The normal we don’t talk about: A Snapshot on Filipinos’ Sexual Wellness

The normal we don’t talk about: A Snapshot on Filipinos’ Sexual Wellness

From sharing stories about their own love life to watching trending teleseryes, Filipinos openly celebrate love and romance. But when the subject shifts from love to intimacy, the tone changes and the conversation becomes quieter, more cautious, and weighed down by stigma. Sexual wellness remains one of the least discussed aspects of health, even though it plays a vital role in people’s well-being.

Intimacy is normal, and talking about the aspects of sexual health that are often left out in dialogues is just as crucial. TRUST, the commercial brand of DKT Health Inc., a social enterprise at the forefront of sexual and reproductive health and rights in the Philippines, is leading the charge by creating spaces for open dialogue and providing reliable, accessible, and judgment-free solutions.

The State of the Conversation Around Pleasure and Contraceptives

Talking openly about intimacy remains a challenge for many couples. Conversations about pleasure, for instance, are often approached with hesitation. In many Filipino households, women are expected to be more restrained or careful when discussing sexual pleasure due to long-standing social norms emphasizing modesty, shame, and female purity. Men, on the other hand, are slightly more open, with discussions often tied with notions of control, performance, and masculinity. These dynamics reflect cultural patterns that continue to influence how intimacy is perceived and talked about — or rather, left unspoken.

These challenges around open discussions on intimacy also extend to how Filipinos view contraception use. The 2022 Philippine National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) shows that 98 percent of women aged 15 to 49 know at least one method of family planning — with the pill and the male condom being the most widely recognized.

Despite this high awareness, usage remains inconsistent. Many Filipinos remain hesitant because of the misconceptions and misinformation surrounding contraceptive methods. A 2025 study published by Acta Medica Philippina further highlights this problem. The findings concluded that contraceptive misconceptions remain a significant barrier to effective reproductive healthcare in the country despite the passage of supporting laws aimed toward improving access and education. This demonstrates that, beyond access to information, cultural and social norms still play a decisive role in approaching matters of reproductive health.

Shifting the narrative toward an honest and informed dialogue is vital in making responsible choices — a change that TRUST has long been championing forward.

Knowledge and Confidence on Sexual Health Among Filipino Youth

The 2021 Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study (YAFS5) by the University of the Philippines Population Institute found the median age of sexual initiation among Filipino youth is around 18, with more than 20 million young people navigating this stage of life in an increasingly complex cultural and digital landscape. While experience comes early, informed guidance often arrives late. Nearly 4 in 10 Filipino youth report having no reliable source of information about sex, and only 19 percent demonstrate comprehensive and correct knowledge of HIV and AIDS.

A 2023 study on sexual self-efficacy further underscores the gap. Although many Filipino youth expressed moderate confidence in practicing safer sex, their confidence significantly declined when it came to seeking sexual health care or discussing sexual health with their partners.

Taken together, these findings highlight that the challenge is not only about knowledge, but also about empowerment. Limited access to accurate information, combined with low confidence in seeking care and guidance, leaves many young Filipinos vulnerable and unprepared to make responsible decisions about intimacy, protection, and overall wellness. Bridging this gap is crucial to equipping the next generation with both the knowledge and confidence to make healthier choices.

From Awareness to Action on Sexual Health

Awareness about sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as HIV, is steadily improving in the country. However, awareness may not always translate to proper action. Recent data from the Department of Health (DOH) reveals an alarming surge in HIV cases among Filipino youths, with infections rising by 500 percent and prompting calls for a national public health emergency. This trend persists despite growing awareness about prevention, revealing that knowledge alone may not translate into consistent action.

Testing is one of the clearest examples. It remains one of the most effective ways to prevent and control the spread of STIs, but many Filipinos hesitate to get screened, citing reasons such as fear of receiving a positive result, the perception that they are not at risk, or simply not having the time. For many, taking a test carries a heavy social weight and is often treated as a confession of careless behavior rather than taking on a responsible health decision.

The disconnect between awareness and taking appropriate sexual and reproductive health choices shows that stigma and judgment continue to hold many back. Yet, this does not have to be the norm. By fostering openness and encouraging regular practices, these choices can gradually become a part of a healthier, more responsible culture. Taking a stand for one’s well-being is not only an act of self-care but also a step toward breaking cycles of stigma for future generations.

TRUST and DKT: Leading the Conversation

For over 30 years, DKT Health Inc. and its commercial brand TRUST have been working to make reproductive health solutions not just accessible, but approachable. Through its non-profit extension, the DKT Philippines Foundation, this commitment extends to free services and commodities, including mobile clinics that bring reproductive health care to hard-to-reach areas.

From community-based counseling and family planning programs to mobile clinics that deliver free reproductive health care in remote areas, the brand is consistently reshaping how Filipinos approach intimacy and protection.

 “Sexual wellness in the Philippines is still unfolding,” says Denise R. van Dijk, President and CEO of DKT Health Inc. “The opportunity lies in creating a culture where every reproductive health topic is spoken responsibly and without shame, no matter how taboo.”

Looking ahead, TRUST is committed to sparking dialogue and shaping perceptions so that intimacy and sexual health are openly embraced as part of everyday health. Join TRUST and DKT make the “normal” we don’t talk about a part of the conversation.