Getting to know life’s real

“contra vida,”  Part 2

  BY DENICE NILLAS-PRICE

I
n last month’s issue, we narrated the story
contraceptive pill endorsers aren’t telling.
This issue, Dr. Leah Zamora, a fellow of the
Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society,
and the Philippine Society of Ultrasound in
Obstetrics and Gynecology, and a consultant at
the Asian Hospital and Medical Center, and the
University of Perpetual Help Medical Center in
Las Piñas, lets us in on the side effects of the
other means of contraception.
ries and fallopian tubes (these infections may
cause infertility and even sterility); 5) ectopic
pregnancy. The IUD may also be “lost” (the
IUD has a string which is seen protruding from
the cervix. When the string is not seen, the
IUD may have been expelled or it may have
perforated the uterus. An ultrasound is usually
performed to locate the missing IUD. If it is still
not located, X-ray studies or even laparoscopy
may be necessary.

Mechanical methods. IUD (intrauterine contra-
ceptive device). This device, usually shaped like
a “T,” is inserted into the uterus and makes
the womb a hostile environment because it
is constantly irritated by the foreign object
inside it. Therefore, when something goes into
it, like a sperm or the fertilized ovum/zygote,
the uterus will want to expel the sperm or
zygote, when what it really wants is to expel
the device, Dr. Zamora illustrates. Again, when
the zygote is expelled, this is abortion and not
contraception.
Side effects are: 1) Perforation of the uterus. The
uterus can get cut. This usually happens during
the time of the insertion of the IUD. However,
late perforations can also occur if the device
migrates spontaneously into and through the
muscular wall of the uterus; 2) uterine cramping
and bleeding; 3) heavy or prolonged bleeding;
4) infection of the uterine lining and fallopian
tubes (known as pelvic inflammatory disease or
PID) and abscess formation involving the ova-
Barrier methods. 1) Male condoms provide no
absolute protection from sexually transmitted
infections; slippage, breakage and displacement
may also occur during use. There are also some
who may be allergic to the latex material used to
make these condoms. 2) Female condoms/vag-
inal pouch (instead of covering the penis, this
condom is inserted into the vagina)—slippage
and breakage may also occur. 3) Diaphragm
plus spermicidal contraceptives (it’s like a cap
that is inserted in the vagina)—can cut into the
vagina; cannot be removed for at least six to
eight hours after intercourse.
Sterilization/permanent methods of contracep-
tion. 1) Tubal Ligation (the fallopian tubes are
cut in the middle, so sperms will not meet the
egg). There is a possibility of spontaneous re-
connection of the tubes. “Failure rates” (i.e.,
pregnancies) after tubal ligation range from 1.7
to 12 pregnancies for every 1,000 procedures. In
addition, there is a higher risk for ectopic preg-
nancy when the tubes re-connect after tubal
ligation. Other dangers of tubal ligation are com-
plications from anesthesia and possible injury
to nearby structures like the intestines and uri-
nary tract. These complications, according to
Williams Obstetrics occur in 0.9 to 1.6 out of
100 procedures when they are done through
laparoscopy. 2) Hysterectomy (removal of the
uterus). Like any major surgery, there may be
complications from the anesthesia, bleeding,
and injury to nearby structures like the uri-
nary tract. 3) Vasectomy (cut the tube from
testes to penis so sperm will not be released).
Sterility is not immediate (complete expulsion
of the sperm stored in the tubes takes three
months or up to 20 ejaculations. In case the

32 Baby Magazine | October 2008

Dr. Zamora believes that the woman (the couple) if capable of vigi-
lance with the use of the pill, would be more than capable of going
natural—with absolutely no side effects.
suture that ties the blood vessels loosens or one day of the pill and the risk of ovulation is the hormone that signals your ovary to release
releases, a blood clot may form in the testi- higher. The pill needs to be taken at the same an egg is told not to, because you are still pres-
cle. And because the testes still produce sperm, time of the day, every day for three weeks. ently taking care of a baby—it’s genius really!).
sperm granulomas may also form. “Failure rates” If not, hormonal levels fluctuate and cause a
(or pregnancies) after vasectomy range from decreased effectiveness of the pill. As one pill
What we put in our bodies will ultimately reflect
9.4 to 11.4 for every 1,000 procedures, Williams leaflet states, “a delay of more than 12 hours
in our lives. What we do to our bodies now will
Obstetrics claims. may reduce the reliability of the pill.” show in a few years. The risks exist, be it at
a rate of 1 percent or higher. Risks are every-
Knowing the failure rates and side effects of Dr. Zamora believes that the woman (the cou- where. But wouldn’t it be reckless to subject
using the abovementioned artificial contracep- ple) if capable of this vigilance with the use ourselves to such risks knowing fully well
tives makes one wonder why anyone concerned of the pill, would be more than capable of “going natural” is always the better option?
with his/her well-being would even consider going natural—with absolutely no side effects.
using them. Natural methods of fertility awareness are the *Denice Price is a lawyer by profession, and mother
Billings-Ovulation Method, Temperature Method, to William, 3, and Matthew, 1. She and her husband,
Better than the pill Symptothermal Method (combined Billings Paul, are expecting their third baby.
Taking the pill is not easy. It requires women and Temperature Method), and Lactational
to be constantly vigilant and disciplined. Miss Amenorrhea (when you breastfeed exclusively,

October 2008 | Baby Magazine 33