title: One year quality of life measured with SEC-QoL in levonorgestrel 52 mg IUS users.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The present study aims to prospectively evaluate quality of life (QoL) of women using 52-mg levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) for contraception determined through the Sociedad Española de Contracepción (Spanish contraception Society) (SEC)-QoL, a questionnaire specifically designed to assess the impact of contraceptive methods on QoL of fertile women.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a prospective observational multicenter study of 201 reproductive age women who initiated the LNG-IUS for contraception. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected at baseline and 12 months afterwards. Participants filled in the SEC-QoL questionnaire at both visits. SEQ-QoL scores range from 0 (worst QoL) to 100 (best QoL).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants claimed an increased QoL 12 months after insertion in all five dimensions of SEC-QoL due to its high contraceptive efficacy and its capability to reduce other menstrual symptoms (e.g., heavy menstrual bleeding or dysmenorrhoea), overall exerting a positive impact on user's satisfaction. SEC-QoL general overall score went from a mean (S.D.) score of 46.3 (17.3) at baseline to 72.2 (14.8) 12 months afterwards (p<.001). Overall, 94.6% of women claimed having found additional benefits other than contraception. No pregnancies were reported during the 12 months of study duration, and only 14 women discontinued use of LNG-IUS (only two of them due to an adverse event), representing a continuation rate of 93%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Women using LNG-IUS for contraception have an increased QoL after 12 months of use, demonstrated by the increased score in all dimensions of the SEC-QoL questionnaire.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The present study prospectively evaluated QoL of women using LNG-IUS for contraception through the SEC-QoL questionnaire. Participants claimed increased QoL 12 months afterwards, implying that women using LNG-IUS for contraception in usual clinical practise also benefit from the reduction of period-related symptoms, overall leading to very low discontinuation rates.
authors.affiliation: Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hospital La Zarzuela Madrid, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, C/Pleyades, 25, 28023, Madrid, Spain. Electronic address: icristobalg@sego.es.
authors.forename: Ignacio
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Cristobal
authors.affiliation: Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Araba, School of Medicine, Basque Country University, 01009, Vitoria, C/Jose Atxotegi, s/n, 01009, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Álava, Araba, Spain. Electronic address: Luisignacio.letelasa@osakidetza.net.
authors.forename: Luis Ignacio
authors.initials: LI
authors.lastname: Lete
authors.affiliation: Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hospital de Guadalajara, School of Medicine and Health Science, Alcala University, Guadalajara, C/Donante de Sangre, s/n, 19002, Guadalajara, Spain. Electronic address: edelaviuda@sego.es.
authors.forename: Esther de la
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Viuda
authors.affiliation: Health Economics and Outcomes Research Real World Evidence Solutions, IMS Health, C/Dr Ferran, 25-27, 08020, Barcelona, Spain. Electronic address: nperulero@es.imshealth.com.
authors.forename: Nuria
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Perulero
authors.affiliation: Medical Department, Bayer Hispania, Avda. Baix Llobregat 3-5, 08970, Sant Joan Despí, Spain. Electronic address: agnes.arbat@bayer.com.
authors.forename: Agnes
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Arbat
authors.affiliation: Medical Department, Bayer Hispania, Avda. Baix Llobregat 3-5, 08970, Sant Joan Despí, Spain. Electronic address: ignasi.canals@bayer.com.
authors.forename: Ignasi
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Canals
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003267:Contraception / Q000379:methods; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007436:Intrauterine Devices, Medicated / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016912:Levonorgestrel / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008595:Menorrhagia; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D013030:Spain; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D016912:Levonorgestrel
keywords: Contraception; Intrauterine system; Levonorgestrel; Quality of life; SEQ-QoL questionnaire