Health during prolonged use of levonorgestrel 20 micrograms/d and the copper TCu 380Ag intrauterine contraceptive devices: a multicenter study. International Committee for Contraception Research (ICCR)

Medical treatment of uterine leiomyoma

Uterine leiomyomas (also called myomata or fibroids) are the most common gynecologic tumors in the United States. The prevalence of leiomyomas is at least 3 to 4 times higher among African American women than in white women. Pathologically, uterine leiomyomas are benign tumors that arise in any part of the uterus under the influence of local growth factors and sex hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone. These common tumors cause significant morbidity for women and they are considered to be the most common indication for hysterectomy in the world; they are also associated with a substantial economic impact on health care systems that amounts to approximately $2.2 billion/year in the United States alone. Uterine myomas cause several reproductive problems such as heavy or abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pressure, infertility, and several obstetrical complications including miscarriage and preterm labor. Surgery has traditionally been the gold standard for the treatment of uterine leiomyomas and has typically consisted of either hysterectomy or myomectomy. In recent years, a few clinical trials have evaluated the efficacy of orally administered medications for the management of leiomyoma-related symptoms. In the present review, we will discuss these promising medical treatments in further detail.

Innovative oral treatments of uterine leiomyoma

Uterine fibroids (leiomyoma), the benign tumors of the uterine wall, are very common cause of morbidity in reproductive age women usually in the form of excessive vaginal bleeding, chronic pelvic pain, miscarriage and infertility. These tumors are the leading indication for hysterectomy in the United States. Uterine fibroids are about 4 times higher in blacks compared to whites and constitute a major health disparity challenge. The estimated cost of uterine fibroids is up to $34.4 billion annually. Additionally, women who suffer from this disease and desire to maintain their future fertility have very limited treatment choices. Currently, there is no effective long-term medicinal treatment for uterine fibroids. While surgery has traditionally been the gold standard for the treatment of uterine fibroids, there is growing interest towards orally administered medications for the management of leiomyoma-related symptoms. In this paper, we will discuss these promising innovative oral medical treatments in detail.

Noncontraceptive uses of hormonal contraception

Hormonal contraceptives are not only effective methods of birth control but also are effective at treating and/or preventing a variety of gynecologic and general disorders. Hormonal contraceptives can decrease the severity of acne, correct menstrual irregularities, treat endometriosis-associated pain, decrease bleeding associated with uterine myomas, decrease pain associated with menstrual periods, moderate symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome, reduce menstrual migraine frequency, and increase bone mineral density as well as decrease the risk of specific cancers such as endometrial and ovarian cancer. Women need to receive this information to guide them in their decisions regarding choice of contraception as well as treatment options for gynecologic disorders.

Contraceptive Effectiveness of Levonorgestrel Releasing Intrauterine System

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated the contraceptive effectiveness of progesterone releasing intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCD) and compared it with the Copper T device.

METHODS

Seventy patients were selected in each group. Menstrual charts were maintained and data recorded at one, three, six months and one year after insertion of the device.

RESULT

One year follow up was completed by 66 patients in the Levonorgestrel Releasing Intrauterine System (LNG-IUS) group and 62 in the Cu T group. They were age, parity and education level matched. The mean duration of menstrual flow for the LNG-IUS group was 3.6 days and that for CuT group was 5.1 days (p>0.05). Insertion of LNG-IUS was found to be significantly difficult than the Cu T 380, with increased pain at insertion (p<0.05). There was no pregnancy in the LNG-IUS group and expulsion rates were low. The most significant difference was scanty periods and at times amenorrhoea in the LNG-IUS group. Termination rates for various reasons were almost equal in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Both devices were effective, safe, well accepted and tolerated. LNG-IUS scores high in patients with preexisting menorrhagia or dysmenorrhoea while Cu T 380 has advantages of lower cost, ease of insertion and comparable efficacy.

Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome following insertion of an intrauterine device--a case report

BACKGROUND

Though the incidence of infection associated with the use of intrauterine devices (IUDs) is quite low, toxic shock syndrome (TSS) should be considered if fever and shock should develop rapidly following insertion of the device.

