Effects of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system and T380A intrauterine copper device on dysmenorrhea and days of bleeding in women with and without adenomyosis

Abstract

Background: The study was conducted to compare the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) and Copper T380A intrauterine device (IUD) in women with and without adenomyosis and to investigate the effects on menstruation and dysmenorrhea.

Study design: Women diagnosed as having adenomyosis on transvaginal ultrasound were assigned to receive LNG-IUS (Group 1, n=23), and women seeking contraception were assigned to receive either LNG-IUS (Group 2, n=25) or Copper T380A IUD (Group 3, n=26) for 12 months.

Results: The LNG-IUS significantly improved the duration of menstrual bleeding, dysmenorrhea and hemoglobin levels at the 1st and 12th month of the treatment in Group 1 and Group 2 as compared to Group 3. Moreover, LNG-IUS had similar efficacy but significantly lower side effects when compared to Copper T380A regarding contraception. However, acne was significantly increased after insertion in women using LNG-IUS.

Conclusions: The LNG-IUS results in significant improvements in adenomyosis-associated heavy menstrual bleeding and dysmenorrhea. Moreover, this study also shows that it is an effective contraceptive method with significantly lower side effects compared to CuT 380A IUD except for acne.