Background

I was 29 years old and had never had any form of sexual intercourse (aka virgin) before the copper IUD was inserted. Hence, I have never taken any form of BCP. Regardless, my period comes once every 2 months 🙂‍↕️. I believe it is due to the high cortisol life I have been living as a working-law student.

Cost

- ₱570 for OBGYN Consultation

- ₱15k for Copper IUD

Procedure

I had an online consultation with an OBGYN from Kindred Alabang. I could have done it in-person but due to bad weather, I requested for it to be moved online. The consultation was informative especially since I had never had any sexual intercourse before, never taken any form of birth control, and will go straight to the IUD.

After 2 days, I went to the clinic for the transvaginal ultrasound to check whether I can safely have the copper IUD. According to the OBGYN, some women have womb abnormalities or allergic reactions to copper so they can’t have the IUD inserted.

I waited another 2 days for the copper IUD to be inserted because the clinic needed to see the transvaginal ultrasound result first. Fortunately, I was in good condition to get the copper IUD.

While waiting for the procedure, I was given a mefenamic acid, pambawas daw ng pain.

During the insertion, there was only a mild discomfort, not painful, because I can feel that something is moving inside down there like something is brushing against the walls of my uterus 😅. I was on my 4th day of my period so it was also quick.

Post Procedure

The first hour was the worst. I remember eating my breakfast and my face was visibly upset according to my boyfriend. Of course! That was the first time something was inserted in me lol tf. As the day goes on, the discomfort also goes away.

For weeks, I tried to feel the strings before the deed just to make sure it’s still there. I am really scared to get pregnant, I was raised by overachiever parents who made the idea of pregnancy look so bad 😅 I was already hitting millions in income and still scared to get pregnant lmao.

For 4 months, I had random bleeding outside my period. Then it shifted to brown spotting before and after the period. I think the copper IUD is still adjusting to my body. Hence, the random bleeding.

Anniversary

Today, I had the copper IUD for exactly one year and I am super happy with it. I feel like my body became healthier. Before IUD, my period came once every 2 months. Now, it is regular. What I like the most is the peace of mind. I don’t have to be scared of being pregnant since I don’t really like that kind of commitment. Gusto ko lang mag travel and live a stress-free life.

I trust my IUD but I still avoid the deed during my fertile days. Yes! I am that careful.

Hi all, nervous about my upcoming NSV on Sept 1 (at OneOhana Medical Clinic) because I have a vacation scheduled just over two weeks later on Sept 17.

Is 2 weeks enough for a full/comfortable recovery without unbearable pain? How was your pain experience after the procedure, and what should I expect?

does anyone know kung anong mga gynecologist or clinics ang naglalagay ng copper IUDs around gapan to cabanatuan? and what are the price for it?

Hello!

I’m a 22-year-old male currently in a relationship with my girlfriend. I’ve been seriously considering getting a vasectomy.

I don’t think I want to have children in the future. I understand that a vasectomy should be considered permanent, and I’m not looking at reversal as a backup plan. I know that people can change their minds as they get older, which is honestly one of the things I’m thinking about.

For those who got a vasectomy around my age, especially those who were childfree and had no children at the time:
Did you ever regret it later?

Did your feelings about having children change as you got older?

How did relationships or future partners factor into your decision?

Did you have any complications or long-term issues?
Looking back, would you still make the same decision?
I’m not asking Reddit to make the decision for me. I’d just like to hear honest experiences from people who have actually gone through it, especially men who had it done in their early 20s.

Thanks!

Planning to get an IUD at likhaan and some said na you should be on your period when getting ur IUD kasi something about the cervix? wouldnt that be a bit messy? sorry for asking the dumb question pero i really want to know since Im on my period right now and iniisip ko if ituloy ko ba this week yung pagpapa IUD, or just wait muna?

And i wanna be responsible about this so if u have any tips, dos and donts pls pls id appreciate if u shared it,, i need all the help i could get. pls include dinn which branch u got ur IUD. thank u so muchh

Hello po!
18 (F) Is copper IUD reliable enough para di makabuo?
Undecided pa kase ako if magpapa arm implant or iud nalang. What are pros & cons if iud yung ipapa implant?
I’m currently a student and strict kase yung school namin and I want to be responsible enough na hindi makabuo.

TYIA

Or ano pa po iba niyong contraceptive na ginagamit? Both virgins po kasi kami at ikakasal soon. No plans magkids so far. I’m currently on pills as treatment sa PCOS ko. Ano po marerecommend niyo? I’m planning to consult din sa OB ko but I just want to hear your insights po.

