Cytological evaluation and investigation of the vaginal flora of long-term users of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS).

BACKGROUND

The study was conducted to evaluate the cytopathological findings and vaginal flora in cervical smear samples from women using the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) for a period of up to 7 years.

STUDY

DESIGN

Postinsertion cytology examinations were conducted on 187 women who had an LNG-IUS inserted between April and September 1998 in the family planning clinic of the Universidade Estadual de Campinas.

RESULTS

During the 7 years of follow-up, a high frequency of candidiasis was found from the fourth through the seventh year of use in comparison to the first year of use. No significant results were found with respect to cytopathological abnormalities or other microbiological alterations following insertion of the LNG-IUS.

CONCLUSION

Use of the LNG-IUS had no effect on cervical smears over the 7-year follow-up period; however, an increase occurred in the frequency of candidiasis.