Misconceptions About Contraception Still Deter Filipino Women

MANILA — Filipino women cite multiple health concerns when deciding whether to use hormonal contraception, with fears about weight gain, depression, sexual dysfunction, infertility, and cancer among the most commonly cited reasons for discontinuing or avoiding birth control methods.

According to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority's 2025 National Demographic and Health Survey, concerns about these potential side effects remain significant barriers to contraceptive use despite a broader trend of Filipinos adopting modern family planning methods.

Health experts have long sought to address these misconceptions, noting that most hormonal contraceptives do not cause the adverse effects that women fear. Nevertheless, concerns about long-term health impacts and reproductive capacity continue to shape family planning decisions across the country.

The persistent gap between medical evidence and public perception underscores the need for more comprehensive health education campaigns targeting Filipino women and their families. As more Filipinos embrace modern contraception, public health officials emphasize the importance of accurate information to help women make informed decisions about their reproductive health.

The findings highlight an ongoing challenge for health authorities: dispelling deeply rooted myths while building trust in modern family planning methods among Filipino populations.