Health announces that SUS will offer highly effective contraceptive implant

The Ministry of Health announced this Thursday (3) that Implanon, a contraceptive and subcutaneous hormonal implant, will be provided free of charge in the SUS (Unified Health System).

The long-lasting device works by releasing etonogestrel (a synthetic hormone similar to progesterone) and is considered to be more advantageous than other existing methods. The medication acts in the body for up to three years.

The ministry says it intends to distribute up to 1.8 million implants by 2026. The goal is to serve 500,000 women this year.

Today, the implant as a contraceptive method is only available in the private health network and costs between R$2,000 and R$4,000. According to the Ministry of Health, approximately R$245 million were invested in implementing the method.

According to the ministry, the ordinance that formalizes the incorporation of the contraceptive into the Brazilian health system should be published in the next few days and, from the date of publication, the ministry's technical areas will have 180 days to implement the offer in stages such as updating clinical guidelines, acquisition, distribution of the input, training and qualification of professionals to apply the implant.

In October last year, Anvisa (National Health Surveillance Agency) banned all hormonal implants after entities linked the method to deaths and complications. The agency revoked the decision in November and allowed the use of the devices for medical purposes .

The only hormonal implant approved for use in Brazil today is Implanon. In addition to being a contraceptive, the device is often used to control menopausal symptoms.

According to the Ministry of Health, the contraceptive method is considered advantageous when compared to other options available due to its effectiveness and long duration. After three years in the body, it can be removed and a new one can be reinserted by the SUS itself.

According to the ministry, for those who wish to become pregnant, after removal, the woman's fertility levels usually return to the same levels as before using the device. The recommendation, however, is that the insertion and removal of the implant be performed by qualified medical and nursing professionals.

In addition to Implanon, the SUS also offers the copper IUD ( Intrauterine Device ) as a long-term reversible contraceptive method.

Other contraceptives that can be obtained free of charge in Brazil include condoms, oral contraceptives, progestogen-only pills, monthly and quarterly hormonal injections, as well as non-reversible procedures such as tubal ligation and vasectomy.

The Ministry of Health claims to be committed to reducing overall maternal mortality by 25% and by 50% among black women by 2027.