Levonorgestrel Intrauterine System Users Research Articles

Despite coronavirus, general practice is still the best job in the world.

<h3>Background</h3> Intrauterine contraception is a first-line option for young women, yet relatively few prospective studies have been performed in nulliparous women using currently available devices, and many providers are still reluctant to provide this option. <h3>Methods</h3> Between January 2012 and June 2014, 109 nulliparous women, aged 18–30 years, who had an intrauterine device (IUD) placed at a student health clinic [88 levonorgestrel-intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) users and 21 Cu T 380A (IUD) users] were surveyed at 1, 6, 12 and 18 months after insertion. <h3>Results</h3> Overall satisfaction was high; at follow-up survey 83% of 100 women (mean use 13.4 months) were ‘happy’ or ‘very happy’ with their IUD, and there were no differences in satisfaction between the two IUD types. Some 75% of participants stated that the insertion procedure went ‘very well’, despite 78% rating insertion pain as moderate to severe, and 46% experiencing vasovagal symptoms. The 12-month continuation rate was 89%, with discontinuations for expulsion (3%), side effects (6%), lack of anticipated benefit (1%) and pregnancy (1%). Users of the Cu T 380A were more likely to have heavy menses (74% vs 2%; <i>p</i>&lt;0.0001) or moderate to severe cramping (68% vs 20%; <i>p</i>=0.0002) compared with LNG-IUS users. There were no uterine perforations or diagnoses of pelvic inflammatory disease. The rate of failed insertions during the study period was 6.2%. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Despite significant symptoms with insertion, intrauterine contraception is safe, effective and ultimately well tolerated in nulliparous women and should be provided to this population in both university and community health settings.

Women's satisfaction with and ongoing use of hormonal long-acting methods compared to the oral contraceptive pill: Findings from an Australian general practice cluster randomised trial (ACCORd).

The Australian Contraceptive ChOice pRoject (ACCORd) aimed to assess the impact of a complex general practice intervention on the uptake of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC). Using survey data from enrolled women, we aimed to compare the ongoing use and satisfaction of women who chose one of the hormonal LARC methods including the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) or levonorgestrel implant compared to the oral contraceptive pill (OCP). We used the data from participants' baseline, six and 12-month surveys to identify new users of implants, LNG-IUS or OCP. We included demographic information, ongoing use of the contraceptive method, reasons for dissatisfaction and discontinuation and experience of side-effects. Proportions were compared using χ2 tests. Of the 740 women enrolled in ACCORd, 176 started using a hormonal LARC or OCP in the study's first six months with 76 using the IUS (43%), 60 the implant (34%) and 40 (23%) the OCP. Twelve-month continuation rates for the LNG-IUS, implant and OCP were 93, 83 and 65% respectively (P<0.001). Satisfaction was highest among the LNG-IUS users; 86% were very/somewhat satisfied compared to 75% of implant users and 61% of OCP users (P<0.001). Main reasons for method dissatisfaction were irregular bleeding and mood changes which were similar for all methods. This study provides further evidence that hormonal LARC methods have higher continuation and satisfaction rates compared to the OCP with similar side-effects. Since hormonal LARC methods have the highest contraceptive efficacy, these should be offered first-line to women.

A randomized controlled pilot study of ulipristal acetate for abnormal bleeding among women using the 52-mg levonorgestrel intrauterine system.

To assess the efficacy of ulipristal acetate (UPA) for reducing abnormal bleeding among women using the 52-mg levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study conducted from September 1, 2016 to September 30, 2018, at the University of Campinas, Brazil. LNG-IUS users reporting prolonged or frequent uterine bleeding for at least 1year were randomized to receive 5mg UPA per day for 5days or placebo at an identical regimen. Bleeding was recorded for 90days after treatment began and was compared between the groups. Of 94 eligible women, 64 with abnormal bleeding associated with LNG-IUS use declined treatment or device removal after counselling regarding anticipated bleeding patterns. For the 25 study participants, differences were nonsignificant between the UPA and placebo groups for number of days before bleeding stopped and days free of bleeding; however, UPA users displayed a trend for shorter duration before bleeding stopped and longer time free of bleeding. A similar trend for mean number of bleeding days at 30-, 60-, and 90-day follow-up was observed. A nonsignificant trend in reduction of abnormal bleeding was observed among LNG-IUS users taking 5mg UPA per day for 5days compared with placebo; however, further research is needed. CLINICALTRIALS.GOV: NCT03186586.

