasible for the country to patronize modern contraceptive as
compared to the traditional natural family planning?
5. What are the opinions of the general public regarding this modern
birth control method?
6. How will an effective family planning method help in the development
of the Philippines?
Significance of the study

This

research

is

significant

to

people

living

in

the

Philippines,

particularly to families who seek help and understanding on how to plan for
the future of their families.
This

research

is

also

significant

to

companies

who

develop

contraceptives and tools that aid in the modern way of family planning.
This is for the companies to know that it is important to have the best
quality of products in order to avoid any chances of misfortunes that will
lead to unexpected pregnancies and the like. This research also target groups,
organizations and individual enthusiast that supports and guides people in
this modern way of family planning.
With the ongoing debate on the enactment of the Reproductive Health
Bill, this study would also serve as a supporting evidence and documentation
on whether or not the bill would benefit the people and therefore should be
enacted as a law.

Contents

2.1 Definition of contraceptives

An individuals decision on child-bearing comes with the choice of
contraception. The researchers have gathered data amongst varied sources to
compile a more thorough and clear definition of contraceptives:
All forms of contraceptives serve the purpose of preventing pregnancy.
In a more detailed medical term, contraception prevents the male sperm from
fertilizing

the

female

egg

cell.

Although

the

other

direct

purpose

of

contraception is still debatable for its moral implications, other methods of

contraception keep the fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus; the
process of fertilized egg implanted is where pregnancy begins and human life
forms. (Knox and Schacht, 2009)
According to http://www.beltina.org, contraception is also called birth
control. With any of its varied methods, it is intended for sexually active
men and women, together with their partners, to prevent as well as plan
pregnancies. To optimize protection from pregnancy, many people opt to combine
methods. An example would be using barrier forms of contraception, such as
condom, together chemical methods like spermicides.

All contraceptive techniques are barrier methods. That is, they erect a
barrier of some type that prevents pregnancy.

Sometimes the barrier is time: a couple estimates when the woman

is

about

to

release

an

ovum

and

does

not

engage

in

sexual

intercourse for an interval before and after that event.

Sometimes the barrier is mechanical in nature. For example, sperm
are prevented from entering the womb by a layer of latex, as in a
condom or diaphragm.

Sometimes

the

contraceptive

barrier
pill

is

will

chemical
prevent

in

nature.

ovulation,

or

An

emergency

will

prevent

fertilization.

The

Roman

Catholic

and

very

few

very

conservative

Protestant

denominations prohibit all but the time barrier methods. Only this method is
considered

natural

and

acceptable

to

these

faith

groups.

(Schwartz

and

Gabelnick, 2002)

2.1.1 Kinds of contraceptives

The kinds of contraceptives can be classified into its type of methods.

For the purpose of the study, the researchers classified these types of
methods according to its nature which are: mechanical, chemical, and natural
or time method barrier. The researchers had gathered data on different types
of contraceptives under each method.
I. Mechanical-barrier method
The purpose of this type of method is to mechanically hinder the male
sperm to enter the womb of their female partners during a sexual intercourse.
A. Male Condom
Male condoms are either made of latex, polyurethane, or natural animal
membranes. It is the most common mechanical contraceptive. The condom works by
placing it over an erect penis before an intercourse, acting as a physical
barrier that keeps sperm from entering the womans uterus. This happens when a
man ejaculates and sperm are caught inside the condom. This method is highly
effective when combined with spermicide lubricant; placed either on reservoir

tip of the condom or a spermicidal agent that is used by a woman. Individuals

are

more

likely

to

use

condoms

with

casual

than

with

stable

partners

(Morrison et al, 2003).