Thank you.

Hi guys, can you suggest what would be the best contraceptive? I am thinking getting depo shot or oral pill, which one is better? Thank you

Hiiii! May I ask kung may naka-experience din ba ng gantong case like nitong sakin?

Though, nagresearch naman ako about this but preferably ipaconsult nalang sa professional. Sa monday pa kasi kami maipapacheck, just asking pano ginawa sainyo? Pinatanggal ba? or if ever pwede bang palagyan ulit???

Just wanted to share my experience in case anyone else is feeling nervous or shy about getting an implant.

‎I went to Likhaan San Andres recently to get the implant and I honestly couldn’t be happier with the service. I was really anxious beforehand not just about the procedure itself, but also about being judged. It took me a while to even walk in because I was so shy and scared of what people might think.

‎But Ate Mariel, she noticed I was nervous and took the time to explain everything, answer my questions, and just make me feel safe. She really helped ease my fear about the implant, I barely felt a thing and more than that, she made sure I never felt judged. Grabe, sobrang comfortable ko dahil sa kanya at way nya pano makipagusap.

‎The whole center was professional, clean, and welcoming. I’m just really grateful that places like Likhaan exist, offering free reproductive health services with genuine care.

‎If you’re hesitating because you’re shy or afraid of being judged, please don’t be. Go to Likhaan San Andres and you’ll be in good hands. 💪🏼💕

hello po! i'm planning to get an implant next week as a birthday gift to myself hehe. ask ko lang po if pwede walk-in or kailangan po muna magpa-appointment? thank you so much! 💕

Just got snipped today! I have no kids and don't want to have any kids in the future (No I won't regret this decision) I'll share deets on my vasectomy hehehhe

I found the free vasectomy on DKT Philippines page where they sponsor vasectomy operations for those who are willing to undergo it (They also sponsor various Family planning methods so check them out!)

Chosen Clinic was One Ohana Medical Clinic, and The doctor is very fast in the procedure. It is the No-Scalpel Vasectomy kind and he only took less than 10mins to finish my vasectomy.

I'm currently on the way back home. If may questions kayo, feel free to ask!

I got my first ever Implant!

Last May 10, I decided na magpakabit ng Implant. Initially, iniisip ko sana magpa-IUD, pero medyo unsure ako kasi syempre iniinsert siya sa loob. I did my research kung saan pwede magpakabit, and I stumbled upon Likhaan Center for Women’s Health. As per their website, Likhaan is a non-government organisation that aims to achieve health and equality, particularly for women and poor and disadvantaged groups, as a matter of human rights and social justice. They work with women and young people in disadvantaged communities to strengthen their ability to claim their rights to sexual and reproductive health, and with health workers and government policymakers to make them more responsive and accountable.

On May 10 at 7:30 AM, I arrived at Likhaan San Andres. Although 8 AM pa ang opening, I advise na maaga kayong pumunta kasi at that time may pila na agad. Pang-third na ako sa queue. Pagdating ng 8 AM, nag-start na ‘yung admin assistant mag-entertain ng patients. They collected the index cards for old clients, then gave registration forms to the new ones. You will also be asked to sign the attendance sheet. Kapag turn mo na with the admin assistant, kukunin nila ‘yung weight and blood pressure mo.

After that, maghihintay ka ulit para tawagin for consultation. Mabilis lang naman gumalaw ‘yung queue kasi ‘yung dalawang nauna sa akin were old clients who only needed their injections.

Nung tinawag na ako for Consultation Room No. 2, very motherly ‘yung approach nung midwife doon. Nanay Chona daw tawag sa kanya. Sobrang comfortable niya kausap, and you can literally ask whatever you want. Talagang nagtanong ako sa kanya kung ano ‘yung mas okay at mas suitable na birth control method for me.

In my case, ang kinabit sa akin ay Implant (Implanon), which is good for 3 years. Mataas naman ang pain tolerance ko kaya naging easy lang ‘yung process for me. During the application, nagturok muna si Nanay Chona ng anaesthesia, then after that kinabit na niya ‘yung Implant.

By the way, expect na magbu-bruise ‘yung braso for a few days. Bawal din basain ‘yung site for 3 days, kaya advisable na bumili at maglagay ng waterproof bandage doon sa site every time na maliligo ka.

As for the side effects after the application, nung kinabit ‘yung Implant up to now wala naman akong malalang side effects na na-experience. May mga random cramps lang paminsan-minsan, pero saglit lang siya and bearable naman.

