Saúde sexual de mulheres no SUS: os desafios do cuidado na Atenção Primária

Abstract

Introduction: Primary Health Care (PHC) is the main point of access for users within the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS), yet it still faces challenges in ensuring its principles of accessibility, comprehensiveness, and equity. Among the affected areas of care, women’s sexual health stands out, marked by barriers in access and weaknesses in humanized and effective assistance. Objective: To understand, from the perspective of women’s narratives, the challenges faced and main demands of those who rely on SUS for sexual health care. Methodology: This is a descriptive qualitative study conducted through semi-structured interviews with women who use SUS services for sexual health needs. The interviews were transcribed and submitted to content analysis. Results: Seven women participated in the study. Findings were organized into four thematic categories: (1) Access barriers in PHC for sexual health care; (2) Humanization of services and professional training; (3) Quality of care and problem-solving capacity of the service; and (4) Sexual diversity and invisibility in health care. Discussion: The study revealed informational and organizational barriers to accessing services; deficits in the quality and resolution of care; failures in humanized practices, including reports of violent experiences; and invisibility of the specific needs of lesbian and bisexual women. Additionally, the defunding and weakening of SUS were found to intensify these challenges. Final considerations: Women’s sexual health care within PHC is marked by multiple barriers, highlighting the relevance of this study for women’s health in SUS and reinforcing the need to strengthen prevention and health promotion strategies, invest in ongoing professional training, and expand SUS funding to ensure qualified care.