title: Effective contraception with the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device: 12-month report of a European multicenter study.
abstract: The use-effectiveness of an intrauterine contraceptive device releasing 20 mcg of levonorgestrel daily (Lng-IUD), and of a Nova T copper-releasing IUD, were studied in a randomized, comparative multicenter trial. The Lng-IUD was inserted in 1821, and the Nova T in 937 women. The 12-month net pregnancy rate with the Lng-IUD (0.1 per hundred women) was significantly lower than that with the Nova T (0.9 per hundred). Removal rates for menstrual problems and/or pain were similar for the two methods (net rates 7.5 and 8.7, respectively). The 12-month continuation rates were 82.2 for the Nova T and 79.7 for the Lng-IUD. The reduction of the bleeding led to oligomenorrhea and amenorrhea in users of the Lng-IUD; the removal rate for these reasons was 1.4. The removal rate for hormonal side effects with the Lng-IUD was 2.4. Blood hemoglobin concentrations increased among users of the Lng-IUD and decreased among users of the Nova T. The results show that the Lng-IUD was a highly effective contraceptive method which reduced menstrual bleeding. It is a promising alternative for women desiring a highly effective method for long-term use.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007433:Intrauterine Device Expulsion; D007436:Intrauterine Devices, Medicated; D016912:Levonorgestrel; D009644:Norgestrel / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D011897:Random Allocation
chemical_list: D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D006454:Hemoglobins; D009644:Norgestrel; D016912:Levonorgestrel