By Analou De Vera
The Department of Health (DOH) said that the family planning method called Progestin Sub-dermal implant (PSI) is an effective approach of birth spacing among women.
“The DOH strongly promotes the use of implants for couples who wish to space their pregnancies,” said Health Secretary Francisco Duque III.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III
(ALI VICOY / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO) The health department said that the implant consists of a single, matchstick-sized rod that contains the hormone progestin. It 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,” said Duque. Meanwhile, the health chief said that like any other contraceptives, the PSI has some temporary side effects like headache, acne or pimples, weight gain, and breast pain, minor bleeding, vaginal itching, and menstrual cramps. The health chief reminded first-time PSI users “to leave the bandage on the wound for a day to prevent contusion, to avoid getting the wound wet for three to five 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.” Duque advised couples to wait at least 18 months before getting pregnant again to maintain the best health for both mother and child.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III(ALI VICOY / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO) The health department said that the implant consists of a single, matchstick-sized rod that contains the hormone progestin. It 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,” said Duque. Meanwhile, the health chief said that like any other contraceptives, the PSI has some temporary side effects like headache, acne or pimples, weight gain, and breast pain, minor bleeding, vaginal itching, and menstrual cramps. The health chief reminded first-time PSI users “to leave the bandage on the wound for a day to prevent contusion, to avoid getting the wound wet for three to five 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.” Duque advised couples to wait at least 18 months before getting pregnant again to maintain the best health for both mother and child.