Hormonal vs. Non-Hormonal Birth Control: Which One Is Right for You?

There are many different brands of hormonal birth control, but in the end, you'll have to choose:

Different bands use different ratios in combining them, but as a rule, these pills have both estrogen and progesterone. They work by stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg. They also slow the egg's movement through the fallopian tubes, make cervical mucus thicker, and thin the uterine lining—ultimately helping to prevent the sperm from fertilizing an egg. These pills have to be taken at the same time, every day. When taken correctly, it is 99% effective.

Also known as the mini pill, this is a good option for individuals who cannot take estrogen. For instance, estrogen is said to reduce breast milk, so breastfeeding mothers who are not ready to wean may be more suited for the mini pill. This pill must be taken at the same time, every day. Missing a pill by just a couple of hours can drastically reduce its effectiveness and disrupt your menstrual cycle.

For those who can't or don't want to commit to a daily pill, the progestin intramuscular injectable allows for a high level of contraceptive protection (94%) that stretches for one month or three months, depending on the type. You will need to visit a healthcare provider to get injected.

Small, flexible rods with a long-lasting hormonal contraceptive solution are implanted under your skin by a healthcare professional. Slowly releasing a hormone (usually progestin) into your bloodstream over a period of typically three years, the hormone thickens cervical mucus to block sperm. This low-maintenance option requires a higher commitment up front due to its cost and surgical approach.

This T-shaped plastic frame is inserted into the uterus and releases progestin. It doesn't protect from STIs, but it can stay in place for eight years. You don't have to commit to the full eight years either. Those who want to get pregnant can remove it and conceive soon after.

For those who would rather go the non-hormonal route for whatever reason —maybe they're experiencing side effects from the hormonal birth control, maybe they need immediate protection, maybe they are advised by their doctor against it—there are many non-hormonal options ranging from easy-to-use to surgically installed. Here are a few non-hormonal birth control options available in the Philippines.

The easiest barrier to access is a condom—many going for less than 100 pesos for a pack for three at any convenience store, with some freely available at organizations like LoveYourself. Condoms are particularly great because they offer immediate protection—from both pregnancy and STIs. Other barriers include the diaphragm, female condom, contraceptive sponge, and dental dam—but they are not as easily accessible in the Philippines as the male condom.

Although similar in shape and installation, the copper IUD differs from the hormonal IUD in that it does not contain any hormones. Instead, the copper material interferes with sperm viability, making it difficult for them to reach and fertilize an egg. It can stay in the uterus up to 10 years.

These are ways to observe subtle changes in your body in order to track your menstrual cycle, including when you are ovulating (read: most susceptible to getting pregnant). These include: the rhythm method, where you use a calendar to track your fertile days and abstain from unprotected intercourse during that window; the basal body temperature method, where you monitor your temperature each morning to identify any peaks in temperature that indicate fertility; and the cervical mucus method, where you track the consistency and appearance of your cervical mucus (egg-white discharge usually indicates ovulation). Note that these methods carry a high risk of error and are therefore best paired with a condom.

These surgical procedures are permanent approaches, performed by trained professionals in a hospital setting under anesthesia. Ligation blocks or cuts fallopian tubes to prevent eggs from meeting sperm, while vasectomies cut or seal the vas deferens to prevent sperm from being ejaculated during sexual activity.

Birth control should be available at government hospitals, health centers, and pharmacies. Condoms and birth control pills are the most widely available methods. While, IUDs, implants, and sterilization procedures may only be accessible in hospitals or larger clinics. However, access still depends on where you live, whether the local pharmacy will require a prescription, and whether you approach a medical establishment that is bound by religious obligations.