Clinical performance of a levonorgestrel-releasing intracervical contraceptive device during the first two years of use.

One-hundred-and-ninety-eight women used a levonorgestrel-releasing intracervical contraceptive device (LNG-ICD) designed to release 20 micrograms levonorgestrel/day. Clinical performance during the first two years of LNG-ICD use was evaluated. A total of seven pregnancies occurred during the study period, all of them during the first year. Six pregnancies were after unnoticed expulsion of the device. One pregnancy occurred in an epileptic women using carbamazepine, with the LNG-ICD remaining in situ. Eighteen spontaneous expulsions occurred, 16 during the first year and 2 during the second year. Three pelvic infections were observed, all of them during the first year. Bleeding problems, hormonal side effects and other medical reasons were the most common side effects resulting in removal of the device. The continuation rate was 72.6 per cent after one year and 57.1 per cent after two years.