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Uptake and continuation rates of the intrauterine system in a university student general practice population in the UK
  1. Catherine Marie Armitage1,
  2. Carolyn Mitchell2,
  3. Caroline Wigan3,
  4. Debbie A Smith4
  1. 1General Practitioner, Leeds Student Medical Practice, Leeds, UK
  2. 2Practice Nurse, Leeds Student Medical Practice, Leeds, UK
  3. 3Clinical Research Co-ordinator, Leeds Student Medical Practice, Leeds, UK
  4. 4General Practitioner, Leeds Student Medical Practice, Leeds, UK
  1. Correspondence to Dr Catherine Marie Armitage, Leeds Student Medical Practice, 4 Blenheim Court, Blenheim Walk, Leeds LS2 9AE, UK; catherine.armitage{at}nhs.net

Abstract

Objective To follow a series of 100 women attending for fitting of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG IUS) registered at a single urban general practice serving the students of the local universities and higher education colleges.

Methods This was a prospective observational study. A questionnaire was completed by the fitter in discussion with the patient at the time of attendance for IUS fitting. Follow up was by telephone at 6 weeks, 6 months and 9–12 months after fitting.

Results The age range of women within the series was 18–38 years. 97 women were nulliparous. 37 women selected the IUS as their preferred method of contraception. 12 women chose the IUS primarily for non-contraceptive reasons. 75 women still had the IUS at 12 months’ follow up with 11 lost to follow up at this point. No pregnancies or perforations were reported.

Conclusions The IUS is an acceptable form of contraception in young women, including nulliparous women, and should be offered alongside other methods as first line without restriction when offering contraceptive options to this age group.

  • intrauterine devices
  • intrauterine systems
  • general practice

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