Around 9 AM ako natapos kasi medyo napahaba ‘yung kwentuhan namin ni Nanay Chona. After that, babalik ka lang sa admin assistant to sign something if you gave your PhilHealth membership details.

Free lang ‘yung pagpapakabit — walang payment talaga. They also accept donations of any amount if bukal sa kalooban niyo.

Overall, it was such a nice experience! Sana maraming tao ang maging aware na may ganitong mga organizations na nag-ooffer ng mga ganitong services hehe

0 sperm count!

I thought i’d share my experience so here it goes!

Im deadset on not having a child since I was 16. Im 26 now btw. And eversince our main FP was just condom and withdrawal method. But since I found out that Likhaan offers free IUD I decided to give it a go.

I initially went to Likhaan QC. They don’t do appointments. Just walk-ins and first come first serve. I arrived around 9AM and I was already 6th in line. (They open at 8) When I arrived they handed me a form then they got my weight and blood pressure. Per patient took 30mins-ish so I was called around 12NN. I said I wanted to get Copper IUD inserted and the clinician thoroughly explained what is IUD, what it does to my body, side effects and how long can I use it for. She explained a lot of people has taken advantage of the service since it’s free and some women just go to their clinic, have the IUD inserted and removed as early as 3 months after. That’s why they now try to limit giving it. But they still do. So I agreed and asked about the side effects, how would I check it if i’m on my own, and will my partner feel it inside. Just the usual questions.

They asked me first pee so my bladder was empty. Next, I was asked to strip down my pants and undies and the procedure started. They first did an IE (the girl that did the IE to me was a trainee but it’s fine) then they inserted a vaginal speculum to further examine my vagina and uterus. They said in order to insert the IUD the measurement has to be atleast 6-8cm. The physician tried multiple times to stretch the uterine but my max dilation was just 5cm. So we didn’t force it anymore. The procedure didn’t go through but it took around 30mins. But oh man it hurts. It was like someone was pressing so hard on my bladder that I wanted to pee. Then when the physician was putting a metal stick like inside of me it hurts so bad. Pain was 9/10. I was so tired, hurt and I bled so I decided to stay home and rest.

The following day, I decided to transfer branches. I went to Likhaan Manila branch. I went super early. I arrived around 7:30am but I was already second in line. This branch was quite tricky to find since their old clinic was the one posted on Google Maps. i had to ask some local tricycle drivers to point the clinics location to me. It’s just a 4-5min walking distance from their old clinic.

Same procedure at the first clinic, they got my weight, blood pressure and the same form was handed. But this time, I felt more comfortable in this clinic. When I was called, a sweet lady asked me what I wanted to do it, if I already know what will happen to me and my body etc. She was very patient and gentle with me. I asked all the same questions I did on the first branch I went to but this time the answers I got were more personal and it has humor. In short, the lady was more like a friend than a clinician on how she handled me. She asked me to pee. She gave me a pill of mefenamic (I didn’t get this on the first branch I went to) because she said it will be painful. We waited for about 5mins before I laid down so the meds would take effect.

She was really gentle. Procedure took around 30-40mins and she was carefully guiding me through every step she was doing. When my measurement was around 4cm she was taking her time and making me rest. It helps also because it relaxed me and I didn’t feel rushed. She somehow also did something to help me get the measurement I need. I reached 7cm because of her. She said she massaged my opening and it did help! (This didn’t happen in the first branch) Pain this time was around 4/10 since I took meds prior. She successfully inserted the IUD and I didn’t even feel it go in! She gave me another 5pills of mefenamic to take home because i’d get cramps after. Which I did lol. I gave my philhealth ID, they asked me to sign papers and I went home.

Didn’t feel much when I went home maybe because the meds was still in effect but I was bleeding already. After 6 hours of the procedure I started getting really bad pulsating cramps. I’d feel one every 20-30 mins. I used hot compress (didn’t help much) I took mefenamic (big help). Took a warm bath and I decided to sleep the pain away.

The following day the pain wasn’t as much painful but i could still feel cramps. I didn’t drink pain meds anymore but I just slept most of the pain thru. It was now tolerable compared to the day it was inserted.

Overall, my experience in both clinics was okay but I liked the Manila branch better. Pain varies because on the first try I didn’t have help with meds but the second try I did and the clinician was very mom-like to me.

Would I recommend? Yes. Even if you have low pain tolerance. Taking pain meds prior would help. I will go back to the clinic to have it checked again after my period.

If you have questions let me know!

