Analysis of the Main Intercurrencies in Larcs Users in Primary Health Care

Abstract

The Long-Term Reversible Contraceptive Methods (LARCS), represented by the Copper and Levonorgestrel Intrauterine Devices (IUD), in addition to the subdermal implant, are widely indicated in the practice of family planning in the scope of primary health care, given their high rates of efficacy, safety and adherence. However, such characteristics can be refuted due to the occurrence of adverse effects, which range from simple complications to more severe complications, which require other levels of health care for their management. Taking this into account, it became the main objective of this study to analyze the degree of incidence of the main complications in users of LARCS in primary care. For this purpose, a descriptive methodology was used, and a literature review was carried out based on articles published in Pubmed, Scielo and health journals, including the Brazilian Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Adversities related to the IUD have been observed to include dysmenorrhea, bleeding, expulsion of the device and, less frequently, ectopic pregnancy, perforation of the uterus and adjacent structures, and pelvic inflammatory disease. In relation to the subdermal implant, alterations such as amenorrhea, acne, weight gain, irritability, headache, dizziness and breast tenderness have been documented. Thus, according to the evidence collected, the superiority of LARCS in relation to other contraceptive methods available in the SUS (Unified Health System) is notorious, with regard to efficacy versus undesired effects.