Bleeding pattern difference between levonorgestrel intrauterine system and copper intrauterine devices inserted immediately post-abortion: a multicenter, prospective, observational cohort study in Chinese women

Background: To describe the bleeding pattern (primary outcome), side effects, treatment satisfaction and 6 month continuity rates associated with the 52 mg levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) and the copper intrauterine device (Cu-IUD) inserted immediately after abortion.Methods: This multicenter, prospective, observational cohort study enrolled healthy women (aged ≥18 years) inserted with LNG-IUS or Cu-IUD immediately after first-trimester surgical abortion and followed up to 6 months. Bleeding pattern was obtained through daily patient bleeding diaries.Results: From 2013 to 2014, we enrolled 512 women (LNG-IUS = 312 [median age: 32.0 years] and Cu-IUD = 200 [median age: 30.0 years]) from nine Chinese centers. LNG-IUS resulted in a significantly lower number of bleeding/spotting days in the second 90 day reference period compared with Cu-IUD (median 14.5 vs. 18.0 days, p < .0001). Amenorrhea rate (no bleeding/spotting day in the second 90 day reference period) and no menstrual bleeding rate (absence of bleeding days in the second 90 day reference period) were significantly higher in LNG-IUS compared to Cu-IUD (13.9% vs. 0% and 39.5% vs. 0%; p < .001 for all). No dysmenorrhea was higher at the last follow-up in LNG-IUS users than Cu-IUD users (81.2% vs. 76%; p = .0047). Both treatments had a high satisfaction rate among women at both the follow-up visits, and the majority of them continued with the treatment. The rates of adverse events (e.g. oligomenorrhea, amenorrhea) in the LNG-IUS and Cu-IUD groups were 77.2% and 44.5% (p < .0001), respectively.Conclusion: LNG-IUS post-abortion shows better bleeding patterns, and reduced dysmenorrhea and bleeding amount, but with a similar safety profile compared with Cu-IUD.ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01958684

Postplacental intrauterine device expulsion by 12 weeks: a prospective cohort study

An intrauterine device placed immediately following a delivery can serve as an effective and safe contraceptive strategy in the postpartum period. There is limited evidence that the levonorgestrel intrauterine system may have a higher rate of expulsion compared to the copper intrauterine device; however, rates of expulsion for these 2 intrauterine device types have not been compared directly. We sought to compare expulsion rates by 12 weeks' postpartum for the levonorgestrel intrauterine system and copper intrauterine device. We enrolled women who received postplacental intrauterine devices at 2 urban hospitals. Eligible women were ≥18 years old, English- or Spanish-speaking, with singleton vaginal delivery at ≥35 weeks' gestation. Intrauterine devices were inserted within 10 minutes of placental delivery by trained providers using ring forceps or the operator's hand. Intrauterine device location was evaluated via abdominal ultrasound at 24-48 hours' postpartum, and via transvaginal ultrasound 6 and 12 weeks later, categorizing position of the intrauterine device at the fundus, below the fundus but above the internal os, any part of the intrauterine device below the internal os (partial expulsion), or no intrauterine device visualized. Outcomes included intrauterine device expulsion and method continuation. We used multivariable logistic regression to identify factors associated with expulsion. We enrolled 123 women ages 18-40 years. Of these, 68 (55%) initiated levonorgestrel intrauterine system and 55 (45%) initiated copper intrauterine device. Groups were similar except more copper intrauterine device users were Hispanic (66% vs 38%) and fewer were primiparous (16% vs 31%). Among the 96 (78%) with 12-week follow-up, expulsion was higher for levonorgestrel intrauterine system users (21/55 or 38%) than for copper intrauterine device users (8/41 or 20%) (odds ratio, 2.55; 95% confidence interval, 0.99-6.55; P= .05). At 24 hours' postpartum, there was no significant difference in median distance from the intrauterine device to the fundus between intrauterine device types or between those who did or did not experience expulsion. Of expulsions, 86% occurred ≤6 weeks' postpartum. All complete expulsions were clinically identified, but of the partial expulsions, only 4/10 (40%) were clinically suspected prior to ultrasound. The only independent predictor of expulsion was intrauterine device type. Including reinsertions, intrauterine device use at 12 weeks was not significantly different for levonorgestrel intrauterine system and copper intrauterine device users (80% vs 93%; P= .14). Women initiating postplacental levonorgestrel intrauterine system are more likely to experience complete expulsion than those initiating copper intrauterine device. Using sonographic criteria results in higher expulsion rates than previously reported. It is unclear if such high expulsion rates would be identified following standard clinical practice.

