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. 2012 Apr;85(4):359-62.
doi: 10.1016/j.contraception.2011.08.005. Epub 2011 Sep 28.

Feasibility of postpartum placement of the levonorgestrel intrauterine system more than 6 h after vaginal birth

Gretchen S Stuart  1 , Amy G Bryant, Erica O'Neill, Irene A Doherty
Affiliations

Feasibility of postpartum placement of the levonorgestrel intrauterine system more than 6 h after vaginal birth

Gretchen S Stuart et al. Contraception. 2012 Apr.

Abstract

Background: The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of postpartum levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) placement on the postpartum ward.

Study design: This case-series study took place in a teaching hospital in North Carolina. Women were followed for 6 months, and data on method satisfaction, study design satisfaction and expulsion were collected. Descriptive statistics were used.

Results: Forty women enrolled. Twenty-nine women (73%) received the LNG-IUS at a median of 20 h (range 7-48 h) after delivery, and all reported that they would recommend this method of contraception to a friend. Eleven women had a spontaneous expulsion (38%; 95% confidence interval 21, 58).

Conclusion: Placement of LNG-IUS more than 6 h postpartum was acceptable to women in this study. The expulsion rate of 38% had statistical instability and should be interpreted with caution. However, our report may assist with individual counseling of women interested in postpartum LNG-IUS placement, or in future study designs.

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