B. Female Condom
The female counterpart of a condom fits in the womans vagina, which is
like the male condom it is also lubricated and is made of polyutherine. The
placement of this type of condom can be done up to eight hours before any
sexual activity; allowing for greater room for spontaneity. It is about six
inches long with flexible rings at both ends; it is used by inserting the
inner ring in the females vagina. The inner ring should fit behind the pubic
bone against the cervix. Although it also acts as a physical barrier like a
male condom, it is said to be more durable and may not tear as easily
C. Intra-uterine Devices
For pro-life advocators, the use of Intra-uterine devices is believed to
be an abortifacient. Despite the argument, physicians still consider this
method as a form of contraceptive. Popularly known as IUDs, its a device that
may allow fertilization of the egg but prevents it from implantation on the
uterus. This structural device is inserted by the physician and is said to
protect against pregnancy for about five years.
D. Diaphragm
It is a shallow rubber dome attached to a flexible, circular steel and
spring that is inserted into the vagina. The diaphragm covers the cervix and
prevents the sperm from moving into the uterus. This method is often used with
spermicidal agents to kill any sperm that comes in contact.
E. Cervical Cap

It is a thimble-shaped device made of rubber or polyethylene. Cervical

cap is like a diaphragm that fits over the cervix and held in place by
suction. It is also used in conjunction with spermicidal agents to prevent
sperm from entering the uterus.
II. Chemical-barrier method
A. Oral Contraceptive Agents (Birth Control Pills)
Among all the nonsurgical forms of contraceptives, the birth control
pill

is

most

commonly

used.

There

are

two

types

of

available

oral

contraceptive: the combination pill and minipill. Both type of birth control
pill works by raising the natural level of hormones of the female body. The
change

in

hormonal

level

inhibits

ovulation

and

hampers

implantation

of

fertilized egg in the uterus.

B. Contraceptive Implants
These are contraceptive silicone implants that are inserted under the
skin. The implants in the upper inner arm provide time-release progestin into
the system for contraception. This method provides pregnancy protection for
almost three years.
C. Injections
Widely known as injectibles, it is made of synthetic compound similar
to the hormone progesterone that is injected to a womans arm or buttocks. The
method prevents ovulation and protects against pregnancy for three months
time.
D. Vaginal Rings

Vaginal rings are soft, flexible ring worn inside the vagina. The device
gives month-long protection against pregnancy by releasing hormones into the
system absorbed first three weeks.
D. Transdermal Application (Patch Method)
It is a kind of method that delivers hormone into the body through skin
absorption. Contraceptive patch worn on strategic body parts for three weeks,
the patch was found to be effectively adhesive despite rigorous activities.
E. Vaginal Spermicides
Spermicides are chemical that kills sperms and comes in different in
forms like foam, cream, jelly, film, and suppository. This method is available
even without medical prescription and does not manipulate a womans hormonal
level.
F.Contraceptive Sponge
A disc-shaped polyurethane device that contains spermicide, that is
dampened with water to activate the spermicide and inserted into the vagina
before a sexual intercourse.
G.Emergency Contraceptives
Also known as post-coital contraception, which refers to various types
of

morning-after

pills

that

are

used

in

primary

circumstances:

after

an

unwanted sex like rape case, when contraceptives fails, and after unprotected
sex. The pills are usually taken within 72 hours of intercourse.

III. Time-Barrier Methods (Natural Family Planning)

A.Periodic Abstinence
No other types of contraceptive method are used. The couple enjoys
periodic

sexual

intercourse

with

diminishing

their

chances

of

getting

pregnant by the less time they involve in sexual activity.

B.Withdrawal
Also known as coitus interruptus, it is a practice where a man withdraws
his penis from a womans vagina before an ejaculation. It requires no chemical
or device, but it is very much less effective in preventing pregnancy as a
large number of sperms are present in the lubricating fluid that is discharged
before ejaculation.
C.Rhythm Method
Rumored as the Vatican Roulette, the technique requires the woman to
take note of her menstrual cycle. To estimate the next release of a mature
ovum the average length of her menstrual period is accounted. If the method is
successful, it prevents the sperm and mature ovum to be present in the
fallopian tube at the same time. Though quite unreliable, because of the other
factors that might cause irregularity of the timing of the release of the
ovum,

it

is

basically

the

only

method

supported

by

the

Roman

Catholic

teachings.

