2025: A year of Transformative Advances in Women’s Health
A period of important progress marked 2025 in gynecology, driven by scientific updates, the integration of new technologies into the Brazilian unified Health System (SUS), and a strengthened commitment too evidence-based clinical guidelines. Throughout the year, critical areas of women’s health – including reproductive planning, prevalent gynecological diseases, gynecological oncology, assisted reproduction, and cancer prevention – were prioritized, reflecting a concerted effort to enhance innovation, equity, and quality of care.
Latin American Focus on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
In February,the Latin American association of Gynecological Endocrinology published a consensus document aimed at adapting international PCOS guidelines to the unique realities of the Latin American region. PCOS, affecting approximately 10% of women of reproductive age, presents complex challenges in Latin America due to factors like clinical heterogeneity, genetic diversity, higher rates of obesity and hypertension, and disparities in healthcare access.
The consensus emphasized the importance of addressing weight stigma, recognizing the psychosexual impacts of PCOS, and tailoring diagnostic criteria to different ethnicities. Treatment recommendations included combined hormonal contraceptives for hirsutism and menstrual irregularity, letrozole for ovulation induction, and metformin for metabolic management. While inositol showed limited clinical benefit, anti-Müllerian hormone was identified as a potentially useful diagnostic tool, tho it’s application is currently limited by regional variability in reference values and access.
Key Discussions at the Brazilian Congress of Gynecology and Obstetrics (CBGO)
The 62nd Brazilian Congress of Gynecology and Obstetrics (CBGO), held in Rio de Janeiro from may 14th to 17th, 2025, brought together experts to discuss the latest advancements in the field. Presentations and debates covered a wide range of topics, including the growing role of telemedicine and social networks in gynecological consultations, gynecological health in childhood and adolescence, hormonal contraception options for adolescents, vulvar and vaginal care, female sexual pain and arousal, hormonal therapy, endocrine gynecology, STI diagnosis, hormonal implants, legal termination of pregnancy, lower genital tract pathology, pelvic floor dysfunctions, vulvovaginal candidiasis, vertical transmission infections, and vaccination strategies.
Understanding the Vaginal Microbiome
At the Afya Symposium, doctors Caroline Oliveira and Fabiana Kac led a session on the impact of vaginal dysbiosis on clinical practice. The discussion focused on the composition of the vaginal microbiota, the inquiry of vaginal discharge, the link between dysbiosis and carcinogenesis/infection risk, and current evidence-based treatments.
Expanding Access to Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC)
In July, the Brazilian ministry of Health announced the incorporation of the etonogestrel-releasing subdermal contraceptive implant (Implanon) into the SUS. This highly effective, long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) offers up to three years of protection without requiring continuous use. Approved by Conitec, this decision aims to expand access to sexual and reproductive planning, prevent unintended pregnancies, and reduce maternal mortality. Trained doctors and nurses will administer the implant under the coordination of Primary Health Care.
Chronic Endometritis and Recurrent Implantation Failure
Research published in Human Reproduction in July shed light on the prevalence and management of chronic endometritis (CE) in patients experiencing recurrent implantation failure (RPL). A study conducted at the Wiesbaden Fertility Center found CE, frequently enough asymptomatic, present in approximately 40% of patients with RPL