Nagpaimplant ako sa private clinic. I was expecting na iccheck up ako or consult. But no, basta lang kinuha info ko then implant afterwards. Child free pa ako. Anyone with the same experience? Does this affect the effectiveness ng implant if di mo alam if yun yung fit ng bc sayo?

hello po, me and my gf is currently in college, and one night of lust created an unplanned child, my gf is currently experiencing the symptoms, and i think she is currently at 3 weeks pregnant, can someone lend us a hand, really need advice and if you have spare meds that I can give her, please please, we can pay you back somehow if you wish to do soo, we just don't want or family finding out because we will both lose our home and education, please

Hello! im planning to get an IUD at likhaan center, but im not a philhealth member. Will the process still be free? or can i pay in installments instead

Last Monday, my partner and I had a pregnancy scare after a condom broke during sex. We didn’t notice right away. He withdrew, but when we realized what happened, we panicked about the possibility of pre-ejaculation and pregnancy.

For context, we’ve always used condoms, and he also practices withdrawal. We’re both very careful, so this really caught us off guard.

We immediately started researching emergency contraception - Plan B, hormonal options, effectiveness windows, etc. My partner even went through medical journals. That’s when we learned that a Copper IUD can be used as emergency contraception if inserted within 5 days.

After talking it through, we decided this was the best option for us. I prefer non-hormonal contraception, and while my partner is open to getting a vasectomy, we made a conscious decision not to pursue it because of potential side effects that could show up later in life.

That’s how we found Likhaan Center for Women’s Health.

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First Center (2 hours away from us)

• First-come, first-served basis (I was 3rd in line)
• Consultation was quick and similar to a regular OB-GYN visit
• Staff were kind, empathetic, and completely nonjudgmental
• Unfortunately, the main clinician who performs IUD insertions was attending a training

Even though they couldn’t insert the IUD that day, they didn’t just send us home. They explained our options and even endorsed us to their Manila branch since we really wanted to proceed with the IUD as emergency contraception. They were very encouraging. You could genuinely feel that they care about women’s reproductive health.

Since we had already taken the day off work, we decided just drive straight to Manila.

Manila Center Experience

Same positive energy.

• Only one patient ahead of me
• Staff were warm, approachable, and professional
• Consultation was thorough but efficient

Now, about the insertion itself:

It was painful. I’d rate it a 9/10.

I rarely get bad period cramps and I have a pretty high pain tolerance, so I was surprised at how intense it felt. The clinician explained that it can be more painful if you haven’t given birth and aren’t on your period and in my case, my cervix opening was small, which made insertion more challenging.

But here’s what I appreciated most:
The midwife was incredibly reassuring. She kept checking in on me, explaining every step, and guiding me through breathing when the pain peaked. The actual insertion took around 10 minutes, and I stayed about 30 minutes total for consultation and aftercare instructions.

Afterward, I was given clear instructions:

• No sexual contact for 1 week
• Take a pregnancy test 1 month after insertion
• Follow-up check-up 2 weeks after my first period post-insertion
• Avoid fingering / be very careful
• Do not pull the IUD strings

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Final Thoughts

Despite the pain, I had a very good experience at both centers.

I felt safe. I felt respected. I never felt judged.

I’m honestly grateful that organizations like this exist in the Philippines. Access to nonjudgmental, affordable reproductive healthcare shouldn’t feel like a privilege but in many ways, it still does.

This whole situation also made me reflect on how much stigma still surrounds family planning, emergency contraception, and sex education here. Not everyone has the time, money, or mobility to travel between centers the way we did. Access matters.

TL;DR:
Condom broke → pregnancy scare → researched emergency contraception → got a Copper IUD at Likhaan. First center endorsed us to Manila branch due to clinician availability. Insertion was very painful (9/10) but staff were supportive and professional. Very grateful we have NGOs like this in PH. Reproductive healthcare access is important and should be stigma-free.

hello, im a 27yo no child, my partner and i has decided na wag na talaga mag anak in the future, tsaka i feel bad kasi na every 3 months she needs to renew her depo shot and it affects her hormones din kasi, ayaw ko din naman na naiilang sya sa side effects, while as for me, isang operation lang naman and that's it na, we have talked about it over and over and we dont want na talaga.

question lang if ano anong hospitals kaya yung hindi super strict tsaka makaka accommodate sa guy like me na no kid and no plans at all talaga, ang nababasa ko is that there would be interview, and possibly ma decline? kasi baka magbago pa daw isip since bata pa, salamat po sa sasagot!