Use of the levonorgestrel releasing-intrauterine system in nulliparous women--a non-interventional study in Sweden

Eur J Contracept Reprod Health Care. 2011 Apr;16(2):126-34. doi: 10.3109/13625187.2011.558222.

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the insertion procedure and continuation rates of the levonorgestrel releasing-intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) in nulliparous women who, due to fear of complications, are often denied this very effective contraceptive method.

Methods: A non-interventional study of 224 nulliparous women attending family planning services for insertion of a LNG-IUS.

Results: There were only six unsuccessful insertions. The insertions, mostly carried out by midwives, were regarded as easy by 72% of the inserters. Nineteen women (9%) considered the procedure to have been painless, 162 (72%) moderately painful, and 39 (17%), severely painful. At follow-up, 12-16 weeks post-insertion, 76% (165/216) of the women were satisfied with their method. Women in the youngest age group were more satisfied than women in the oldest age group (75% and 59%, respectively). Only 5% were dissatisfied. Neither perforations nor pregnancies were reported during the whole study period.

Conclusion: Our results support the current practice in Sweden of offering LNG-IUS routinely to nulliparous women.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Intravaginal
  • Adult
  • Contraception / adverse effects
  • Contraception / statistics & numerical data*
  • Contraceptive Agents, Female / administration & dosage*
  • Contraceptive Agents, Female / adverse effects
  • Drug Delivery Systems / adverse effects
  • Drug Delivery Systems / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intrauterine Devices, Medicated / adverse effects
  • Intrauterine Devices, Medicated / statistics & numerical data*
  • Levonorgestrel / administration & dosage*
  • Levonorgestrel / adverse effects
  • Middle Aged
  • Parity
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Progesterone Congeners / administration & dosage*
  • Progesterone Congeners / adverse effects
  • Sweden / epidemiology
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Contraceptive Agents, Female
  • Progesterone Congeners
  • Levonorgestrel