CASE

A 31-year-old woman, para 4, developed fever, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting two days after insertion of a CuT380A copper IUD. Six days after insertion the patient fulfilled the criteria for TSS. She presented evidence of an acute pelvic infection for which an emergency total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingectomy was performed. The sepsis appeared to be due to group A streptococcus (GAS). The patient made an uneventful recovery.

CONCLUSION

This is the first reported case of GAS causing a TSS associated with insertion of an IUD. Streptococcal TSS can be fatal. Early aggressive management is mandatory.

Safety, Efficacy, and Patient Acceptability of the Copper T-380A Intrauterine Contraceptive Device

The ParaGard Copper T 380A intrauterine device (CuT380A) provides reversible contraception that is as effective as sterilization for up to 20 years. The CuT380A is a mainstream, first-line contraceptive option for most healthy women, including nulligravid women, as well as many women who have serious medical problems. Because it is the most cost-effective method of birth control, the CuT380A is the preferred IUD, except for women who desire lighter or no menstrual blood loss. Surveys reveal that 95% of US CuT380A users are “very” or “somewhat” satisfied with their method. This article describes current candidates for IUD use, discusses the mechanisms of action of the CuT380A, provides guidance to reduce barriers to IUD access, suggests counseling points for patients, and outlines techniques to reduce the risks and side effects that can be associated with use of the CuT380A.

Uterine perforation with the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device: analysis of reports from four national pharmacovigilance centres

BACKGROUND

Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine devices (LNG-IUD) are commonly used for contraception and other indications in many countries. National pharmacovigilance centres have been receiving reports from healthcare professionals and patients of uterine perforation associated with the use of these LNG-IUDs.

METHODS

National pharmacovigilance centres in the Netherlands, New Zealand, Switzerland and Germany did a search on their adverse drug reaction databases for reports of cases of uterine perforation after insertion of a LNG-IUD received between the introduction of the LNG-IUD onto the market in the late 1990s and 15 July 2007. The number of women affected and patient characteristics such as age, parity and breastfeeding status were examined. In addition, the method of detection of the perforation and the time until discovery of the perforation were analysed.

RESULTS

Between the introduction of the LNG-IUD onto the market in each country and 15 July 2007, 701 cases of uterine perforation with a LNG-IUD were reported; 8.5% of the perforations were detected at the time of insertion. Abdominal pain and control/check-up visits were the most common events that lead to the detection of a perforation. Of 462 women known to be parous, 192 (42%) were breastfeeding at the time the perforation was discovered.

CONCLUSIONS

Uterine perforations can be asymptomatic and may remain undetected for a long time after IUD insertion. Abdominal pain, control/check-up visits or changes in bleeding patterns are triggers for detection of perforation and should therefore be taken seriously.

Non-contraceptive health benefits of intrauterine hormonal systems

Non-contraceptive health benefits are now recognized as an important aspect of the overall impact of all hormonal contraceptives. The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine systems (LNG IUS) are particularly effective at producing a number of health benefits for women using the LNG IUS as a contraceptive (reduced menstrual bleeding; reduced dysmenorrhea and the potential for prevention of a number of gynecological conditions in the longer term, such as iron-deficiency anemia, endometrial hyperplasia, uterine fibroids, acute episodes of pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis and perhaps others). The LNG IUS also has the potential to specifically treat a range of pre-existing gynecological conditions such as heavy menstrual bleeding due to a wide range of underlying causes, endometrial hyperplasia, uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, and endometriosis. These health benefits should be recognized as a key component in the decision-making process for individual women in choosing a specific type of hormonal or other contraceptive. Investment in research into the very substantial health benefits of hormonal contraceptives, such as the LNG IUS, has generally been ignored in comparison with the massive investment into understanding the often subtle or rare complications of hormonal contraceptive use. Both are important, but there is a real need to define more accurately those women who will benefit most from these health benefits.

A randomized clinical trial of a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system and a low-dose combined oral contraceptive for fibroid-related menorrhagia

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy of a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) with that of a low-dose combined oral contraceptive (COC) in reducing fibroid-related menorrhagia.

