Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device in the treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding: a 6- and 12-month morphological and clinical follow-up

Intrauterine Device Perforation

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) have had a controversial history but are regarded as a safe, effective form of contraception for all women. IUDs have many benefits, but at the same time, risks and complications may occur in a small percentage of women. The case study first presents a patient with an IUD that perforated the uterus and then offers a discussion of the risks and benefits of IUD contraception.

One year quality of life measured with SEC-QoL in levonorgestrel 52 mg IUS users

OBJECTIVES

The present study aims to prospectively evaluate quality of life (QoL) of women using 52-mg levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) for contraception determined through the Sociedad Española de Contracepción (Spanish contraception Society) (SEC)-QoL, a questionnaire specifically designed to assess the impact of contraceptive methods on QoL of fertile women.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a prospective observational multicenter study of 201 reproductive age women who initiated the LNG-IUS for contraception. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected at baseline and 12 months afterwards. Participants filled in the SEC-QoL questionnaire at both visits. SEQ-QoL scores range from 0 (worst QoL) to 100 (best QoL).

RESULTS

Participants claimed an increased QoL 12 months after insertion in all five dimensions of SEC-QoL due to its high contraceptive efficacy and its capability to reduce other menstrual symptoms (e.g., heavy menstrual bleeding or dysmenorrhoea), overall exerting a positive impact on user's satisfaction. SEC-QoL general overall score went from a mean (S.D.) score of 46.3 (17.3) at baseline to 72.2 (14.8) 12 months afterwards (p<.001). Overall, 94.6% of women claimed having found additional benefits other than contraception. No pregnancies were reported during the 12 months of study duration, and only 14 women discontinued use of LNG-IUS (only two of them due to an adverse event), representing a continuation rate of 93%.

CONCLUSIONS

Women using LNG-IUS for contraception have an increased QoL after 12 months of use, demonstrated by the increased score in all dimensions of the SEC-QoL questionnaire.

IMPLICATIONS

The present study prospectively evaluated QoL of women using LNG-IUS for contraception through the SEC-QoL questionnaire. Participants claimed increased QoL 12 months afterwards, implying that women using LNG-IUS for contraception in usual clinical practise also benefit from the reduction of period-related symptoms, overall leading to very low discontinuation rates.