THE Unified Health System (SUS) made more than 22 million contraceptive methods available free of charge in 2024. The information comes from the Ministry of Health, through a survey requested by CNN .
SUS offers access to options for contraceptives as:
- IUD copper;
- combined oral contraceptive;
- combined injectable contraceptive, applied monthly;
- injectable progestin contraceptive, applied quarterly;
- isolated progestin pill;
- emergency oral contraception (known as the morning-after pill);
- internal and external condoms;
- tubal ligation and vasectomy (surgical procedures).
Between January and the beginning of November, 22.3 million units were distributed, according to official data. The initiative aims, according to the ministry, to promote family planning and sexual health among the Brazilian population.
What are the most popular methods?
The contraceptive methods most used by Brazilian women this year were those for oral use, in the form of tablets. Application of Ethinylestradiol + levonorgestrel (0.03 + 0.15) mg, blister with 21 tablets (combined pill) is the most used by SUS gynecologists.
Subsequently, the monthly injectable method appears as the most applied in the public health network. The combination of the drug Norethisterone enanthate + estradiol valerate (50 + 5) mg/mL, injectable solution, is the second most used.
The quarterly injectable method, with the medication Medroxyprogesterone acetate 150 mg/mL, injectable suspension, closes the three most applied methods.
Guidelines from the Ministry of Health
The Ministry of Health establishes guidelines to ensure the supply of quality contraceptive methods suited to the needs of each woman.
Some of the main guidelines are fundamental rights such as universal and free access, guidance on different methods, their benefits and risks, so that they can make informed choices, ensuring privacy and well-being.
In a note, the ministry emphasizes the patient’s right to choose the method that will be applied. Check it out:
Contraceptive methods are chosen according to the preference of the SUS patient, who obtains information about how each one works during an individual reproductive planning consultation in Primary Health Care. It is worth noting that the Ministry of Health guides health services in relation to contraceptive methods through manuals, protocols and technical notes.
It is important to inform that, if a person chooses surgery and meets the legal criteria, they must submit a consent form and be referred to the specialized service. Between the expression of the will and the tubal ligation or vasectomy, a minimum period of 60 days is necessary, to allow reflection and reduce possible regrets about the definitive procedure. The effectiveness of each method is also a very relevant criterion for conscious choice.
This content was originally published in SUS distributed more than 22 million contraceptives in 2024 on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
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