METHODS

In this single-center, open, randomized clinical trial, 58 women with menorrhagia who desired contraception were randomized to receive a LNG-IUS or COC. The outcomes included treatment failure, defined as the need for another treatment; menstrual blood loss (MBL) by the alkaline hematin method and a pictorial assessment chart (PBAC); hemoglobin levels; and "lost days."

RESULTS

Treatment failed in 6 women (23.1%) in the LNG-IUS group and 11 (37.9%) in the COC group, for a hazard ratio of 0.46 (95% CI, 0.17-1.17, P=0.101). Using the alkaline hematin test, the reduction of MBL was significantly greater in the LNG-IUS group (90.9% ± 12.8% vs 13.4% ± 11.1%; P<0.001). Using PBAC scores, the reduction was also significantly greater in the LNG-IUS group (88.0% ± 16.5% vs 53.5% ± 5 1.2%; P=0.02). Moreover, hemoglobin levels increased from 9.7 ± 1.9g/dL to 11.7 ± 1.2g/dL (P<0.001) and lost days decreased from 8.2 ± 3.3 days to 1.3 ± 1.5 days (P=0.003) in the LNG-IUS group.

CONCLUSION

Although the rate of treatment failure was similar in both groups, the LNG-IUS was more effective in reducing MBL than the COC in women with fibroid-related menorrhagia.

Safety, efficacy and patient acceptability of the contraceptive and non-contraceptive uses of the LNG-IUS

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) provide highly effective, long-term, safe, reversible contraception, and are the most widely used reversible contraceptive method worldwide. The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) is a T-shaped IUD with a steroid reservoir containing 52 mg of levonorgestrel that is released at an initial rate of 20 μg daily. It is highly effective, with a typical-use first year pregnancy rate of 0.1% - similar to surgical tubal occlusion. It is approved for 5 years of contraceptive use, and there is evidence that it can be effective for up to 7 years of continuous use. After removal, there is rapid return to fertility, with 1-year life-table pregnancy rates of 89 per 100 for women less than 30 years of age. Most users experience a dramatic reduction in menstrual bleeding, and about 15% to 20% of women become amenorrheic 1 year after insertion. The device's strong local effects on the endometrium benefit women with various benign gynecological conditions such as menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea, leiomyomata, adenomyosis, and endometriosis. There is also evidence to support its role in endometrial protection during postmenopausal estrogen replacement therapy, and in the treatment of endometrial hyperplasia.

Long-term safety, efficacy, and patient acceptability of the intrauterine Copper T-380A contraceptive device

The intrauterine device (IUD), primarily in the form of the copper IUD, is used by more than 150 million women around the world, making it the most widely used reversible method of contraception. With a remarkably low failure rate of less than 1 per 100 women in the first year of use, the Copper T-380A is in the top tier of contraceptives in terms of efficacy. Risks of utilization include perforation and an increased risk of infection in the first 20 days following insertion. Overall, the number of adverse events is low, making the Copper T-380A a very safe contraceptive method. The most common reasons for the discontinuation of this method are menstrual bleeding and dysmenorrhea. However, cumulative discontinuation rates of Copper T-380A are lower than that have been reported for other methods, indicating that the Copper T-380A is highly acceptable to women. After 5 years, approximately 50% of all women, who have a Copper T-380A inserted, will continue to use this highly effective contraceptive method.

Complications of the intrauterine device in nulliparous and parous women

OBJECTIVES

The intrauterine device (IUD) is still related to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), pregnancy, expulsion, perforation and menstrual problems, particularly in nulliparous women. We aimed to study the complications and symptoms of the intrauterine device in general practice, particularly in nulliparous women.

METHODS

We used a retrospective cohort study in four general practices participating in the Nijmegen Continuous Morbidity Registration. Selected women had one or more IUDs inserted between 1981 and 2000. Data on complications, symptoms and removal of the IUD were obtained from the medical records.

RESULTS

461 women were included, 129 nulliparous and 332 parous women. Users of copper IUDs had a rate of PID of 3.5 per 1000 women-years, rates of (ectopic) pregnancy of 0.6 to 1.1% per year and rates of expulsion of 0 to 1.2% per year. Rates of expulsion for the levonorgestrel-releasing IUDs were 0 to 0.2% per year. Nulliparous women did not show more complications than parous women. Menstrual problems were frequent among users of copper and levonorgestrel-releasing IUDs. One third of the IUDs were removed within the first year after insertion. There was no significant excess of IUD removal among nulliparous women compared with parous women. Main reasons for removal were 'menstrual problems' and 'contraception no longer necessary'.

