Hospital da Mulher do Pará performs first IUD implants focusing on welcoming and family planning
The method is effective, does not alter a woman's fertility, and can be removed at any time
"I have always researched a lot about the IUD, but it was my aunt who learned about the 'Por Todas Elas' initiative at the Usina do Icuí and informed me. A week later, they called to inform about the registration for us to be referred to the hospital. It was my first time here; I had only heard about it. We were very well received. The social worker and the doctor were very attentive, answered many of my questions because I was very nervous."
This account is from Jovana Moraes, 22 years old, a resident of Ananindeua, one of the first women to undergo the Intrauterine Device (IUD) implant at the Hospital da Mulher do Pará (HMPA). She arrived at the health unit, specialized in women's health, accompanied by her aunt, who also underwent the procedure.
This service they are providing for us is very important, especially in this moment of financial crisis. When an opportunity like this arises, we can't miss it," Jovana added after having the procedure done.
Jovana's aunt, the self-employed Jandira Dias, 40 years old, also a resident of Ananindeua, was excited about the possibility of the implant and mentioned that she is not considering having another pregnancy at this time.
"I had heard about the IUD after I had my second child, but I wasn't interested at the time. When I had my youngest, I started to think more about it because I am 40 years old and have my three children; I don't think about getting pregnant again right now. I have used a lot of contraceptives, so I decided to stop, and even using condoms, the IUD is an extra security," she said.
The IUD implantation service, recently initiated at HMPA, is part of the hospital's new family planning care line. The entire process is conducted with a focus on welcoming and guiding the patients.
"This service starts with the Social Service sector, responsible for providing the welcome, initial guidance, and delivering the necessary terms. After that, the patient is referred for a consultation with the doctor, where the implant occurs," explained the hospital's general director, intensivist physician Nelma Machado.
According to the director, the IUD represents a safe, free, and long-term option for those who wish to have more autonomy over their reproductive health.
"Family planning becomes another line of care at the hospital. This line starts in the outpatient clinics of the state's basic health units and also in our hospital. We even handle more complex situations where patients need more support, and we act as a reference to guide and train the network," the manager emphasized.
The IUD can be kept for up to 10 years and requires regular follow-up. "It is necessary to have a follow-up every six months with ultrasound and consultations. Initially, symptoms typical of adaptation to the implant may arise, but they are temporary. It is an extremely safe method that allows women to organize their reproductive lives and choose the best time for motherhood," concluded the doctor.
HMPA emphasizes that access to the method is free, guaranteed by the SUS, and that more women can benefit from the service through referrals from the state health network.
Service - To be attended at the Hospital da Mulher, the patient must initially seek care at a Basic Health Unit (UBS) or another health unit in the municipality where they reside and the nearest region, in addition to the medical referral from the Usinas da Paz. The Hospital da Mulher do Pará is located at Av. Gentil Bittencourt, No. 2175. Neighborhood: São Brás.
