Sexual and Reproductive Health Intervention in Incarcerated Women in Uruguay
Abstract
Incarcerated women in Uruguay face a healthcare deficit in Sexual and Reproductive Health. The study’s objective is to improve the exercise of Sexual and Reproductive Rights for incarcerated women by providing access to comprehensive gynecological services within prisons.
This is a descriptive retrospective study. The target population was all incarcerated women in Uruguayan prisons. The intervention consisted of a comprehensive gynecological clinical consultation, addressing aspects of sexual and reproductive health with diagnosis and treatment. Consultations were conducted in prisons in Montevideo and other regions.
Clinical consultations were conducted for 513 incarcerated women (83% of the total) over 800 hours of medical attention and 640 hours of management, with the participation of 52 medical professionals. A total of 401 oncological colpocytologies were performed, 74 of which were pathological (18%). Additionally, 108 Human Papillomavirus (HPV) tests were conducted, with 16 testing positive for high oncogenic risk (14%). 103 colposcopies were performed, detecting 11 high-grade squamous lesions, which were subsequently treated surgically. Specific contraception actions were taken for 166 patients: 55 subdermal
implants, 27 intrauterine devices, 62 oral contraceptives, and 23 injectable contraceptives. Male and female condoms were provided to 61 women.
A sexual and reproductive health intervention was developed for 83% of incarcerated women in Uruguay, with a special focus on the prevention of genital and breast cancer and contraception. This initiative can serve as a resource for the development of public policies targeting this population.
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