IngentaConnect The levonorgestrel intra-uterine system: Therapeutic application ...

Authors: Dolan L.M.¹; Mulholland M.; Price J.

Source: Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care, Volume 27, Number 1, 1 January 2001 , pp. 19-21(3)

Publisher: Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare

Abstract:

Objective: To assess the non-contraceptive benefits of the levonorgestrel intra-uterine system 12 months following insertion in a family planning setting.

Design: Postal questionnaire survey.

Setting: Family planning clinics at the Ulster and Bangor Hospitals.

Subjects: Eighty-six consecutive subjects fitted with the levonorgestrel intra-uterine system.

Results: Response rate 87.3%. Outcome measured in terms of compliance, satisfaction and menstrual symptomatology. Reasons for insertion were as follows: 21.7% contraception only; 65.2% menorrhagia, 24.6% dysmenorrhoea and 1.4% premenstrual syndrome. Duration of menses was 8.25 days pre-insertion and 2.41 days at 12 months. Of the subjects, 59.4% experienced at least one hormonal side effect; 10.1% of systems were removed within 12 months. At 12 months 86.9% of women were satisfied and 9.8% of women planned to discontinue.

Conclusion: The levonorgestrel intra-uterine system was acceptable to almost 80% of women after 12 months, with significant reduction in duration of menses. Family planning clinics are an ideal setting to implement the guidelines for the initial management of menorrhagia.

Keywords: BENEFITS; COMPLIANCE; FAMILY PLANNING CLINIC; LEVONORGESTREL INTRA-UTERINE SYSTEM; LNG-IUS; MENSTRUAL SYMPTOMATOLOGY; SATISFACTION

Document Type: Original article

Affiliations: 1: The Warrell Unit, Saint Mary's Hospital, Manchester M13 0JH

The levonorgestrel intra-uterine system: Therapeutic application in family planning