In Manaus, ‘Consultório na Rua’ offers IUD insertion to homeless women

Women’s Health

The Undersecretary of Health Management, Djalma Coelho, explains that offering IUDs to women in vulnerable situations is a step forward in expanding women’s health services

Manaus (AM) – The Manaus Municipal Secretariat (Semsa) is offering the Intrauterine Device (IUD) insertion procedure for homeless residents of the capital. The service is being carried out by the Consultório na Rua team, which carries out extensive work that involves approach, qualified listening and clarification of doubts about this contraceptive method, recognized for its effectiveness throughout the world.

The Undersecretary of Health Management, Djalma Coelho, explains that offering IUDs to women in vulnerable situations is a step forward in expanding women’s health services.

“The provision of the copper IUD is in line with the Ministry of Health’s family planning policy. It is a long-acting contraceptive method, which is very effective in preventing unwanted pregnancies. It is important to emphasize that this decision comes from women, who can even opt for other contraceptive methods offered by the Unified Health System (SUS)”,

adds the undersecretary.

Flow

The service has been offered since the second half of 2023 and of the six agreed insertions, only one was completed. “It seems small, but it is a successful number, if we take into account the uncertainties that homelessness imposes on the Consultório na Rua team”, highlights the coordinator of the Consultório de Rua, social worker Lucimei Mota.

The office coordinator explains that recruiting candidates for IUD use involves the process of qualified listening, which takes place during the approach work, which also includes trans male users and people with a uterus.

“Qualified listening is an instrument in our routine that allows users to express their demands and facilitates our health actions. When verifying that they want to use contraceptives, the team presents the IUD and other ways to avoid pregnancy and from there begins the flow of care”,

informs Lucimei.

After signaling interest in undergoing the procedure, the user needs to take tests, including tests to detect Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and pregnancy. Then, there is an anamnesis, a conversation between the team and the patient with the aim of clarifying doubts and providing guidance on this contraceptive method. Once this step is completed, she also signs the Free and Informed Consent Form, a document that informs that the user is aware of the aspects involving the insertion of the IUD.

“Following the flow, the candidate undergoes a gynecological examination, collects a cervical cancer preventative test and, if she is in good health, undergoes the IUD insertion procedure”, adds Lucimei.

The user is monitored 30 to 40 days after insertion, then every six months and annually. In addition, the Consultório na Rua provides medication and absorbents for menstrual periods, as the IUD can increase flow and cramps in the first few months. Another alternative is the offer of quarterly medication (also available on the SUS), for those who can and wish to take a break from menstruation and reduce the initial discomfort.

*With information from consultancy

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