2.1.2 Other benefits of contraceptives

Contraceptives are used mainly for birth control, but there are other
ways people can get advantage of it. For example, to minimize the risk of
getting a sexually transmitted disease known as STD due to unprotected sexual
intercourse, specifically with the men. Women also can lower their risk of
developing ovarian cysts, ectopic pregnancy, menstrual cramps, and rheumatoid

arthritis. In addition, oral contraceptives could help regulate the womens

menstrual

cycle

if

its

irregular.

Not

only

can

contraceptives

prevent

pregnancy, but they could also be beneficial in other ways in minimizing

sexual related illnesses and diseases.
2.1.3 Effectiveness of contraceptives

2.2 Current family planning methods practiced by Filipinos

Most Filipino families practice what we call the Natural Family Planning
method (NFP). NFP does not involve any money or drugs to be observed. The NFP
"refers

to

infertile

those

methods

periods

without

based

on

using

knowledge

any

of

artificial

the

womans

means

of

fertile

and

intervention."

(Textbook on Family Planning, 2001, p. 164) This includes modern methods such
as basal temperature, cervical mucus, sympto-thermal, and the conventional
calendar

method

or

rhythm

method.

These

methods

are

based

on

woman's

menstrual cycle. It depends on the occurring signs and symptom that indicate
if the woman is fertile or not.
The Basal Body temperature charting is recording the body temperature
which helps indicate when ovulation of the female has occurred.

This method

requires charting the basal body temperature (BBT), which is the temperature
the body registers when a women is completely at rest. .A woman's body
temperature is lower during the first part of the menstrual cycle. In most
females, it temperature slightly rises when ovulation occurs and remains up
during the second part just before the next menstrual cycle occurs.
to

According

http://www.babyhopes.com/articles/basal-body-temperature-charting.html

"for most women, 96 to 98 degrees taken orally is considered normal before

ovulation and 97 to 99 after. The changes are small fractionsfrom 1/10 to 1/2

degree.

So

its

best

to

get

special,

large-scale,

easy-to-read

basal

thermometer that registers only from 96 to 100 degrees". The cervical mucus is
a liquid excreted in the cervix of a woman. Cervical mucus changes are
monitored to determine when ovulation is about to occur. As the women's cycle
progresses, the cervical mucus increases in volume and changes its texture. A
woman is considered most fertile when the mucus becomes clear, slippery, and
stretchy. http://www.babyhopes.com/articles/cervical-mucus.html On the other
hand, the sympto-termal method is a combination of recording a woman's BBT and
cervical mucus changes. The calendar method, which is the most common NFP
practice,

is

recording

the

length

of

each

menstrual

cycle

in

order

to

determine if a woman is fertile. This includes keen observation on the first

day of the periods occurrence, the number of days of the menstruation, and
the day it ends. This will allow a female to have an idea when the next
menstrual cycle is likely to occur.
There are a number of reasons why Filipino families prefer to observe
the NFP methods than using contraceptives. According to the textbook on Family
planning (Textbook on Family Planning, 2001, p.166), there are five main
socio-cultural reasons for non-use of contraception as derived from a survey.
The first one is having experienced or fear of side effects. Birth control
pill,

intraurine

device

(IUD)

and

injectibles

are

said

to

disrupt

the

menstrual cycle. The second is due to widespread perceptions and beliefs

about potential hazards based on concepts of anatomy and physiology." They
believe that usage of contraceptives can cause imbalance to the body and may
lead to sickness. The third reason is "the sexual modesty of women is offended
by the medical examination and consultation required for the use of modern
contraceptives", that is, women dislike touching their genitals which is
needed when using diaphragm, jellies and foams as contraception. The fourth
reason is being embarrassed to buy and keep contraceptives as this displays a

person's sexual behavior which some, or majority, may perceive as indecent,

unless kept private.

The last reason is associating the use of condoms to

venereal disease, usually when consorting with prostitutes or random people

involved

in

hook-ups.

Some

may

get

insulted

when

ask

to

use

condoms,

perceiving oneself to be accused of caring diseases such as STDs.

2.3 Contrast between natural family planning and family planning through
contraceptives
"The general principle behind all family planning method is to prevent
male

sperm

cell

from

uniting

with

the

female

egg."

