Sexual and reproductive education in the puerperium: gender issues and women’s healthcare in the context of primary care

This qualitative study aimed to understand the challenges faced by health professionals when carrying out sexual and reproductive education actions during the puerperium in the context of Primary Care. Interviews were conducted with the health team of a Family Health Unit in an inland city of the state of São Paulo. The analysis was carried out by means of the analysis of meanings and showed that the gender discussion and cultural aspects influence the way in which the theme is approached. Furthermore, there is resistance in the sphere of management, manifested in lack of investments in human and material resources that could favor problematization and awareness-raising about the role of Primary Care in guaranteeing women’s sexual and reproductive rights in the puerperium.

Keywords Postpartum period; Contraception; Women’s health; Sexual and reproductive rights; Gender and health