CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)--The Department of Health (DOH)-10 emphasized that modern family planning methods are both effective and safe. They particularly highlighted vasectomy as a permanent method for husbands who believe their family is already complete and no longer want to add any more children.

In an episode of Talakayan sa PIA: Konsultayo with DOH-10 at SM CDO City Uptown, Fe Sumagpao, family planning program coordinator of DOH-10, mentioned that various modern family planning methods are available at rural health units.

"Naa na ta service provider para sa permanent method sa vasectomy. Kinsa tong mga isog nga tatay, willing magpa-vasectomy naa na tay provider sa City Hospital [We have a service provider for permanent methods such as vasectomy. For brave fathers who are willing to get vasectomy, we have a provider at the City Hospital]," said Fe Sumagpao.

She also noted that serious complications from a vasectomy are rare. The most common issues are infection and bleeding at the incision site, but these occur in a small percentage of cases and are typically minor. Additionally, there is no evidence to suggest that vasectomy raises the risk of long-term health issues, such as prostate cancer or heart disease. Most men can resume their regular activities, including work, within a few days after the procedure, and the recovery period is relatively short.

Other modern family planning methods include implants, pills, an intrauterine device (IUD), injectables, the lactational amenorrhea method (LAM), bilateral tubal ligation, and most commonly, the use of condoms and fertility awareness methods.

Meanwhile, for women, "Isa ani ang pinakasikat na karon ang implant. Mura siya og posporo [One of the most popular now is the implant. It is like a matchstick]," Sumagpao said.

She explained that it is a small, flexible rod, about the size of a matchstick, placed under the skin of your arm.

DOH-10 and the Population Commission and Development (CPD) have conducted training for implant specialists, such as midwives, in various rural health units and hospitals because only those who are trained are allowed to put an implant to women.

"Tanan methods maka ingon ko nga best, pero depende ra na sa hiyang sa usa ka indibidwal [all methods I can say are best, but it depends what is best suited for an individual]," Sumagpao said.

She advised that those who want to use family planning methods must undergo counseling so that they will be taught how to use them and get satisfaction.

"Satisfaction is one important thing we always remember when we give advice to an individual who will use our modern method," she added.

Modern family planning involves the use of a safe and effective contraceptive method that lets a person delay or space pregnancy. This means one can have a baby when he or she wants to or stop having children when their family is complete. (JMOR/PIA-10)