title: Evaluation of quality of life and sexual functioning of women using levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine contraceptive system--Mirena.
abstract: The advantages ensuing from the high contraceptive efficacy, positive effect on the parameters of the menstrual cycle as well as other values of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system may play an important role in women's sexual life. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system on the quality of life and sexual functioning of women. The research encompassed 200 women aged between 30 and 45. 52 women using the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system were qualified to the study as the research group (Mirena Group). The control groups consisted of 48 women using a different type of intrauterine device (Control Group I--Other IUD) and 50 women using no contraception (Control Group II). A specific questionnaire with a general part concerning socio-demographic conditions, a part dealing with contraception and Polish version of self-evaluation inventories: Short Form-36 Health Survey, Female Sexual Function Index and Mell-Krat Scale was used as a research tool. Quality of life parameters for women using the Mirena system were higher than for the control groups, especially in the aspect of general health, energy/fatigue and emotional well-being. A significant beneficial effect of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system on sexual functioning (sexual desire and arousal) was also revealed in the study. Sexual dysfunctions were diagnosed in 20.8% of Other IUD, 34.7% of Control Group II and 9.6% of Mirena Group. Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system increases female quality of life and sexual functioning parameters.
authors.affiliation: Woman's Health Chair, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Medyków, Poland.
authors.forename: Violetta
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Skrzypulec
authors.forename: Agnieszka
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Drosdzol
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016912:Levonorgestrel / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011044:Poland; D011788:Quality of Life; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000517:prevention & control; D019529:Sexuality; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D016912:Levonorgestrel