The Rocinha Maternity Hospital now offers Implanon insertion, a subdermal contraceptive implant, during the immediate postpartum period, specifically within the first 48 hours after the baby's birth. This measure ensures highly effective contraceptive protection for up to three years, directly during the hospital stay.
The device consists of a small flexible rod four centimeters in length that, placed just beneath the skin on the inner part of the non-dominant arm, continuously releases etonogestrel, a synthetic progestin.
This technology works in three ways within the female body: inhibiting ovulation, thickening cervical mucus to make it harder for sperm to pass, and altering the endometrium to reduce the chances of egg implantation.
The objective of this measure is to prevent closely spaced pregnancies immediately after birth and avoid risks resulting from the return of fertility before the first postpartum menstrual period.
