Contraceptive and noncontraceptive benefits of the LNG-IUS in a vertically integrated HMO.
BACKGROUND
The study was conducted to assess outcomes among women using the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS).


METHODS
The data were collected via a retrospective claims database analysis of 152 women. Two nested cohorts were further distinguished based on length of follow-up: two and three continuous years (n=73 and n=29, respectively).


RESULTS
Over 90% had a single insertion, and fewer than 4% experienced an LNG-IUS-related complication. Thirteen percent of women experienced menorrhagia in the year preceding insertion; this figure dropped to 12.5%, 1.2% and 0% in the 1, 2 and 3 years postinsertion. Mean number of gynecology-related visits decreased from four to two in the overall cohort, from seven to four in the cohort with 2 years of follow-up and from nine to four in the cohort with 3 years of follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
LNG-IUS use prevented pregnancy in all patients and was associated with decreased vaginal bleeding starting in the second year postinsertion.
Hendlish
Sarah K
SK
Analytica International, New York, NY 10016, USA.
Horowicz-Mehler
Nathalie C
NC
Brixner
Diana I
DI
Stern
Lee S
LS
Doyle
John J
JJ
Chang
Joanne
J
Hagan
Michael
M
D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005193:Family Planning Services / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007436:Intrauterine Devices, Medicated; D016912:Levonorgestrel / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008595:Menorrhagia / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009640:Norethindrone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011374:Progesterone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D011374:Progesterone; D016912:Levonorgestrel; D009640:Norethindrone