Evaluating the Efficacy of Levonorgestrel Intrauterine System and Danazol for Relief of Postoperative Pain in Endometriosis.

Endometriosis is an oestrogen-dependent disorder, manifests during reproductive years and is associated with pain and infertility. There is considerable debate about the effectiveness of various interventions for pain relief. To evaluate the efficacy of Levonorgestrel Intrauterine System (LNG-IUS) and Danazol in postoperative pain relief for patients with endometriosis. Hundred patients with diagnosis of endometriosis, who were treated laparoscopically, entered the study to receive either danazol (600 mg once daily) or LNG-IUS (inserted during immediate post operative period) postsurgery, for pain relief. Patients were analysed for pain relief according to VAS score and recurrence of disease using ultrasonography at third and sixth months of follow up. There were 50% patients in stage IV of endometriosis. Majority of them presented with complaint of infertility (49%) and pelvic pain (43%). It was observed that LNG-IUS was significantly more effective in relieving pain compared to danazol (65.2% vs 38.0%, p<0.05). Recurrence rate was significantly lower in LNG-IUS users compared to other group. LNG-IUS was found to be more effective in relieving pain compared to danazol.

Changes in body composition in women using long-acting reversible contraception

ObjectiveUsers of hormonal long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) report weight gain as a side effect, but few studies have assessed body composition change among LARC users. We evaluated weight and body composition of healthy women using the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS), copper intrauterine device (copper IUD) or etonogestrel implant (ENG implant). We hypothesized that weight gain and body composition over 12 months would not differ between copper IUD, LNG-IUS and ENG implant users. Study designWe performed a prospective cohort study of a subgroup of women enrolled in the Contraceptive CHOICE Project who initiated the LNG-IUS, copper IUD or ENG implant. Inclusion criteria included lack of metabolic and eating disorders or change in body weight of more than 5% in the 6 months before enrollment. We measured changes in weight and body composition (body fat percentage, total body fat mass, total lean mass and total body mass) in women who continued their method for 12 months. ResultsWe analyzed data from 149 participants: 85 LNG-IUS users, 31 copper IUD users and 33 ENG implant users. The mean age was 25.9 years, 56.4% were White, 82.5% had some college education and 67.6% were nulliparous. Although lean body mass increased over 12 months in LNG-IUS and copper IUD users but not in ENG implant users, changes in body weight and body composition did not differ between the groups. In the adjusted model, Black race was associated with change in total body mass (p<.05). ConclusionsAmong those who continued the method for 12 months, changes in body weight and composition did not differ between copper IUD, LNG-IUS and ENG implant users. Implications statementChanges in body weight and composition over 12 months did not differ between copper IUD users and LNG-IUS and ENG implant users among those with 12 months of continuous use.

Levonorgestrel Intrauterine System Continuation in Adolescents and Adult Women [14N

INTRODUCTION: Up to 60% of women elect to remove the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) prematurely for side effects (SEs). Removal rates may differ between adolescents and adult women. We investigated the effect of age on removal patterns in first time LNG-IUS users. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed women ages 15–44 undergoing LNG-IUS placement for contraception at an academic tertiary care center from 2006–2009. Women with previous LNG-IUS were excluded. Continuation rates without removal for SEs were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Associations with time to removal were evaluated using Cox models. RESULTS: Of 1,062 eligible women, 79% had follow-up. Of these, 24.7% requested removal for SEs, most commonly bleeding. At 1, 3, and 5 years post-insertion, continuation rates without removal for SEs were 87%, 76%, and 71%, respectively. Each 1-year increase in age was associated with a 3% decrease in removal risk for SEs (HR 0.97, P=.004). Adolescents ages 15–21 (n=60) were compared to adult women ages 22–44 (n=778). Thirty five percent of adolescents and 23.9% of adult women requested removal for SEs. Continuation rates without removal for SEs at t 1, 3, and 5 years were 82%, 66%, and 49%, respectively, for adolescents and 88%, 76%, and 72%, respectively, for adults. Adolescents were 69% more likely to request removal for SEs (HR 1.69; P=.02) and chose less reliable alternative contraception (P=.001). CONCLUSION: Adolescents request LNG-IUS removal for SEs more frequently than adult women, though the method is overall well accepted across all age groups. Understanding removal patterns and patient expectations helps guide contraceptive counseling.

