Welcome to the Start Learning page! Explore a diverse collection of articles. You can also find links to helpful resources and organizations that can further support your growth.
Birth control
Contraceptives like condoms, pills, IUDs, and implants can be costly, making them unaffordable for many in the Philippines. This financial barrier prevents some families from practicing family planning. However, there are places in the Philippines where free contraceptives are available.The primary purpose of contraceptives is to prevent pregnancies. While pregnancy itself isn't a problem, unplanned pregnancies can be challenging, especially for those not ready to have children. Contraceptives empower individuals, particularly women, to control their lives, decide when to have children, and manage the number of children they want.Beyond preventing pregnancies, contraceptives offer additional benefits. They can reduce pregnancy-related illnesses, particularly in teens, and help women with PCOS manage their condition. Contraceptives are also prescribed for severe acne due to their hormone-balancing effects.These benefits underscore the importance of making free contraceptives available in the Philippines.One way to get free contraceptives is to reach out to Likhaan, they offer a number of services for women.
Pregnancy occurs when a sperm fertilizes an egg released from your ovary, and the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of your uterus, where it grows into a baby. Hormones in your body regulate this process, known as ovulation, and prepare your body for pregnancy.Hormonal contraceptives, such as the pill, the patch, and the vaginal ring, contain small amounts of estrogen and progestin hormones. These hormones work in various ways to prevent pregnancy by interfering with your body’s natural hormone levels. They typically suppress ovulation, alter cervical mucus to impede sperm movement, and may also affect the uterine lining to make it less suitable for implantation of a fertilized egg.The birth control pills' effectiveness decreases if not taken at the same time every day, if a dose is missed accidentally, or if other medications interfere with them. About 9 out of 100 sexually active individuals using birth control pills become pregnant each year.To maximize the effectiveness of your birth control pill, take it consistently every day. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. Discuss with your healthcare provider any other medications or supplements you are taking to ensure they won’t affect the efficacy of your birth control. (Benisek, n.d)You can read more about it here
Body image
Body image refers to how one perceives and feels about their physical appearance, often in consideration of others’ perceptions. Conversely, self-esteem pertains to one’s overall sense of self-worth and value as a person, encompassing various aspects of life.While body image solely concerns self-perception, self-esteem is a broader concept that includes thoughts and feelings about oneself and the world.Both body image and self-esteem focus on personal feelings, influencing behavior and interactions with others. They are natural aspects of human psychology.People who embrace their bodies, despite imperfections, tend to be more confident and content in life. Cultivating a positive body image involves appreciating the body’s functions, nourishing it with healthy food, and understanding that appearance doesn’t define worth.Healthy self-esteem contributes to realistic expectations and self-care, leading to increased energy and capability. Individuals with high self-esteem have a balanced view of their strengths and weaknesses, enhancing their performance in various aspects of life.
According to Barclay (2023) there are several strategies can promote a positive body image:1. Avoid comparing yourself to unrealistic standards in media and embrace your uniqueness.
2. Practice self-love and acceptance for every aspect of yourself.
3. Maintain good hygiene habits to support both mental and physical well-being.
4. Set achievable goals based on personal values rather than societal beauty standards.
5. Engage in activities that bring joy and fulfillment, regardless of their physical demands.You can read more about it here
Consent
Consent extends beyond the bedroom and is relevant in various contexts, including the workplace. It applies to situations where one person takes action without the other’s permission simply because they didn’t bother to ask for it. Such situations can be very harmful, underscoring the importance of understanding what requires consent and ensuring it is obtained. According to The Balance Careers, common forms of harassment in the workplace include sexual harassment, offensive photos, offensive jokes, assault, ridicule, and intimidation.
