The levonorgestrel intra-uterine system: therapeutic application in family planning.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the non-contraceptive benefits of the levonorgestrel intra-uterine system 12 months following insertion in a family planning setting.


METHODS
Postal questionnaire survey.


METHODS
Family planning clinics at the Ulster and Bangor Hospitals.


METHODS
Eighty-six consecutive subjects fitted with the levonorgestrel intra-uterine system.


RESULTS
Response rate 87.3%. Outcome measured in terms of compliance, satisfaction and menstrual symptomatology. Reasons for insertion were as follows: 21.7% contraception only; 65.2% menorrhagia, 24.6% dysmenorrhoea and 1.4% premenstrual syndrome. Duration of menses was 8.25 days pre-insertion and 2.41 days at 12 months. Of the subjects, 59.4% experienced at least one hormonal side effect; 10.1% of systems were removed within 12 months. At 12 months 86.9% of women were satisfied and 9.8% of women planned to discontinue.


CONCLUSIONS
The levonorgestrel intra-uterine system was acceptable to almost 80% of women after 12 months, with significant reduction in duration of menses. Family planning clinics are an ideal setting to implement the guidelines for the initial management of menorrhagia.
Dolan
L M
LM
Belfast City Hospital, Northern Ireland.
Mulholland
M
M
Price
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003267:Contraception / Q000379:methods; D003625:Data Collection; D005193:Family Planning Services / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007436:Intrauterine Devices, Medicated; D016912:Levonorgestrel / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011247:Pregnancy; D011275:Pregnancy, Unwanted / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012494:Sampling Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D006113:United Kingdom
D016912:Levonorgestrel