(PNM-40) Specialized and humanized care in sexual health: 14 years of experience in the comprehensive sexual health care service
Abstract Introduction/Objective Although comprehensive sexual health care is a core guideline of the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS), there remains a shortage of specialized services that address these needs in an integrated way. This study describes the Comprehensive Sexual Health Care Service (SAISS), a nationally recognized and replicable model of care, structured around the pillars of clinical assistance, research, education, and health promotion. Materials and Methods This is an experience-based report on the organization and activities of SAISS, using data obtained from institutional service records. Results Established in 2011 to address critical gaps in care, SAISS was consolidated through team training and intersectoral partnerships involving academia, research institutions, public administration, and legal support. Between 2019 and 2024, the service provided over 7000 consultations for 2595 women in areas including Sexology, Gynecology, Sexual Violence, and Legal Abortion. Its interdisciplinary and integrated approach enabled tailored and effective responses to patient needs. Over time, structured protocols were developed to standardize and ensure the safety and quality of care, while facilitating training and scalability. Ongoing involvement of undergraduate and graduate students from seven academic institutions reinforced network qualification, service recognition, and expansion of access through evidence-based sexual health practices. Conclusion Over 14 years, SAISS has consolidated itself as a model of specialized and humanized sexual health care, establishing interdisciplinary practices in vulnerable contexts. This experience qualifies the service as a national reference and a replicable model for developing similar programs. Keywords: Sexual health; Health education; Interdisciplinary care. Financing No conflict
Authors
- J I Heringer
- V R Lorenzon
- C M Pinho
- T G de Araujo
- S C P Scalco
- A R Sant'Anna
Institutions
- Hospital Materno-Infantil (ES)
Publication Details
- Journal
- The Journal of Sexual Medicine
- Published
- 2026-02-01
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1093/jsxmed/qdag002.116
- Primary Topic
- Male Reproductive Health Studies
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00