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

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.