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  • Clinical performance of the levonorgestrel intra-uterine system in routine use by the UK Family Planning and Reproductive Health Research Network: 12-month report

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Clinical performance of the levonorgestrel intra-uterine system in routine use by the UK Family Planning and Reproductive Health Research Network: 12-month report
  1. Michael Cox, FRCOG, MFFP, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist and
  2. Sarah Blacksell, BA, Research Fellow
  1. Institute of Population Studies, School of Postgraduate Medicine and Health Sciences. University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
  1. Correspondence Michael Cox, Institute of Population Studies, School of Postgraduate Medicine and Health Sciences. University of Exeter, Hoopern House, 101 Pensylvania Road, Exeter EX4 6TD. Tel: 01392 257936; Fax: 01392 490870

Abstract

Doctors working in general practice and at family planning clinics throughout the UK who collaborate in the UK Family Planning and Reproductive Health Research Network were responsible for the fitting of 692 Levonorgestrel Intra-uterine Systems (LNG IUS). This study was undertaken to determine the performance of the LNG IUS in British women in routine clinical use.

The 12 months cumulative life-table event rates were: pregnancy 0.6, expulsion 4.5. The continuation rate was 70.6. Removals were also required for side effects, which may be due to absorbed levonorgestrel, the removal rate being 7.4. Positive effects include effective contraception and considerably reduced quantity of bleeding for most participants.

A need was identified to counsel women about the early bleeding problems, including the possibility of oligomenorrhoea or amenorrhoea. This is considered to be very important as it will help women to persevere so that they can enjoy the longer-term benefits.

  • intra-uterine contraception
  • levonorgestrel intra-uterine system
  • 12-month findings

https://doi.org/10.1783/147118900101194571

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