An evaluation of the levonorgestrel-releasing IUD: its advantages and disadvantages when compared to the copper-releasing IUDs.
The levonorgestrel-releasing IUD (LNG-IUD-20), providing a daily dose of 20 ug, has recently been approved for marketing in Finland. The IUD's high efficacy in preventing accidental pregnancy and other numerous positive features make it a promising contraceptive device for worldwide use, just like the currently available T-shaped copper-releasing (TCu) IUDs. This paper reviews published reports comparing the LNG-IUD-20 and the currently used TCu IUDs. The merits and disadvantages of the steroid-releasing IUD are evaluated in terms of its performance and other special features relative to the TCu IUDs. Also, a number of future studies with medical and programmatic importance are proposed. A broader understanding about these two IUD families will facilitate their use in a complementary way for family planning programs.
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Family Health International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709.
D004341:Drug Evaluation; D005193:Family Planning Services / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007435:Intrauterine Devices, Copper / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000592:standards*; D007436:Intrauterine Devices, Medicated / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000592:standards*; D016912:Levonorgestrel / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000592:standards*
D016912:Levonorgestrel