On October 28, 2019, the Philippine government enacted Republic Act No. 11313, commonly referred to as the Safe Spaces Law or the Bawal Bastos Law. Championed by Senator Risa Hontiveros, who chairs the Philippine Senate Women, Family Relations, and Gender Equality Committee, this legislation is designed to combat gender-based harassment in both public and online spheres. The law specifically addresses behaviors such as catcalling, unwanted invitations, transphobic, homophobic, and sexist remarks, as well as persistent unwanted comments or gestures regarding a person’s appearance.The law emphasizes the importance of explicit consent. As stated by the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), “consent doesn’t have to be verbal, but verbally agreeing to different sexual activities can help both you and your partner respect each other’s boundaries.” It also clarifies that individuals under the influence of alcohol or medication, or who are under duress, are incapable of giving consent. Any consent obtained through force, coercion, violence, or intimidation is not considered valid consent. (Marcos, 2019).You can read more about it here
Digital Abuse
In an era dominated by smartphones and smart homes, the use of technology for harassment and abuse is becoming more prevalent.Digital abuse, which involves using technology to harass or intimidate someone, can manifest in various ways. It can happen at any stage of a relationship and affect individuals of all ages, although it is particularly common among teenagers and young adults who frequently use technology. This form of abuse can also occur outside of intimate relationships, such as harassment from someone met on a dating site.Digital abuse often accompanies other forms of domestic violence; Like other forms of abuse, digital abuse is fundamentally about exerting control.
There are measures you can take to enhance your online safety. Most social media platforms offer privacy settings that let you control who can access your profiles. Keep in mind that abusers may save and share anything you post online. Additionally, consider the possibility that your loved ones might be experiencing digital abuse; always ask for their consent before posting their photo or tagging their location on social media. (Joyful Heart, 2018)You can read more about it here
Gender
Imagine a gingerbread cookie, but instead of being just a tasty treat, it's here to teach us about gender! Our Genderbread Person has four important parts, each representing a different aspect of who we are:Gender Identity (Brain):
This is all about what's going on in your head. It's how you see yourself and what you call yourself. You might feel like a boy, a girl, both, neither, or somewhere in between. Think of it as the little voice in your head telling you who you are.Gender Expression (Outside):
This is how you show the world who you are through your clothing, hairstyle, behavior, and voice. It's like the decorations on our cookie! You might express yourself in a way that's traditionally masculine, feminine, both, or neither.Biological Sex (Heart):
This is about the physical stuff you were born with: your chromosomes, hormones, and body parts. It's what the doctor said when you were born, "It's a boy!" or "It's a girl!" But remember, biological sex can be more complex than just those two options.Sexual Orientation (Star):
This one’s about who you’re attracted to. It's like the twinkly star above our cookie. You might be attracted to boys, girls, both, neither, or anyone else on the gender spectrum.The Genderbread Person helps us understand that everyone is unique. Just like no two cookies are exactly the same, no two people are exactly the same in their gender identity, gender expression, biological sex, and sexual orientation. It's a fun and friendly way to celebrate diversity and understand ourselves and others better.You can find the creator of the figure here
Periods and Period Problems
Pads, tampons, period underwear, and cups allow you to manage your period without staining your clothes or sheets. Tampons and cups are inserted into the vagina, pads are placed in your underwear, and period underwear can be worn in place of regular underwear during your period.Pads can be either disposable, meant to be used once and discarded, or reusable, made from fabric that can be washed and worn again.Tampons and cups cannot get stuck, lost inside you, or move to another part of your body. The muscles in your vagina hold them in place until you remove them.Most people who menstruate experience some PMS symptoms, such as cramps, bloating, breast tenderness, or mood changes before or during their period. These PMS symptoms typically require just a bit of extra self-care to manage. However, PMDD symptoms are much more severe and can significantly disrupt daily life. If you consistently experience any of the following symptoms in the week or two leading up to your period, or if these symptoms worsen considerably during that time, consult your doctor or nurse about PMDD. (Planned Parenthood, 2023)
PMDD: What Is It?Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It can lead to depression, anxiety, and various physical and mental health symptoms during the two weeks before your period. These symptoms can be intense enough to interfere with daily activities, such as work, school, and relationships. Typically, PMDD symptoms subside once your period begins or within a day or two afterward.You can read more about it hereBy the way, not everyone who gets their period is a woman,For some trans and gender diverse people, menstruation is a normal part of their experience, while for others, it's distressing. Menstruation isn't exclusively feminine; people of all genders, including non-binary, agender, and men, can menstruate.Many people, both trans and cis, choose to avoid or reduce the frequency of their periods, and this is completely okay.
