Your needs
Birth control with no hormones
Quick answer
The copper IUD is the most effective hormone-free method: fewer than 1 in 100 users get pregnant in a year, and it lasts up to 10 to 12 years. Condoms are hormone free and the only method that also protects against STIs. Natural methods are free but much less reliable.
Your hormone-free options
- Copper IUD: very effective, lasts years, works right away, and is free at public facilities, subject to supply [src]. Privately it costs ₱10,000 to ₱20,000 [src]. Periods can get heavier and crampier, especially at first [src].
- Condoms: no prescription, free at health centers, ₱38.75 to ₱53.75 for 3 at Watsons. Typical-use effectiveness is lower than the IUD, but they protect against STIs [src].
- Natural methods: the calendar method, fertility awareness and withdrawal. Free, but much less reliable [src].
- Sterilization (ligation or vasectomy) is permanent and free at DOH facilities [src]. Only consider it if you are sure you want no more children.
Why people choose no hormones
Some people had mood changes, headaches or other side effects on hormones, some have a medical reason, and some simply prefer it. If you are avoiding hormones because of a specific worry, such as weight or fertility, the evidence may be more reassuring than you expect: see weight gain and fertility after stopping.
Need emergency protection?
A copper IUD put in within 5 days of unprotected sex is the most effective emergency option [src]. Talk to a doctor today.
These are method families to discuss with a doctor, not a prescription. A health center visit is free, and online consults start from ₱700 on some platforms.
Three legal routes
Get a prescription or a clinic visit
The copper IUD is put in at a clinic or health center. Condoms need no prescription. Pick the route that suits you. For adults 18 and over.
Free at a health center
Barangay health centers, RHUs, DOH hospitals and Likhaan. Subject to supply.
See an OB-GYN in person
Clinic visit, prescription in hand. Bring it to any licensed pharmacy.
Online consult
A licensed doctor by video or chat. From ₱700 on some platforms.
Online consult options
For adults 18 and over. Fees are set by each provider and can change.
Frequently asked questions
Ano ang birth control na walang hormones?
Ang copper IUD ang pinakaepektibo na walang hormones. Kasama rin ang condom at natural methods, pero mas mababa ang bisa ng mga ito.
Does the copper IUD have any hormones?
No. It works through copper, which stops sperm from fertilizing an egg.
Is the copper IUD free?
It is free at public facilities and Likhaan, subject to supply. Private clinics charge more.
This guide is for information. Talk to a doctor before starting, stopping or switching birth control.
Sources
- Family Planning: A Global Handbook for Providers, WHO and Johns Hopkins CCP
- Family planning / contraception methods (fact sheet), World Health Organization
- Emergency contraception (fact sheet), World Health Organization
- DOH reminds public family planning services are free at public hospitals, Daily Tribune, 12 Jul 2025
- IUD insertion cost in the Philippines, ClinicFinderPH, Jun 2026