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).

STUDY

DESIGN

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.

CONCLUSION

LNG-IUS use prevented pregnancy in all patients and was associated with decreased vaginal bleeding starting in the second year postinsertion.