OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the profile of health resource utilization and costs linked to contraception in users of Etonogestrel Contraceptive Implant (ETN-IMP) and Levonorgestrel Intrauterine System (LNG-IUS).

METHODS: The study was designed as a retrospective cross-sectional study of women using ETN or LNG-IUS (2021-2022). The costs and use of resources related to contraception were evaluated using secondary data extracted from the computerized system of a health insurance (Midwest, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil), in three time cuts: 90 days before the procedure (90B), moment of insertion (M0) and 90 days after (90A). Descriptive statistical analyzes with categorical variables reported as frequencies and non-normal continuous variables as median with interquartile range (IQR). The comparison between the two means was analyzed by t-test and medians was analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test. All statistical tests were performed with SSS.

RESULTS: Were included 100 patients using ETN-IMP and other 100 using LNG-IUS. The mean ages were 29 (± 7,4) and 33 (± 8,3) years, respectively. The cost of method (29.20%; p=0.01) and the total cost of using resources (27.53%; p>0.001) were lower in the ETN-IMP group compared to the LGN-IUS. Significant differences were observed in relation to costs in the three time periods analyzed (90B: p=0.01; M0: p<0.001; 90A: p<0.001), influenced by different frequencies in the use of medical and diagnostic or therapeutic services.

CONCLUSIONS: Expanding unrestricted access to modern LARC methods leads to reduced use of health resources and the costs associated with contraception. This first real-world study from the perspective of the brazilian private healthcare system demonstrates that the incorporation of cost-effective technologies can allow for a more efficient budget allocation.