Manila: Difference between revisions

In Manila, you will find the most health care resources in the Philippines. However, there are many restrictions, as views toward women's health are heavily influenced by Catholic Church doctrine. Contraceptives (birth control) is legal and can be purchased in pharmacies, with some brands being much cheaper than others. You can find birth control pills, condoms, shots, implants, IUDs, etc. in Manila. Emergency contraception (or "the morning after pill") is by prescription only in the Philippines and Postinor, an emergency contraception, has been "delisted." However, women do use oral contraceptives are replacement emergency contraception, and we provide details of how this works in the "Emergency Contraception" section. There are many places to receive STI tests, the majority of which seem to focus on HIV, but you can get other tests done. It is recommended to get STI tests at confidential clinics or private clinics, since the public hospitals will generally report your results and keep them on file. There is no PrEP in the Philippines at this time. Regarding menstruation, you can find pads, pantyliners and tampons in Manila. If you are looking for menstrual cups, there may be one seller of Lunette in the Philippines, but your best bet is to buy menstrual cups online. The Philippines has begun to liberalize laws on maternity care in the past year. Finally, abortion is illegal and there is a prominent underground abortion industry, especially in Manila. While thousands of clandestine abortions are performed each year, many women die from botched abortions, as well, so it is recommended to exercise extreme caution if one is considering this path.  

In the Philippines, dedicated emergency contraception (the morning after pill) is available by prescription only. However, women do manage to use oral contraceptives (birth control) as a replacement. To do this, they take a certain number of birth control pills, which has a similar effect as emergency contraception. You can see in the section below ("What to Get and Where to Get it") how this can done in the Philippines.