A randomized prospective trial comparing the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system with thermal balloon ablation for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding.
BACKGROUND
Use of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) was compared with thermal balloon ablation (TBA) for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB).


METHODS
A prospective randomized trial comparing the LNG-IUS (n=30 women) and TBA (n=28 women).


RESULTS
Hemoglobin levels increased (p<.001) and blood loss was reduced (p<.001) in both groups after 1 year of treatment. Menstrual bleeding was less in the LNG-IUS group compared to the TBA group at 6 and 12 months of treatment (p=.035 and p=.048, respectively). Intermenstrual bleeding was significantly less in the TBA group at 6 months compared to the LNG-IUS group (p=.044); however, there was no significant difference at 12 months (p=.129). No difference was found in psychological aspects between pre- and posttreatment variables in either of the groups (p=.537).


CONCLUSIONS
Both the LNG-IUS and TBA appear to be effective in controlling HMB; however, posttreatment uterine bleeding patterns are different.
de Souza
Sérgio S
SS
Professor Aroldo Fernando Camargos Laboratory of Human Reproduction, Teaching Hospital of the Federal University of Minas Gerais, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Camargos
Aroldo F
AF
de Rezende
Carolina P
CP
Pereira
Francisco A N
FA
Araújo
Cícero A A
CA
Silva Filho
Agnaldo L
AL
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002404:Catheterization / Q000379:methods; D055356:Endometrial Ablation Techniques; D005260:Female; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007436:Intrauterine Devices, Medicated; D016912:Levonorgestrel / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008595:Menorrhagia / Q000628:therapy*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D018579:Patient Selection; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D006454:Hemoglobins; D016912:Levonorgestrel