Young Age, Nulliparity, and Continuation of Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptive Methods.

To assess the relationship among young age, nulliparity, and continuation of long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods. We performed a secondary analysis of the Contraceptive CHOICE Project database, an observational cohort study of 9,256 sexually active reproductive-aged females. This analysis focused on continuation of the intrauterine device and implant in nulliparous adolescent participants compared with parous, older women. We analyzed our data by age-parity groups and individual characteristics and used multivariable analysis to assess the association of age and parity on continuation. There were 6,106 participants in our analytic set, including 863 aged 14-19 years. Long-acting reversible contraceptive continuation rates at 12 months were high and similar between all age-parity groups ranging from 82-86%. In the Cox proportional hazards model, nulliparous participants using the copper intrauterine device and implant were more likely to discontinue their LARC method (copper intrauterine device: adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.76, 95% CI 1.13-2.73, implant: adjusted HR 1.89, 95% CI 1.35-2.64) than parous participants. This effect was not observed among levonorgestrel intrauterine system users (adjusted HR 1.16, 95% CI 0.92-1.46). Age younger than 20 years was not associated with discontinuation at 12 months (adjusted HR 0.95, 95% CI 0.74-1.22). We found that LARC continuation rates were high and similar across age and parity. Clinicians should not hesitate to recommend LARC methods to young nulliparous females owing to fear of early discontinuation. II.

Progestin-Containing Contraceptives Alter Expression of Host Defense-Related Genes of the Endometrium and Cervix.

Epidemiological studies indicate that progestin-containing contraceptives increase susceptibility to HIV, although the underlying mechanisms involving the upper female reproductive tract are undefined. To determine the effects of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) and the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) on gene expression and physiology of human endometrial and cervical transformation zone (TZ), microarray analyses were performed on whole tissue biopsies. In endometrium, activated pathways included leukocyte chemotaxis, attachment, and inflammation in DMPA and LNG-IUS users, and individual genes included pattern recognition receptors, complement components, and other immune mediators. In cervical TZ, progestin treatment altered expression of tissue remodeling and viability but not immune function genes. Together, these results indicate that progestins influence expression of immune-related genes in endometrium relevant to local recruitment of HIV target cells with potential to increase susceptibility and underscore the importance of the upper reproductive tract when assessing the safety of contraceptive products.

Adolescent Experiences With Intrauterine Devices: A Qualitative Study

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to improve understanding of adolescents' reasons for choosing an intrauterine device (IUD) and to explore experiences that led to continuation or discontinuation of the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) and the copper IUD (copper IUD). MethodsWe conducted focus groups (FGs) with adolescents and young women who were current or former IUD users stratified by IUD type and 12-month IUD continuation or discontinuation. All subjects were participants from the Contraceptive CHOICE Project. FG data were supplemented with in-depth interviews (IDIs). Data collection was continued until thematic saturation was reached. Transcripts were independently coded by two researchers, and interrater reliability was calculated using a Kappa coefficient. Analysis followed a standard text-analysis approach. ResultsThirteen FGs and seven IDIs were conducted with 43 young women. Effectiveness, duration of use, convenience, and potential bleeding changes emerged as themes for both choosing and continuing IUDs. Some women chose the LNG-IUS to achieve amenorrhea, whereas copper IUD users wanted a nonhormonal method and continued menses. Copper IUD users cited expulsion and bleeding irregularities as reasons for discontinuation, whereas LNG-IUS users reported bleeding irregularities and continued pain as reasons for removal. IUD users noted an adjustment period of weeks to months in which side effects were present before lessening. ConclusionsEffectiveness, duration of use, convenience, and potential changes in bleeding patterns drove adolescents' choice and continuation of an IUD. Bleeding changes and pain contributed to IUD discontinuation. Discussion of effectiveness, duration and convenience, and anticipatory guidance regarding post-insertion side effects may be important in counseling young women about IUDs.

Menstrual characteristics and ultrasonographic uterine cavity measurements predict bleeding and pain in nulligravid women using intrauterine contraception.