(Textbook

on

Family

Planning, 2001, p.127). There is no one method that suits every married
couple. All family planning and birth control methods have disadvantages and
advantages. Often, a couple may try several methods before finding what suits
them most. All methods have different degrees of efficacy, so it is best to do
keen research before undergoing such methods, even the NFP.
The

main

difference

between

the

NFP

and

family

planning

through

contraceptives is that contraceptives involve external factors, and the NFP

depends

on

natural

occurring

signs

and

symptoms.

However

no

method

is

guaranteed to have 100% efficacy, all have varying effects on individuals. The
NFP method "requires instruction and follow up by competent instruction in
pinpointing the exact dates of ovulation, on which determination of safe and
unsafe days of intercourse hinges" (Textbook on Family Planning, 2008, p.165)
NFP

requires

surmountable

amount

of

knowledge

and

skill,

whereas,

contraceptive method offers a high degree of protection without consideration

of ovulation date and time, as long as it is correctly and consistently used.
Pregnancy is most possible in NFP if abstinence is not observed during days of
fertility in the menstrual cycle. As stated in textbook for family planning
(p.171) about the effectiveness of contraceptives, The failure rate per 100

woman years of use by perfect or constant users of a method of birth control

will be lower than failure rate per 100 total woman years of use of method
i.e, among the total users or actually users of a method are women (or men)
who use the method carelessly or inconsistently.

Summary

Conclusion

The

researchers

conclude

that

using

modern

contraceptives

is

an

effective tool to control population growth in the country, as compared to the

natural family method that is currently being practiced by Filipino citizens
undergoing family planning.
The

Philippines

is

currently

in

its

worst

state

with

poverty,

malnutrition, and lack of jobs and education. The future holds a greater
threat if this problem is disregarded. Implementing further education on the
usage of contraceptives, and possibly providing these items for the public to
use would leave us anticipating for a decline in population growth in the
future.
This research includes facts, tips and helpful instructions on how to
properly use contraceptives. There are many types of contraceptives; all it
takes is proper education and knowledge on how and what birth control items
and methods to undertake.
People today are currently living in an era where change is occurring
everywhere,

even

in

culture.

Change

is

not

bad,

sometimes

change

brings

nothing but good fortune to those who are not afraid to try something new for
better productivity.
The people need proper education on how to use contraceptives, resources
provided by the government for easier access to contraceptives, and more
importantly,
current

state

huge
of

amount

the

of

discipline

Philippines.

This

and
in

cooperation
turn,

will

to

relieve

benefit

the

factors

associated with overpopulation such as poverty, malnutrition, and lack of food

and resources resulting to a healthier and conducive society.

Index

COMMON METHODS OF CONTRACEPTION

Method

cervical cap

cervical shield

condom

continuous
abstinence
contraceptive patch

contraceptive ring

Effectiveness
When Used
Correctly
must insert
85 percent when
before SEXUAL
woman has not
prescription
INTERCOURSE
had vaginal
only; healthmust use with
CHILDBIRTH
female
care provider
spermicide
70 percent when
must measure
must remove
woman has had
and fit
after specified vaginal
time
childbirth
must insert
before sexual
intercourse
prescription
must use with
female
85 percent
only
spermicide
must remove
after specified
time
must put on
before each
sexual act
must withdraw
male condom: 85
male most
from partner and
to 98 percent
common;
over the
remove condom
female condom:
female
counter (OTC) for disposal
80 to 95
available
while PENIS
percent
remains erect
female condom
may be difficult
to insert
personal
both
challenging
100 percent
commitment
prescription
woman applies
female
99.9 percent
only
once a month
Male or
Female

female

contraceptive sponge female

depot
medroxyprogesterone
acetate (DMPA)
injection

female

Availability

Ease of Use

woman inserts
during
prescription
MENSTRUATION,
only
leaves in place
3 weeks,
then removes
must insert
before sexual
intercourse
OTC
must remove
after specified
time
prescription
received every
only; health- 12 weeks
care provider
must

