A doctor inserts an Implanon contraceptive, a small rod, under the skin of a woman patient’s upper arm, that releases an artifical hormone to prevent pregnancy for five years. (CDN PHOTO/ JUNJIE MENDOZA)
Opponents of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law warned women not to use Implanon, a new contraceptive introduced by the regional implementation team (RIT) of the law.
In yesterday’s press conference, Dr. Rene Josef Bullecer, country director of Human Life International (HLI) and Dr. Greta Canoy said there were health risks that women should know about Implanon, which uses a small rod inserted under the skin of a woman’s arm to release a synthtic hormone, progestin, to prevent pregnancy for five years.
“It has not yet been proven effective here in the Philippines but it is being used already,” Bullecer told reporters.
He said side effects include pulmonary embolism, retinal thrombosis, stroke, heart attack, arm infection, acne, breast pain, chills, cough, diarrhea, fever, discomfort, headache, loss of appetite, muscle ache, nausea, runny nose, shivers, sore throat, sweating, trouble in sleeping, unusual stress and vomiting.
Side effects
“The Department of Health (DOH) should also explain this to the women not just say it’s a contraceptive but the side effects. When will they stop lying to Filipino women?” he added.
He said the use of Implanon can change the lining of a woman’s uterus so that a fertilized egg can’t take hold, leading to abortion.
Dr. Bullecer said their group is lobbying for natural methods like birth spacing and rhythm method.
Dr. Bullecer said pregnant women who use Implanon are also at risk since the fetus won’t end up in the uterus but in the tube, causing blood clots, infertility and even death.
“Anything that is not natural has side effects. I know the programs of the RIT are already there but I also want them to educate women. One way to alleviate poverty is through education,” Dr. Canoy said.
Dr. Jovette Ginal, DOH-7 family planning coordinator said Implanon was safe to use.
Normal experience
Dr. Ginal said the contraceptive passed the reevaluation conducted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
“Before the implant, women are also informed about the side effects. Every commodity has side effects and those are just normal experience. We assure that what we give to the public is safe,” she added.
Ginal said women who want to remove their implant can go back to the doctor. The removal and implant of the contraceptive is given for free.