Pará offers a modern minimally invasive contraceptive method through SUS
New service at the Hospital da Mulher do Pará ensures access to Implanon, favoring women's reproductive planning
The Hospital da Mulher do Pará (HMPA), a reference in women's health in the North region, has started offering a modern, long-lasting, and reversible contraceptive method, completely free through the Unified Health System (SUS). This initiative is part of actions aimed at family planning and reducing maternal mortality.
Implanon is a small flexible device with hormone inserted under the patient's arm skin, a simple and quick procedure. Despite the high cost in the private sector, around R$ 2,000 to R$ 3,000, the implant is now available for free to women served by HMPA.
This motivated housewife Marilene de Carneiro, 33, from the municipality of Acará in the northeastern state, to seek the service. A mother of two, she had already been researching options to avoid another pregnancy.
“Implanon, from what I had researched, costs around two to three thousand reais if done privately; I wouldn't be able to afford it. I was happy to learn that it is now available in the public network because it will benefit many women who do not want to get pregnant at the moment or want to stop due to the number of children and do not intend to get pregnant again,” said Marilene Carneiro.
The deputy secretary of Health Policy Management at the State Department of Public Health (Sespa), Heloisa Guimarães, emphasizes the importance of this action in strengthening public reproductive health policies in Pará.
“It is with immense satisfaction that the State Government, through Sespa and the Hospital da Mulher, takes another significant step in comprehensive women's health care, contributing to the prevention of intergenerational inequality, preventing adolescent pregnancies, and reducing school dropout rates through strengthening family planning. Additionally, Implanon can also act as an ally in the treatment of 'endometriosis,' a condition that causes intense pain and limitations, directly impacting women's quality of life,” explains the secretary.
The general director of HMPA, Nelma Machado, notes that the service represents an important advancement for women's health in Pará. “We have initiated another state public policy measure for women's health, within the family planning line, with the implementation of Implanon, a minimally invasive contraceptive method. The Hospital da Mulher innovatively offers the first outpatient service, exclusively SUS, in the state of Pará, which integrates the Ministry of Health's project,” emphasizes the manager.
According to gynecologist Brenda Diniz, the service is provided through referrals. “All care is referred to the hospital. Women can come through primary care, via Usinas da Paz or Family Health Strategy teams. Here, they are welcomed by a social worker, who provides guidance and conducts the signing of the consent form. Then, they undergo a gynecological consultation, where the contraceptive implant is performed,” details the doctor.
During the service, patients receive information about how Implanon works, its effectiveness, and health benefits. “Implanon is an extremely effective method, lasting three years. It is the most modern in the family planning line, being an alternative to avoid unplanned pregnancies and an important measure in combating maternal mortality, which still needs a lot of attention,” the doctor adds.
With the implementation of the new service, HMPA reinforces its role as a protagonist in reproductive health policies in Pará, expanding women's access to safe, modern, and free contraceptive methods.
Service:
For services at the Hospital da Mulher do Pará, it is necessary to seek a Basic Health Unit (UBS) or another reference unit in the municipality of residence. Referrals can also be obtained through Usinas da Paz. HMPA is located at Avenida Gentil Bittencourt, No. 2175, in the São Brás neighborhood, in Belém.