98 percent

65 to 90
percent
99.9 percent

administer

diaphragm

female

prescription
only; healthcare provider
must measure
and fit

fertility awareness

both

personal
commitment

intrauterine device
(IUD)

female

prescription
only; healthcare provider
must insert

oral contraceptives

female

prescription
only

spermicide

female

OTC

female

requires
surgery

male

requires inoffice
operative
procedure

tubal ligation

vasectomy

must insert
before sexual
intercourse
must use with
spermicide
must remove
after specified
time
requires
diligent effort
from both
partners
requires no
attention once
inserted
can stay in the
UTERUS for 5 to
12 years,
depending on
type
daily or weekly
pill
must apply
before each
sexual act
requires no
effort after
OPERATION
permanent
requires no
effort after
operation
permanent

85 to 94
percent

75 to 99
percent

99 percent

99 percent
70 to 85
percent
nearly 100
percent (1 in
300 failure
rate)
nearly 100
percent (1 in
500 failure
rate)

Interview
Interviewers: The Researchers
Interviewees: Enricon Cuaresma (MIT Student), Shiori Bermundo (MIT Student),
Ali (MIT Student), Ms. Perez (MIT Nursing Department Professor
Interview Script:
Sarah: What do you think about the country's population?
Enrico Cuaresma: I think the countrys population is really getting out of
hand. Its really hard for the government to control the population.
Shiori Bermundo: I think the country is very over populated already, so our
economy is getting worse every year.
Ashley: are you in favor of using contraceptives to co?
Ali: Yes, I am in favor of using contraceptives. Its because nowadays we can
see people are not able to fulfill their desires, so through contraceptives,
they can also satisfy what they want and through that they can control the
overpopulation of the country and that is the advantage of contraceptives.
Kim:

This

is

Prof.

Perez

the

Nursing

Department

of

Mapua

Institute

of

Technology.
Redge: are there any bad effects of contraceptives and if there are, what are
they?
Maam Perez: For the natural method, you dont have any bad effects because it
is natural. Actually, it depends on the body itself, for the artificial
method, condoms have no reported bad effects. However for these who are
allergic to latex for the oral contraceptives there are certain bad effects
such as for women they can develop complications, sometimes problems in the

uterine lining (uterus), thats why it is very important that before you take
and before you choose the right contraceptive method, its good to ask your
doctor to run some tests, actually it really depends on the body.
Interview Analysis
Based on the interview conducted, the interviewees state that overpopulation
is indeed rampant in the country and there is a need to aid this situation.
When the researchers asked if contraceptives are favorable, Ali answered that
it is. He mentioned that contraceptives are beneficial in a sense that it will
not hinder people from performing sexual activities with their partners and it
will also avoid unwanted pregnancy, leading to overpopulation of the country.
Ms. Perez, professor of the nursing department of Mapua, explains the possible
bad effects of contraceptives. Condoms do not have any bad effects, only to
people who are allergic to latex, and the possible bad effects are for women
who might develop problems in the uterus, other than that people must take
precaution and consult their doctors.
The interview showed that the concept of integrating contraceptives in the
lives of people is acceptable for many. Like want an interviewee said, it is
an advantage.

References/Sources

Contraception Definition.(n.d.). In Beltina, encyclopedia

of health.

Retrieved January 16, 2011, from

http://www.beltina.org/health-dictionary/Contraceptiondefinition-types-methods.html
Go, P. ( 2009). Benefits of contraceptives. Retrieved from:
http://ezinearticles.com/?Benefits-of-

Birth-Control-

Contraceptives&id=2213950
Knox, D., & Schacht, C. (2008). Choices in relationships: An
introduction to marriage and family (9th ed.).
Belmont, California: Wadsworth. (K742008)
Robinson, B.A. (2010). Contraceptive methods for regulating fertility.
Retrieved from:
http://www.religioustolerance.org/abo_contra.htm
Quirolgico-Lugue, L., Fe, M., De Leon, M. (2001). Texbook on family
planning.

Manila, Philippines: Rex Bookstore. (P5Q82001)

Quirolgico-Lugue, L., Fe, M., De Leon, M. (1995). Texbook on family

planning.

Manila, Philippines: Rex Bookstore. (P5Q81995)

http://ezinearticles.com/?Benefits-of-Birth-Control-Contraceptives&id=2213950