CONCLUSION

Both copper and levonorgestrel-releasing IUDs are safe and highly effective contraceptives, which can adequately be inserted and monitored by general practitioners in nulliparous and parous women.

Contraception for the older woman: an update

Although fertility declines with advancing age as the woman approaches the menopause, some risk of pregnancy persists, and effective contraception needs to be offered to avoid an unintended pregnancy. An older woman may have menstrual dysfunction or climacteric symptoms and these factors would need consideration when making the choice of contraception. Low-estrogen dose combined oral contraceptives may be prescribed to healthy non-smoking women up to about 50 years of age. The progestogen-only pill may be an appropriate option in an older woman with declining fertility. The copper intrauterine device is an optimal method for parous women free of pre-existing menstrual problems. The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system is considered the contraceptive method of choice for perimenopausal women with menstrual dysfunction. The woman should be provided with individualized advice so that she has a choice between the newer, effective, largely safe, reversible methods and sterilization.

Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system and endometrial ablation in heavy menstrual bleeding: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effects of the levonorgestrel intrauterine system and endometrial ablation in reducing heavy menstrual bleeding.

DATA SOURCES

Medline and EMBASE were searched online using Ovid up to January 2009, as well as the reference lists of published articles, to identify randomized controlled trials comparing the levonorgestrel intrauterine system with endometrial ablation in the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding.

METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION

This systematic review and meta-analysis was restricted to randomized controlled trials in which menstrual blood loss was reported using pictorial blood loss assessment chart scores.

TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS

Six randomized controlled trials that included 390 women (levonorgestrel intrauterine system, n=196; endometrial ablation, n=194) were retrieved. Three studies pertained to first-generation endometrial ablation (manual hysteroscopy) and three to second-generation endometrial ablation (thermal balloon). Study characteristics and quality were recorded for each study. Data on the effect of treatment on pictorial blood loss assessment chart scores were abstracted, integrated with meta-analysis techniques, and presented as weighted mean differences. Both treatment modalities were associated with similar reductions in menstrual blood loss after 6 months (weighted mean difference, -31.96 pictorial blood loss assessment chart score [95% confidence interval (CI), -65.96 to 2.04]), 12 months (weighted mean difference, 7.45 pictorial blood loss assessment chart score [95% CI, -12.37 to 27.26]), and 24 months (weighted mean difference, -26.70 pictorial blood loss assessment chart score [95% CI, -78.54 to 25.15]). In addition, both treatments were generally associated with similar improvements in quality of life in five studies that reported this as an outcome. No major complications occurred with either treatment modality in these small trials.

CONCLUSION

Based on the meta-analysis of six randomized clinical trials, the efficacy of the levonorgestrel intrauterine system in the management of heavy menstrual bleeding appears to have similar therapeutic effects to that of endometrial ablation up to 2 years after treatment.

Implanon users are less likely to be satisfied with their contraception after 6 months than IUD users

BACKGROUND

The study was conducted to perform a direct comparison of the satisfaction of intrauterine device (IUD) users and Implanon users after 6 months.

STUDY DESIGN

Women were recruited to this study in the contraception clinics of Southern Health and Family Planning Victoria. Each woman completed a questionnaire at the time of starting her contraception with either an IUD or Implanon. Women were sent a follow-up questionnaire after 6 months to assess their satisfaction with their chosen method of contraception.

RESULTS

A total of 439 participants were recruited for this non randomized cohort study; 211 choosing an IUD and 228 choosing to use Implanon. The main reason patients in both groups chose their contraceptive method was recommendation by the doctor. Follow-up was achieved in over 84% in both groups. More than 50% of women in both groups reported at least one side effect. The most commonly reported side effect in both groups was abnormal bleeding and this was also the most common reason for having the contraceptive device removed. The IUD users reported a higher rate of satisfaction with their chosen method of contraception, although there was no difference between groups in the removal rate or whether the women would recommend the contraception to others.

