The Method Map
Every birth control method, compared
Quick answer
The implant and IUDs are the most effective reversible methods: fewer than 1 in 100 users get pregnant a year. The injectable (about 4 in 100) and pills (about 7 in 100) work well when used on time. Condoms are the only method that also protects against STIs. Most are free at public health facilities.[src]
Up: more effective in typical use. Right: less often you need to think about it.
Tap a dot.
See how well each method works, how long it lasts, what it costs in pesos and where it is free.
Pregnancies per 100 women in the first year of use. Source: WHO Family Planning Handbook comparison table (Trussell data, also used in the CDC effectiveness chart). Prices: lowest to highest current private price from our price tracker.
See the data as a table
| Method | How often | Typical use | Perfect use | Lasts | Price (PH) | Free at health centers | Rx |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Implant | Every 3 to 10 years | 99.9% (0.1 in 100 pregnant a year) | 99.9% | 3 years (label) | ₱200 to ₱10,500 | Yes, subject to supply | Inserted by a trained doctor, nurse or midwife |
| Hormonal IUD | Every 3 to 10 years | 99.3% (0.7 in 100 pregnant a year) | 99.5% | Up to 5 years or more, by product label | ₱18,000 to ₱25,000 | No | Inserted by a trained provider |
| Copper IUD | Every 3 to 10 years | 99.2% (0.8 in 100 pregnant a year) | 99.4% | Up to 10 to 12 years, by product label | ₱200 to ₱20,000 | Yes, subject to supply | Inserted by a trained provider |
| Injectable (DMPA) | Every 3 months | 96% (4 in 100 pregnant a year) | 99.8% | 13 weeks per shot | ₱99 to ₱900 | Yes, subject to supply | Given by a health worker |
| Combined pill | Every day | 93% (7 in 100 pregnant a year) | 99.7% | One pack a month | ₱53.25 to ₱1,437.50 | Yes, subject to supply | Prescription required in the PH |
| Progestin-only pill | Every day | 93% (7 in 100 pregnant a year) | 99.7% | One pack a month | ₱161 to ₱642 | Yes, subject to supply | Prescription required in the PH |
| Male condom | Every time you have sex | 87% (13 in 100 pregnant a year) | 98% | One use | ₱38.75 to ₱53.75 | Yes, subject to supply | No prescription needed |
| Withdrawal | Every time you have sex | 80% (20 in 100 pregnant a year) | 96% | Each time | Free | No | None |
| Calendar method | Every day | 88% (12 in 100 pregnant a year) | 95% | Ongoing tracking | Free | Yes, subject to supply | None. Counselling at health centers |
All methods
Implant
A small rod under the skin of the upper arm. The most effective reversible method.
- Typical use
- 99.9%
- How often
- Every 3 to 10 years
- Price
- ₱200 to ₱10,500 · free at health centers
Hormonal IUD
A small T-shaped device in the uterus that releases levonorgestrel. Periods often get lighter.
- Typical use
- 99.3%
- How often
- Every 3 to 10 years
- Price
- ₱18,000 to ₱25,000
Copper IUD
A hormone-free T-shaped device. Periods can get heavier at first.
- Typical use
- 99.2%
- How often
- Every 3 to 10 years
- Price
- ₱200 to ₱20,000 · free at health centers
Injectable (DMPA)
A shot every 3 months (Depotrust, Lyndavel). Fertility can take longer to return.
- Typical use
- 96%
- How often
- Every 3 months
- Price
- ₱99 to ₱900 · free at health centers
Combined pill
Estrogen plus progestin, one pill a day. Trust, Lady, Diane-35, Yaz and more.
- Typical use
- 93%
- How often
- Every day
- Price
- ₱53.25 to ₱1,437.50 · free at health centers
Progestin-only pill
No estrogen. Daphne, Exluton, Cerazette. A common choice while breastfeeding.
- Typical use
- 93%
- How often
- Every day
- Price
- ₱161 to ₱642 · free at health centers
Male condom
The only method here that also protects against STIs.
- Typical use
- 87%
- How often
- Every time you have sex
- Price
- ₱38.75 to ₱53.75 · free at health centers
Withdrawal
Pulling out before ejaculation. Much less reliable than modern methods.
- Typical use
- 80%
- How often
- Every time you have sex
- Price
- Free
Calendar method
Avoiding sex on fertile days (figure shown is for the Standard Days Method). Needs regular cycles.
- Typical use
- 88%
- How often
- Every day
- Price
- Free · free at health centers
Not sure where to start? Find my method takes about 2 minutes, or see methods without hormones.
Three legal routes
Get a prescription
All birth control pills need a prescription in the Philippines. 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
What is family planning?
Family planning means choosing whether and when to have children, using contraception. In the Philippines it is free at public health facilities under the RH Law.
Which method lasts the longest?
The copper IUD, up to 10 years or more by label. Implants last 3 years and hormonal IUDs about 5.
Ano ang pinaka-epektibong family planning method?
Ang implant at IUD. Wala pang 1 sa 100 ang nabubuntis kada taon.
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
- DOH reminds public family planning services are free at public hospitals, Daily Tribune, 12 Jul 2025
- Effectiveness of family planning methods (chart), US CDC Added during build. [TODO: confirm exact chart URL]