Added health benefits of the levonorgestrel contraceptive intrauterine system and other hormonal contraceptive delivery systems

Abstract

Background: It has been recognized for well over half a century that hormonal preparations designed as contraceptives are also capable of offering health benefits through the treatment and prevention of benign gynecological disease and even some systemic conditions. Increasing attention is now being paid to the extent and detail of such added health benefits, and it is becoming clear that the long-acting, low-dose, hormonal contraceptive delivery systems may offer particular advantages in this regard.

Methods: Conventional databases were thoroughly searched, especially for publications from 2006 to 2012, which addressed non-contraceptive-related indications for therapy and prevention.

Results: A considerable literature now exists to demonstrate the multiple and substantial noncontraceptive health benefits of long-acting progestogen-releasing systems, especially the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system. These benefits mainly relate to disturbances of menstruation and related symptoms, such as heavy menstrual bleeding (due to many causes); iron deficiency; pelvic pain, especially around endometriosis; and endometrial hyperplasia. The long-acting estrogen-progestogen systems may carry similar added health benefits to those of the combined oral contraceptives, but data are still lacking.

Conclusion: Added health benefits are now becoming an important part of the contraceptive choice equation, and the long-acting delivery systems are recognized as suitable primary therapies for a range of gynecological disorders.