Late bleeding problems with the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system: evaluation of the endometrial cavity.
BACKGROUND
This study was conducted to determine causes of abnormal bleeding patterns occurring after at least 6 months of successful use of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS).


METHODS
Matched-pair, case-control study. Fifteen users of the device with unacceptable bleeding problems (cases) and 15 controls using the device but without such problems were recruited. All women had vaginal ultrasonography and hysteroscopy performed to evaluate the endometrial cavity.


RESULTS
An abnormality demonstrated by ultrasonography or hysteroscopy (either device displacement or leiomyomas) was more common among cases than controls. The McNemar's test for discordant case-control pairs yielded a p value of .046. After removal of the device and reinsertion of another levonorgestrel-releasing device, all cases reported improvement of the bleeding pattern.


CONCLUSIONS
Displacement of the device and intracavitary leiomyomas are commonly associated with unacceptable bleeding in women after prolonged use of the LNG-IUS. Ultrasonography and hysteroscopy may be useful in evaluating bleeding complaints in long-term users of this device.
Rönnerdag
Maria
M
Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Uppsala, S 75267 Uppsala, Sweden. Maria.ronnerdag@comhem.se
Odlind
Viveka
V
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D004717:Endometrium / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015907:Hysteroscopy; D007434:Intrauterine Devices / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016912:Levonorgestrel / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014592:Uterine Hemorrhage / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology
D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D016912:Levonorgestrel