The Department of Health (DOH) today stated that the new family planning method called Progestin Sub-dermal implant (PSI) is an effective approach to meeting the global need for more beneficial and convenient manner of birth spacing among women.

The DOH clarified the misconception that it causes abortion among users through an issuance of the Food and Drug Administration Advisory No. 2017-302 (Results of the FDA’s Re-evaluation of Contraceptive Products for Recertification) that declared PSI as among the contraceptive products that are non-abortifacient.

“Like any other contraceptives publicly available, the PSI has some temporary side effects like headache, acne or pimples, weight gain, and breast pain, minor bleeding, vaginal itching, and menstrual cramps,” Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III stated.

“The DOH strongly promotes the use of implants for couples who wish to space their pregnancies,” the Health chief added, who further advised couples to wait at least eighteen months before getting pregnant again to maintain the best health for the mother and child.

The implant consists of a single, matchstick-sized rod that contains the hormone progestin. The contraceptive implant is inserted in the left arm of right-handed women and vice-versa, and can provide protection up to three years.

“Some of the PSI’s advantages include ease of use, can be removed anytime, and is highly effective,” Duque said.

Secretary Duque reminded first-time users “to leave the bandage on the wound for a day to prevent contusion, to avoid getting the wound wet for 3-5 days, clean the wound every day, avoid sexual contact for a week, consult a doctor for any unusual feeling after the procedure, and return to the doctor after three months and every year thereafter for a check-up.”