PHMC PRIVACY NOTICE

The Perpetual Help Medical Center (PHMC) respects the privacy rights of all individuals and is committed to handling personal data responsibly and in accordance with the Republic Act 10173, known as the Data Privacy Act of 2012, and its pertinent rules and regulations, because your privacy is important to us.

This is not a consent form but this is PHMC’s general statement on its data processing activities to notify Data Subjects of Personal Data processed and the purpose and extent of processing. PHMC may further provide other notices at the time of specific activities.

PHMC collects the following data: 1) Personal details- name, birth, gender, civil status and affiliations; 2) Contact information- address, email, mobile and telephone numbers; 3) Medical information- physical, psychiatric and psychological information; 4)Employment information- government-issued numbers, position and functions; 5)Applicant information- academic background and previous employments; 6) Academic information- grades, course and academic standing; 7) Supplier and 3rd Party Provider information- company profile, DTI/ SEC registration, business permits and licenses, BIR registration and other business related information. PHMC may likewise collect other information that it believes are relevant to meet the requirements of government authorities and for any other legitimate purposes.

PHMC processes data to: 1) Conduct its functions, perform its obligations, and exercise its rights as a healthcare service provider; 2) Act for the holistic welfare of patients, service recipients, and their respective representatives and companions; and, 3) Manage its affairs as a company, medical, and educational institution with its own obligations and rights.

The PHMC Website uses cookies to personalize the user’s browsing experience, link to social media sharing, troubleshoot issues, and monitor site visits and NOT in any way collect personal information for any form of processing.

PHMC collects Personal Data through submission by the Data Subject and by affiliates through electronic systems and platforms, e-forms, email, or through printed forms, attachments, and other documents required by its medical and administrative offices at the onset of service, transaction or processing. With regard to personal data from affiliates, PHMC maintains a Data Sharing Agreement particularizing the obligations of the parties thereto foremost of which is its protection and privacy.

PHMC collects Personal Data from Patient at entry points or upon registration at Inpatient, Outpatient and ER departments.

PHMC stores and protects data in physical and electronic forms: Managed by its medical and administrative offices, physical records in folders/ envelopes are ultimately stored in box files in shelves in a dedicated secured area while electronic records are stored in secured servers with high availability and redundancy.

PHMC collects and uses Personal Data proportionately as necessary for its legitimate purposes in providing best service to patients in accordance with the PHMC policies and in compliance with the DPA of 2012 and requirement of the Department of Health and other government bodies.

PHMC retains data in accordance with its policies on retention compliant to government rules and regulations, such as but not limited to, those from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), the Department of Health (DOH), the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth), the Local Government Units (LGUs), among others.

Contact:Contact: Inquiries and concerns on data privacy may only be directed to PHMC Data Protection Office: PHMC

Address: Alabang-Zapote Road, Pamplona 3, Las Pinas 1704

Telephone: 8874-8515

Everything You Need To Know About Endometriosis

An woman with a painful menstruation due to endometriosis

Experiencing heavy and painful periods is common for women. Even so, if it gets to the point where it is excessively painful, you might want to get checked by a gynecologist. Many don’t know much about endometriosis and it can also be poorly understood. In fact, endometriosis affects around 1 in 10 women. That’s 176 million women worldwide. Here at the Perpetual Help Medical Center-Las Pinas, we are dedicated to raising and spreading awareness on endometriosis in the Philippines to ensure that women are always on top of their health.

Furthermore, if endometriosis is not attended to, it can lead to serious complications such as continuous pelvic pain and even infertility. Here’s a rundown on everything you need to know about endometriosis.

What is Endometriosis?

A woman in pain due to endometriosis

To start off, what is endometriosis? Endometriosis gets its name from the word endometrium, the tissue that normally lines your uterus or womb. Endometriosis occurs when these tissues grow outside your uterus and on the surfaces of organs where they do not normally grow.

Common endometriosis is found on the ovaries or fallopian tubes. Other sites for growth include the vagina, cervix, vulva, bladder, bowel, or the rectum.

The Symptoms of Endometriosis

Common symptoms of endometriosis include:

Dysmenorrhea or painful periods
Pain during sexual intercourse
Pain in bowel movements or during urination
Excessive bleeding or heavy flow during menstruation
Infertility

As you can see, some of these symptoms and signs are prevalent in the menstruation cycle of women. On the other hand, there are also women who experience no pain even when they have endometriosis. This is why in your reproductive years, it is highly recommended to have regular checkups with your gynecologist.

What Causes Endometriosis

A menstruation calendar

Endometriosis can happen to any woman in their reproductive years. However, there are risk factors that increase the chances of developing endometriosis such as:

Your Family History and Genetics

Your risk is higher for developing endometriosis if someone in your family is diagnosed with it.

Different Menstrual Cycle Characteristics

The way you menstruate can put you at risk as well. Here are some different menstrual cycle characteristics that are more at risk for endometriosis.

Retrograde menstruation
Having 27 days or less between each menstruation cycle
Individuals who have started their first period before the age of 12

You Cannot Prevent It

Unfortunately, there is no fool-proof way to prevent endometriosis. However, you can reduce your chances of developing it by lowering the levels of estrogen in your body.

Different Tests to Diagnose Endometriosis

Close up of an MRI machine

If you have been experiencing the symptoms of endometriosis, make sure that you talk with your gynecologist immediately. Tests to diagnose endometriosis will depend on your doctor and the severity of your condition. Here are some of the most common ways:

Pelvic Exam
Imaging Test or Ultrasound
Magnetic Resonance Imaging or MRI
Medicine
Laparoscopy

There Is No Cure

Currently, there is no cure for endometriosis. However, there are a number of treatments that you could take to improve your quality of life and lessen your symptoms. Your gynecologist will discuss these different options with you depending on your age, the severity of symptoms, or if you are trying to get pregnant. Some of the most popular treatments available for the symptoms of endometriosis include hormonal birth control and surgery.

Fertility Rate and Endometriosis

A pregnant woman's womb

If there’s anything endometriosis is known for, it is its link to fertility. Many ask if it is still possible to get pregnant if they have endometriosis. The answer is yes as long as you work closely with a gynecologist. However, you may find it harder to conceive. It all depends on your case and the severity of your endometriosis.

Key Takeaway

Endometriosis in the Philippines may be overlooked and misunderstood because of the normalization of symptoms. However, this is a serious gynecological case that could lead to more severe and serious diseases for women. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms stated above, it is best to contact your gynecologist immediately. Or better yet, make sure that you are attending your annual checkups.

At the Perpetual Help Medical Center-Las Pinas, we are dedicated to raising awareness for endometriosis. Not only that, but to all gynecological concerns to ensure that all women receive the best possible care they need.

To speak with any of our doctors about the different endometriosis treatments, visit us at Alabang-Zapote Rd., Pamplona III Las Pinas City, Philippines 1740 or call us at (+632) 8874-ALTA | (+632) 8874-8515.