Is small uterine cavity size as assessed by ultrasonography associated with bleeding problems or pain in nulligravid women using intrauterine contraception, or do other factors affect these parameters? Among levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) users, small uterine cavity size is not associated with worsened clinical outcome, but is beneficial as women with the smallest cavity measurements were frequently amenorrhoeic and painless at the end of the first year but among copper intrauterine device (IUD) users, no associations between uterine cavity dimensions and clinical outcome were found. Nulligravid and nulliparous women have smaller uterine dimensions than parous women. Previously, many studies have revealed increased discontinuation rates of IUD use as a result of bleeding, pain or expulsion in these women, while recent studies with current models of IUS/IUDs indicate similar continuation and satisfaction rates irrespective of parity. In a pilot study, 165 adult nulligravid women requesting their first IUD between 1 January 2011 and 31 July 2012 were given a free choice between two IUDs with equal frames measuring 32 × 32 mm-the LNG-IUS 52 mg or a copper-releasing IUD. The women were followed for 1 year. The LNG-IUS was chosen by 113 women (68.5%) and the copper IUD by 52 (31.5%). Prior to insertion the women were interviewed concerning their menstrual characteristics and uterine cavity size was measured by 2-D ultrasonography. After insertion the women kept daily records of bleeding and pain for two reference periods of 90 days during the first year (Months 1-3 and 10-12). The correlation between uterine cavity measurements and numbers of days of bleeding/spotting and pain during the reference periods was analysed. Continuation rates were assessed and reasons for discontinuation as well as the effects of baseline participant characteristics on outcomes were analysed in regression models. Both uterine cavity size and baseline menstrual characteristics prior to IUD insertion predicted the numbers of days of bleeding/spotting and pain in LNG-IUS users. Women with small uterine cavity dimensions reported less bleeding/spotting in both reference periods and less pain in the second reference period compared with women with larger dimensions. Baseline scanty spontaneous menstrual bleeding prior to LNG-IUS use (OR 9.4, 95% CI 1.7-51.8, P = 0.01) and smoking (OR 7.8, 95% CI 1.8-33.8, P = 0.006) predicted amenorrhoea in the second reference period. Women with baseline dysmenorrhoea reported more pain with both IUDs. Continuation rates and reasons for discontinuation were similar with both IUDs. No sample size could be calculated to estimate the power as this was a pilot study. As the majority of women chose the LNG-IUS we did not achieve our initial aim of equally sized IUD groups and thus the size of the copper IUD group may have been insufficient to detect differences. These data further encourage promotion of intrauterine contraception among nulligravid women. Routine use of ultrasonography to assess uterine cavity dimensions prior to IUD insertion is not indicated. Supported by Helsinki University Central Hospital research funds, the Swedish Cultural Foundation in Finland and Finska Läkaresällskapet, who provided funds for J.K. O.H. serves on advisory boards for Bayer Healthcare, Gedeon Richter and MSD Finland (part of Merck & Co. Inc.) and has designed educational events with these companies. S.S. has lectured in educational events at Bayer and MSD Finland (part of Merck & Co. Inc.) and is a member of the Advisory Board for Contraception at MSD Finland. The other authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT01685164.

Intrauterine contraception in nulliparous women: a prospective survey

BackgroundIntrauterine contraception is a first-line option for young women, yet relatively few prospective studies have been performed in nulliparous women using currently available devices, and many providers are still reluctant...

Comparison of the hemostatic effects of a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system and leuprolide acetate in women with endometriosis: A randomized clinical trial

IntroductionThe hemostatic and inflammatory systems may activate each other. Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting 10% of women. The objective of this study was to compare the hemostatic effects of two treatments widely prescribed to women with endometriosis: the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) and the gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog (GnRHa) leuprolide acetate. Materials and MethodsIn this randomized open-label controlled trial, 44 women with endometriosis were randomly allocated to one of two groups: 22 women were assigned to use LNG-IUS and 22 to use GnRHa. The assessed variables were D-dimers, fibrinogen, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, coagulation factors (F) II, V, VII, VIII, IX, X, and XI, antithrombin (AT), protein C, free protein S, tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), α2-antiplasmin, thrombin-antithrombin complex, and prothrombin fragment 1+2. All variables were assessed before treatment and six months after treatment onset. ResultsIn the LNG-IUS group, FVIII decreased 10% after six months of use. In the GnRHa group, there was a 6% increase in AT, 29% reduction in D-dimers, and 19% increase in t-PA. The LNG-IUS users exhibited a significantly greater reduction of FVIII than the GnRHa users (LNG-IUS: −6.4±14.3% vs. GnRHa: 4.2±12.3%, p=0.02). The women in the GnRHa group exhibited a greater increase of AT than the LNG-IUS users (LNG-IUS: −0.7±9.5% vs. GnRHa: 6.5±10.1%, p=0.02). ConclusionBoth hormonal treatments for endometriosis exhibited no association with a procoagulant profile.

