Non-contraceptive applications of the levonorgestrel intrauterine system

The Levonorgestrel-Releasing Intrauterine Device as Emergency Contraception: Re-examining the Data

Emergency contraception methods that also deliver ongoing contraception provide the most effective options for individuals hoping to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. Although the copper intrauterine device (IUD) provides the most effective option for emergency contraception because the device prevents pregnancy when placed before implantation and offers long-acting contraception, uptake by patients has been limited. Recently, the Society of Family Planning issued new guidance recommending the levonorgestrel IUD (LNG-IUD) as an emergency contraception option along with the copper IUD. Here, we review evidence related to this recommendation and conclude that the available data do not support use of the LNG-IUD for emergency contraception. We discuss the mechanisms of action of emergency contraception methods and how these concepts interface with the current political and social landscape of contraception and abortion care. We describe limitations of the existing evidence supporting use of the LNG-IUD as emergency contraception and highlight the critical research needed to establish the device as a highly effective method of emergency contraception.

Morphological and Ultrastructural Changes in Human Endometrium Following Low-Dose Levonorgestrel Contraceptive Intrauterine Systems (LNG-IUS-12) 13.5 mg

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of low-dose levonorgestrel contraceptive intrauterine systems (LNG-IUS-12) on endometrial morphology and ultrastructure.

METHODS

Twenty seven women who desired contraception were inserted LNG-IUS-12. Endometrial biopsies were collected during the late proliferative phase of the cycle before (control) and after the use of the LNG-IUS for 36 months. The changes of morphology and ultrastructure of endometrium tissue were observed by light microscope and transmission electron microscope.

RESULTS

After 36 months of use, the endometrial gland reduced in number and some were atrophic. A decidual change of stroma was present. Electronic microscopy demonstrated the presence of low columnar, karyopyknosis, and chromatin margination in the glandular epithelial cell. Some vacuolar degeneration in partial mitochondria and rough endoplasmic reticulum presented light extension. Changes could be concluded as cell inhibition of proliferation.

CONCLUSIONS

The low-dose levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine systems has a suppressive effect on endometrium that is similar to LNG-IUS.

Management of endometrial modifications in perimenopausal women

Perimenopause has a variable length and time of onset and is characterized by its variability in hormonal levels. The histological changes in the perimenopausal endometrium may be represented by nonproliferative or proliferative benign or malignant lesions. A commonly encountered manifestation of endometrium lesions during menopausal transition is the abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). The clinical management of AUB must follow a standardized classification system for optimal results. The medical and surgical treatment must be adapted according to age, risk factors, symptoms, and cycle irregularities. Use of alternative therapies and proper diet may result in improved long-term outcomes.

Efficacy of levonorgestrel releasing intrauterine system for the treatment of menorrhagia due to benign uterine lesions in perimenopausal women

Aims:

To evaluate the efficacy of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS, Mirena, Bayer Healthcare) in the treatment of menorrhagia caused by benign lesions of the uterus in perimenopausal women.

Settings and Design:

A prospective observational study was conducted to study the efficacy of levonorgestrel intrauterine device in the treatment of menorrhagia due to benign lesions of the uterus in perimenopausal women.

Materials and Methods:

Forty women with menorrhagia, due to benign conditions like idiopathic menorrhagia, fibroid (not more than 12 weeks size) or adenomyosis, attending our out-patient department were included in the study. All the women underwent a PAP smear, transvaginal sonography and endometrial biopsy. Endometrial carcinoma and cervical carcinoma were excluded. LNG-IUS was inserted in the postmenstrual phase. Blood loss was assessed by pictorial blood loss assessment chart (PBAC). They were followed up after 3 months, 6 months, and after 1 year.

Results:

Majority of the women had menstrual spotting for 3–4 months followed by infrequent menstruation, scanty menstruation or amenorrhoea. LNG-IUS was removed because of continued bleeding in two cases and was removed because of displacement in one case. It was expelled spontaneously in four cases. Thirty-three women continued to use LNG-IUS.

Conclusion:

LNG-IUS is a safe and effective option for women with menorrhagia due to benign lesions of the uterus in perimenopausal women.

Hormonal contraception--what kind, when, and for whom?

BACKGROUND

In Germany today, one-third of the 20 million women of child-bearing age use combined oral contraceptives (COCs). In this article, we summarize the current knowledge of the mode of action, wanted and unwanted side effects, and long-term risks of COCs. The levonorgestrel intrauterine device (IUD) and long-acting injectable or implantable monophasic progestogen preparations offer comparable contraceptive efficacy to COCs. Nonetheless, they are less frequently used in Germany than COCs, because of their propensity to cause breakthrough bleeding.

METHOD

Selective review of the literature.

RESULTS

COCs suppress gonadotropin secretion and thereby inhibit follicular maturation and ovulation. Their correct use is associated with 0.3 pregnancies per 100 women per year, their typical use, with 1 pregnancy per 100 women per year (Pearl index). COCs have effects on the cardiovascular and hemostatic systems as well as on lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. When given in the presence of specific risk factors, they significantly increase the likelihood of cardiovascular disease and thromboembolism. Women with persistent human papilloma virus (HPV) infection who take COCs are at increased risk of developing invasive cervical cancer. On the other hand, COCs lower the cumulative incidence of endometrial and ovarian cancer by 30% to 50%, and that of colorectal cancer by 20% to 30%. Other malignancies seem to be unaffected by COC use.

CONCLUSION

As long as personal and familial risk factors are carefully considered, COCs constitute a safe, reversible, and well-tolerated method of contraception.