This study examines recent levels, patterns, and determinants of traditional contraceptive method use, based on pooled data from the 2003, 2008, and 2013 Philippines Demographic and Health Surveys. Most contraceptive users in the Philippines rely on modern methods, but over the past ten years traditional method use has continued to account for about a third of all contraceptive use. Results show women in 2003 and 2008 were more likely to use periodic abstinence (rhythm) over modern methods compared with women in 2013, while withdrawal rather than modern methods was preferred more by women in 2013 than in 2003. The characteristics of women who use traditional methods have changed little over the past decade. Knowing the characteristics of traditional contraceptive method users can help establish policies and programs that promote more effective contraceptive use, including encouraging users of traditional contraceptive methods to switch to the more effective modern methods.

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This study tackles the issue of how the media affect the sexual behavior of people. Using data from the 2002 Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality survey (YAFS3) and through bivariate and logistic regression analyses, it specifically examines the possible influence of exposure to pornographic media content on the Filipino adolescents’ sexual initiation. Results of the analyses show substantial level of premarital sex involvement among the youth, as well as a significant difference between the males’ and females’ level and timing of premarital sex. Findings also indicate that to a certain extent, exposure to pornographic media is indeed associated with early initiation into sex.