CONCLUSIONS

IUD users reported a higher level of satisfaction than did Implanon users at 6 months. Side effects in women using IUDs and Implanon are common. The range of likely side effects should be included in counseling women about long-term reversible contraception.

Side effects from the copper IUD: do they decrease over time?

BACKGROUND

The copper intrauterine device (IUD) can cause side effects in some women; increased uterine bleeding and pain may cause early removal. Because of simplified reporting from previous research, little is known about how side effects might change over time.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a secondary analysis of a prospective study of 1947 first-time copper IUD users. Over a 1-year period, we collected detailed information on side effects and looked for trends using generalized mixed-effects regression modeling.

RESULTS

During menses, most bleeding and pain side effects were found to decrease over time (p<.05). During intermenstrual intervals, overall spotting and pain complaints remained unchanged, but the number of days with these problems increased (p<.05). Serious side effects that prompted either a clinic visit or IUD removal had varied patterns over time, depending on the type of problem.

CONCLUSION

Side effects from the copper IUD can be troubling for both user and clinician. Some problems improve over time, while others do not. This information may be helpful in counseling women who are considering IUD use and current users who are contemplating IUD removal due to side effects.

Cervical cancer in 2 women with a Mirena(R)-pitfalls in the assessment of irregular bleeding: a case series

Introduction

The levonorgestrel-releasing intra-uterine device (Mirena^®) is an effective, long term form of contraception that leads to a significant reduction of menstrual bleeding among majority of women. However, irregular bleeding is quite common in initial Mirena^® users and may thereby mask underlying cervical pathology.

Case presentation

Two women with cervical cancer and a Mirena^® initially presented with irregular bleeding, posing a diagnostic pitfall which resulted in doctor and patient delay.

Conclusion

Proper evaluation of irregular vaginal bleeding, including cervical cytology, should be a prerequisite among all women opting for a Mirena^® and must be repeated in case of persisting symptoms.

Use of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system in women with hemostatic disorders

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the use of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) in women with known hemostatic disorders and abnormal uterine bleeding.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

SETTING

Tertiary medical center.

PATIENT(S)

Women with regular, heavy menstrual bleeding who have von Willebrand's disease and/or are receiving anticoagulation therapy for a thrombotic disorder.

INTERVENTION(S)

Levonorgestrel intrauterine system.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Impact on menstrual bleeding and quality of life.

RESULT(S)

Seven women with hemostatic disorders who had used the LNG-IUS were identified. All 7 women completed the survey. Median age was 38 years (range 28-48 years). Six women were white, 1 woman was black. Four women had von Willebrand's disease. Four women were using anticoagulation, 3 warfarin, and 2 aspirin. One woman had both von Willebrand's disease and was heterozygous for factor V Leiden. All 7 women had heavy menstrual bleeding. After placement of the LNG-IUS, a decrease in number of bleeding days was seen in 71% of subjects (5 of 7), with overall median days reduced from 9 to 3 days. One subject discontinued use of the LNG-IUS because she desired pregnancy. Two subjects (29%) had no benefit from the LNG-IUS. Quality of life improved after placement of the LNG-IUS.

CONCLUSION(S)

The LNG-IUS seems to be an effective treatment for heavy menses in women with hemostatic disorders. Providers should consider this option for women with hemostatic disorders because it is safe and simple to use.

Imaging of intrauterine contraceptive devices

OBJECTIVE

Intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUDs) are reemerging as common methods of birth control in the United States. Imaging, especially sonography, has an important role in their evaluation. This review illustrates the normal and abnormal imaging appearances of IUDs.

METHODS

We describe and illustrate the appearance of different types of IUDs on different imaging modalities as well as radiologically relevant complications associated with IUDs.

RESULTS

On sonography, the IUD should be visualized as centrally located within the endometrial cavity, with the crossbar (if present) in the fundal portion of the endometrial cavity. Some older patients have IUDs in place that are no longer commonly used, such as the Lippes Loop (Ortho Pharmaceutical, Raritan, NJ) and Saf-T-Coil (Julius Schmid Laboratories, Little Falls, NJ), which have a pathognomonic appearance. Newer IUDs, such as the early version of the Mirena IUD (Leiras Oy, Turku, Finland), may be difficult to visualize on sonography. Patients from China frequently have a ring-shaped IUD. Sonography is important in assessing the complications of IUDs, including a low position, associated infection, myometrial migration, uterine perforation, intrauterine or extrauterine pregnancy associated with the IUD, and retention and fragmentation of the IUD. If an IUD is known to be present but not visualized sonographically, plain radiography is helpful in assessing the location. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are not typically used to assess IUDs, but the appearances of IUDs should be recognized with these modalities.

