Data

Birth control in the Philippines: the numbers

Editorially reviewed on October 29, 2026. [TODO: medical reviewer]

Quick answer

Every number on this page has a citation. National survey figures (contraceptive prevalence and unmet need from the Philippine National Demographic and Health Survey) are being pulled from the official PSA report and will be added only once checked against the source.

National survey figures

Contraceptive prevalence, method mix and unmet need for family planning: [TODO: pull exact figures from the latest PSA NDHS report]^[src] We do not reuse numbers from memory or secondary articles.

From our price index and research

pill brands on Philippine pharmacy shelves

Counted from Watsons, Rose, TGP and Hati listings, October 2026.^[src]

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<blockquote>19: pill brands on Philippine pharmacy shelves. Source: <a href="https://birthcontrolphilippines.com/statistics#pill-brands">birthcontrolphilippines.com</a></blockquote>

₱53.25 to ₱1,437.50

price range for one pill pack

Lowest listed price per pack, Lady to Qlaira. Price index.

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<blockquote>₱53.25 to ₱1,437.50: price range for one pill pack. Source: <a href="https://birthcontrolphilippines.com/statistics#price-spread">birthcontrolphilippines.com</a></blockquote>

₱2,220

a year saved choosing Cybelle over Diane-35

Same active ingredients and dose, 13 packs a year.

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<blockquote>₱2,220: a year saved choosing Cybelle over Diane-35. Source: <a href="https://birthcontrolphilippines.com/statistics#twin-saving">birthcontrolphilippines.com</a></blockquote>

Free

pills, injectables, implants and IUDs at public facilities

DOH, July 2025, subject to supply.^[src]

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<blockquote>Free: pills, injectables, implants and IUDs at public facilities. Source: <a href="https://birthcontrolphilippines.com/statistics#free">birthcontrolphilippines.com</a></blockquote>

2001

year dedicated emergency contraceptive pills lost registration

BFAD revoked Postinor's registration; DKT reports 68% of surveyed doctors say FDA should reconsider.^[src]

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<blockquote>2001: year dedicated emergency contraceptive pills lost registration. Source: <a href="https://birthcontrolphilippines.com/statistics#ec-2001">birthcontrolphilippines.com</a></blockquote>

7 in 100

pill users who get pregnant in a typical year

Versus fewer than 1 in 100 with an implant or IUD.^[src]

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<blockquote>7 in 100: pill users who get pregnant in a typical year. Source: <a href="https://birthcontrolphilippines.com/statistics#effectiveness">birthcontrolphilippines.com</a></blockquote>

Our own survey

We are running an anonymous survey on how Filipinas get birth control since the 2024 prescription enforcement. Take part.

This guide is for information. Talk to a doctor before starting, stopping or switching birth control.

Sources

Philippine National Demographic and Health Survey, Philippine Statistics Authority [TODO: source] exact report and figures to pull before publishing statistics.
DOH reminds public family planning services are free at public hospitals, Daily Tribune, 12 Jul 2025
Family Planning: A Global Handbook for Providers, WHO and Johns Hopkins CCP
Medical providers say FDA should reconsider ban on emergency contraceptive pills, Malaya
Oral contraceptives category, Watsons PH
Prescription Pharmacy: Contraceptive Agents, Rose Pharmacy
Explainer: Philippine Pharmacy Act and prescription medicines, Interaksyon (Philstar), 25 Apr 2024