Postpartum glucose tolerance in women with gestational diabetes using levonorgestrel intrauterine contraception

ObjectivePostpartum contraception is critical in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). We evaluated the effect of the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) on glucose tolerance in postpartum women with GDM. Study designThe study is a descriptive analysis of 12-month glucose tolerance in women with recent GDM who used the LNG-IUS, the copper IUD or postpartum sterilization. ResultsTwelve months postpartum, 3 of 13 LNG-IUS users (23.1%) and 1 of 6 nonhormonal contraceptive users (16.6%) had prediabetes. No woman developed overt diabetes. ConclusionsThis study is the first and only to measure the metabolic effects of the LNG-IUS women with GDM. Larger trials are necessary. ImplicationsUse of levonorgestrel intrauterine contraception does not appear to negatively affect glucose tolerance in postpartum women with a history of gestational diabetes. Additional appropriately powered clinical studies are needed to confirm these results.

Effects of Age, Parity, and Device Type on Complications and Discontinuation of Intrauterine Devices

To conduct an analysis of intrauterine device (IUD)-related outcomes including expulsion, contraceptive failure, and early discontinuation and to compare these outcomes in regard to age, parity, and IUD type. This was a multicenter retrospective chart review of adolescents and women aged 13-35 years who had an IUD inserted for contraception between June 2008 and June 2011. A total of 2,523 patients' charts were reviewed. Of these, 2,138 patients were included in our analysis. After a mean follow-up of 37±11 months, the overall rates of IUD expulsion and pregnancy were 6% and 1%, respectively, and were not significantly different by age or parity. Intrauterine device discontinuation rates were 19% at 12 months and 41% after a mean follow-up of 37 months. Despite similar rates of IUD discontinuation between age groups at 12 months of use, teenagers and young women aged 13-19 years were more likely to request early discontinuation at the end of the total follow-up period. No significant difference was noted in pelvic inflammatory disease rates (2%) based on age. After adjusting for age and parity, we found that copper IUD users were more likely to experience expulsion and contraception failure compared with levonorgestrel intrauterine system users (hazard ratios 1.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06-2.50 and hazard ratios 4.89, 95% CI 2.02-11.80, respectively). Similar to adults, IUD use in adolescents and nulliparous women is effective and associated with low rates of serious complications. Health practitioners should therefore consider IUDs for contraception in all females. Teenagers and young women are more likely to request premature discontinuation of their IUDs and may benefit from additional counseling.

Weight change at 12 months in users of three progestin-only contraceptive methods

BackgroundConcerns about weight gain may influence contraceptive use. We compared the change in body weight over the first 12 months of use between women using the etonogestrel (ENG) implant, the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) or depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) with women using the copper intrauterine device (IUD). Study DesignThis was a substudy of the Contraceptive CHOICE Project, a prospective cohort study of 9256 women provided no-cost contraception. Women who had been using the ENG implant, LNG-IUS, DMPA or copper IUD continuously for at least 11 months were eligible for participation. We obtained body weight at enrollment and at 12 months and compared the weight change for each progestin-only method to the copper IUD. ResultsWe enrolled a total of 427 women: 130 ENG implant users, 130 LNG-IUS users, 67 DMPA users and 100 copper IUD users. The mean weight change (in kilograms) over 12 months was 2.1 for ENG implant users [standard deviation (SD)=6.7]; 1.0 for LNG-IUS users (SD=5.3); 2.2 for DMPA users (SD=4.9) and 0.2 for copper IUD users (SD=5.1). The range of weight change was broad across all contraceptive methods. In the unadjusted linear regression model, ENG implant and DMPA use were associated with weight gain compared to the copper IUD. However, in the adjusted model, no difference in weight gain with the ENG implant, LNG-IUS or DMPA was observed. Only Black race was associated with significant weight gain (1.3 kg, 95% confidence interval=0.2–2.4) when compared to other racial groups. ConclusionsWeight change was variable among women using progestin-only contraceptives. Black race was a significant predictor of weight gain among contraceptive users.

