In a world where discussions about women's health often feel taboo, Bayer Philippines took a bold step to change the narrative. On August 30, 2023, they launched "Bayer For Her: Conversations of Care," an event that aimed to create a safe and empowering space for women to talk openly about their health. Coinciding with PCOS Awareness Month in September, this event was not just about raising awareness; it was about fostering a community of empowered women who are unafraid to share their health experiences.
Real Stories, Real Empowerment
One of the most empowering moments of the event came from three of the most prominent social media personalities in the Philippines: Verniece Enciso-Lim, Say Tioco, and Melissa Gohing-Nacino.
Former professional volleyball player Melissa Gohing-Nacino opened up about her emotional battle with PCOS and getting pregnant. She credited her husband and OB-GYN for being her rocks through this challenging time. "Our OB-GYN really helped us throughout the process until we found the right treatment and medication to control the symptoms and help with my fertility," she said.
Endometriosis, a painful condition affecting many women, was also discussed. Dr. Margaret Cristi-Limson, a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology, stressed that early diagnosis is key. She shared, "Endometriosis sometimes takes several years to be diagnosed through laparoscopy. However, medical breakthroughs allow clinical diagnosis, encouraging doctors to start treatment even without surgeries."
Verniece Enciso, a vlogger with endometriosis, spoke about the importance of seeking professional advice, saying, "I couldn't stand the pain, so I finally talked to my doctor and got the diagnosis. He recommended treatment options that suited me, and I'm glad I sought his professional advice." Her story resonated with many women both online and offline who had felt isolated in their struggles. Verniece's message was clear: "You are not alone, and there is help out there."
Content creator and reproductive health advocate Say Tioco emphasized the importance of building a community where women can openly discuss their health concerns and overcome the stigma. "Women tend to hesitate when it comes to discussing contraception because of the persisting myths and stigma," she noted. But she quickly broke the stigma and encouraged women to openly talk about sex, reproductive health, contraceptives, and more taboos. Being educated about those things can go a long way and help save lives. Like what Verniece said, Say highlights that you are not alone.
Bayer's commitment to women's health extends far beyond this event. They collaborate with various organizations to promote rights-based family planning, counseling, and comprehensive reproductive health education. Initiatives like the Women's Health Matters webinars provide a safe space for young women to consult healthcare professionals about their reproductive and sexual health concerns, free from judgment.
Bayer has also introduced Ask Mara, a chatbot where women can ask questions about their reproductive concerns, from contraceptive options to their usage and the pros and cons of each method. This accessible resource empowers women with knowledge and the confidence to make informed choices about their reproductive health.
As we celebrate PCOS Awareness Month this September, let's remember that the conversation about women's health should be ongoing and not just a one month celebration. Bayer For Her: Conversations of Care has lit the spark for change. It's a movement that empowers women to take control of their health, share their stories, and support one another. Let's stop the silence, embrace the power of open dialogue, and create a world where women's health is not just a topic for discussion but a cause for celebration. Together, we can empower one another to make informed choices and break down the barriers that have held us back for too long.
Free Pop-up Consultation Clinics Across the Philippines
To help more women make informed decisions, Bayer for Her is opening free pop-up consultation clinics at selected partner drug stores. This aims to encourage more women to seek expert help on reproductive health.
September 2023
- September 15
- 12PM-6PM: Mercury Drug at Ever Gotesco Commonwealth
- 12PM-6PM: Rose Pharmacy at Ayala Cebu
- September 21
- 11AM-5PM: Watsons at SM Megamall
- September 26
- 11AM-5PM: Watsons at SM City North Edsa
- 12pm-6pm: Southstar Drug at SM C. Raymundo Pasig
- September 29
- 12PM-6PM: Mercury Drug at Quezon City West. Ave., Zamboanga
October 2023
- October 13
- 12PM-6PM: Mercury Drug at Sampaloc, España
- 12PM-6PM: Southstar Drug at RP Novaliches
- 12PM-6PM: Rose Pharmacy at Ayala Cebu
- October 20
- 11AM-5PM: Watsons at SM Mall of Asia
- October 23
- 11AM-5PM: Watsons at SMDC Jazz Mall
- October 27
- 12PM-6PM: Mercury Drug at EDSA Congressional
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