Comparison of contraceptive sales before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sales of modern contraceptive methods in Brazil. METHODS: Monthly sales data were analysed of short-acting reversible contraceptive methods and long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods (implants and intrauterine contraception) and COVID-19 related deaths. Contraceptive methods were grouped as follows: emergency contraception (EC); oral contraception, vaginal rings and transdermal patches; injectable contraception; LARC methods including the copper intrauterine device (Cu-IUD); and LARC methods excluding the Cu-IUD. RESULTS: Contraceptive sales showed a non-significant increase in 2020 compared with the previous year; average sales ranged from 12.8 to 13.0 million units per month. Sales of injectable contraceptives increased between March and June 2020 and EC pills between June and July 2020; the variation in sales of pills, patches and rings was not significant. Sales of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) and the etonogestrel (ENG) implant showed three patterns: a decrease in sales between February and May 2020 (coinciding with the closure of family planning services), an increase in sales after May 2020 (coinciding with the first COVID-19-related deaths), and a further increase in sales after July 2020 (corresponding to the increasing number of deaths from COVID-19). CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the Brazilian health care system. Since many family planning clinics were closed, sales of most modern contraceptives fell during 2020; however, the increase in sales of the LNG-IUS and ENG implant in the private sector indicates inequitable access to modern contraceptive methods.

More than just contraception: the impact of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system on public health over 30 years.

Universal access to sexual and reproductive health services is essential to facilitate the empowerment of women and achievement of gender equality. Increasing access to modern methods of contraception can reduce the incidence of unplanned pregnancy and decrease maternal mortality. Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) offer high contraceptive efficacy as well as cost-efficacy, providing benefits for both women and healthcare systems. The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) first became available in 1990 with the introduction of Mirena (LNG-IUS 20), a highly effective contraceptive which can reduce menstrual blood loss and provide other therapeutic benefits. The impact of the LNG-IUS on society has been wide ranging, including decreasing the need for abortion, reducing the number of surgical sterilisation procedures performed, as well as reducing the number of hysterectomies carried out for issues such as heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB). In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mirena can provide a treatment option for women with gynaecological issues such as HMB without organic pathology, minimising exposure to the hospital environment and reducing waiting times for surgical appointments. Looking to the future, research and development in the field of the LNG-IUS continues to expand our understanding of these contraceptives in clinical practice and offers the potential to further expand the choices available to women, allowing them to select the option that best meets their needs.