INSERTION OF IUDs AND SUBDERMAL CONTRACEPTIVE IMPLANTS BY NURSES: PERSPECTIVES AND CHALLENGES OF PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

Abstract

The study entitled “Insertion of IUDs and subdermal contraceptive implants by nurses: perspectives and challenges of professional practice” aims to investigate the advances and obstacles faced by nurses in performing these procedures, analyzing their professional autonomy and the impact of this work on public policies for sexual and reproductive health. It is a bibliographic and exploratory research, with a qualitative approach, based on scientific articles and official documents published between 2021 and 2025. The results indicate that the nurse's role in the insertion of long-acting contraceptive methods (LARCs), such as IUDs and subdermal implants, represents a milestone in strengthening professional autonomy and expanding women's access to reproductive planning services. Despite legal support provided by regulations from the Federal Nursing Council and technical notes from the Ministry of Health, structural, cultural, and institutional barriers still limit the practice, such as a lack of continuous training, inadequate infrastructure, and persistent myths about contraceptive methods. It was found that, in contexts where nurses are valued and properly trained, there is a significant increase in the availability and adherence to LARCs (Long-Term Contraceptive Associations), contributing to a reduction in unplanned pregnancies and an improvement in maternal health indicators. The study concludes that the consolidation of this practice depends on investments in professional training, strengthening primary care, and expanding educational strategies aimed at both users and health teams. It is concluded that strengthening the leading role of nursing in the insertion of IUDs and subdermal contraceptive implants is essential to guarantee the right to reproductive planning, reduce inequalities, and consolidate comprehensive, humanized, and equitable care for women's health within the SUS (Brazilian Unified Health System).