Sexual Functioning in Women Using Levonorgestrel‐Releasing Intrauterine Systems as Compared to Copper Intrauterine Devices

There has been little research published on the impact of intrauterine contraceptive (IUC) methods on sexual functioning. This study aimed: (i) to assess different aspects of sexual functioning, including the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in women using a levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS); (ii) to compare this prevalence with that among copper-releasing intrauterine device (Cu-IUD) users; and (iii) to identify the relationship between psychological variables and sexual functioning in women using one of the aforementioned IUCs. In a multicenter cross-sectional study, 845 women with an IUC were invited to fill out a questionnaire. The latter was returned by 402 (48%) of them: 353 women were LNG-IUS users (88%) and 49 were Cu-IUD users (12%). The questions asked pertained to depression, well-being, marital relation quality, and sexual functioning. Sexual functioning was measured with the short sexual functioning scale. One-third of LNG-IUS users (33%) reported a sexual dysfunction. Of those, 20% reported an increased sexual desire, 25% a decreased sexual desire, 5% arousal problems, and 8% orgasm problems. Women using a LNG-IUS did not differ significantly in distribution, type, or prevalence (32.9% vs. 36.7%) of sexual dysfunction, nor in depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory score; 4.7 vs. 3.9; P = 0.33), general well-being (WHO-5 well-being scale score; 16.8 vs. 17.7; P = 0.170), or partner relationship quality (Dyadic Adjustment Scale score; 107 vs. 108; P = 0.74) compared to Cu-IUD users. Overall, the perceived influence of IUCs on sexual functioning was in the lower range and did not differentiate LNG-IUS greatly from Cu-IUD-users. Women using a LNG-IUS do not differ from those wearing a Cu-IUD with regard to psychological and sexual functioning. The perceived impact of IUD use on sexuality should not be overestimated.

A comparative, randomized study of levonorgestrel Intrauterine System (LNG-IUS) vs Copper T 380 A intrauterine device applied during cesarean section

Objective: To assess levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system LNG-IUS (Mirena?) application at caesarean section (CS). Design: Randomized, comparative study. Setting: Department of obstetrics and gynecology in a primary reference hospital at Puebla City, Mexico. Sample: 396 women requiring CS signed informed consent and were randomly allocated to the post-placental application of LNG-IUS (198) or Copper T 380 A (198). Methods: Follow up visits at 6 weeks, and 6 and 12 months were performed. Main Outcomes Measures: IUDs expulsion, maternal and babies’ health conditions, breastfeeding and menstrual patterns, adverse effects and pregnancies. Differences between groups were analyzed by Fisher and X2 tests, Odds ratios, relative risk and 95% confidence limits, as appropriate. Results: After one year of follow up, no pregnancies were reported. The IUD expulsion rate was 4.5% in each group. LNG-IUS users had a higher incidence of amenorrhea (OR 2.5 95% CI 2.2 - 3) and menstrual patterns significantly brief and lighter than Copper T 380 A (p < 0.001) with lower incidence of dysmenorrhea (OR 0.1 95% CI 0.04 - 0.2). No detrimental effects of LNG-IUS on breastfeeding was observed and interestingly babies weights of LNG-IUS users was slightly above the average for age compared with Copper T 380 A users. This was probably related with a major proportion of women with normal ferritin serum levels (94% vs 68%) leading to better mother’s general condition. Conclusions: LNG-IUS inserted during CS provides high efficacy contraception with additional benefits, mainly reducing menstrual bleeding and doing so, faster recovery of ferrous homeostasis after CS.

Vaginal flora changes on Pap smears after insertion of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device

Background The levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) combines a uterine foreign body and the continuous release of low-dose levonorgestrel for contraception. Its influence on the rate of vulvovaginal infections and flora disturbance is insufficiently known, but important for contraceptive advice in women, especially those who develop recurrent vaginosis or Candida vulvovaginitis. Study Design Slides of 286 women who had a Pap smear taken before and 1 to 2 years after placement of a LNG-IUS were blindly reviewed for the presence of abnormal vaginal flora (AVF), bacterial vaginosis (BV), aerobic vaginitis (AV) and Candida vaginitis (CV). Results Prior to insertion, there were no differences in vaginal flora abnormalities between women using different kinds of contraception. LNG-IUS users did not have different rates of AVF, BV, AV or CV, but the general risk to develop any infection was increased. Uterine bleeding after insertion did not seem to predict a different flora type. Conclusion We found that Pap smears suggested more vaginal infections after 1 year of LNG-IUS use than prior to insertion of the device.