CONCLUSIONS

Imaging, specifically sonography, has a crucial role in the evaluation and management of IUDs and associated complications.

Bariatric surgery and adolescent gynecology

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review summarizes the impact of bariatric surgery on gynecologic complications in the context of the extremely obese adolescent and reviews contraceptive considerations before and after adolescent bariatric surgery.

RECENT FINDINGS

Eighteen percent of children and adolescents have a body mass index greater than the 95th percentile, with 4% of adolescents being greater than the 99th percentile. Gynecologic morbidities identified in obese adolescents include anovulatory complications such as acute menorrhagia, polycystic ovary syndrome and endometrial hyperplasia, and cancer. When conventional dietary and behavioral therapy fail to result in weight loss, specific criteria have been identified to justify bariatric surgery in extremely obese adolescents. Bariatric surgery in adult women often results in resumption of ovulatory menses, resolution of clinical and laboratory evidence of hyperandrogenism, and return of fertility. Adolescents are at risk for unintended pregnancies, and there are special concerns regarding pregnancy in bariatric patients. Specific contraceptive methods have particular potential risks, benefits, and drawbacks for use in obese adolescents.

SUMMARY

Clinicians who provide care for extremely obese adolescents must be aware of the potential for gynecologic morbidities including polycystic ovary syndrome, dysfunctional bleeding and endometrial hyperplasia, expected gynecologic and fertility outcomes of weight loss surgery for teens, as well as the implications on contraceptive options.

Special care issues of women living with HIV-AIDS

Many HIV-infected women are benefiting from highly active antiretroviral therapy and living longer. Their reproductive choices vary over the life cycle, and there is a need to understand the appropriate contraceptives for those not intending pregnancy. There are specific gynecologic issues relevant to HIV-infected women, such as genital tract infections, risk for cervical cancer, and menstrual irregularities. More women are expected to reach menopause. Health care providers should be aware of these unique needs of HIV-infected women.

A pilot clinical trial of ultrasound-guided postplacental insertion of a levonorgestrel intrauterine device

BACKGROUND

Postplacental intrauterine device (IUD) insertion is a safe, convenient and effective option for postpartum contraception. Few studies involve ultrasound-guided insertion, and none involve the levonorgestrel IUD or take place in the United States.

STUDY DESIGN

The study was conducted to assess the safety and feasibility of ultrasound-guided postplacental insertion of the levonorgestrel IUD following vaginal delivery in a U.S. residency program. Levonorgestrel IUDs were inserted under ultrasound guidance within 10 min of placental delivery by hand or using ring forceps. Subjects were examined at 4 and 10 weeks postpartum for evidence of expulsion or infection.

RESULTS

Thirty-four subjects were enrolled and 20 received an IUD. Follow-up data are available for 19 subjects over the 10-week follow-up period; 16 subjects returned for the 4-week follow-up, and 14 returned at 10 weeks. Two additional subjects could be contacted by telephone only. At 4 and 10 weeks postpartum, no subjects had evidence of infection. There were two expulsions (2/19, 10.5%) by 10 weeks postpartum. None of the subjects examined had a partial expulsion (intracervical location of the IUD).

CONCLUSIONS

In this pilot study, ultrasound-guided postplacental insertion of the levonorgestrel IUD was feasible and not associated with infection. The risk of expulsion was acceptable. Ultrasound-guided postplacental insertion of the levonorgestrel IUD may be an alternative to delayed insertion but warrants further study.

Progestin-releasing intrauterine systems and leiomyoma

Review of the existing published literature suggests that, in women with uterine fibroids, with or without menorrhagia, the high contraceptive efficacy of the levornorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) remains intact. In such women, the LNG-IUS reduces menstrual blood loss and likely reduces menstrual pain. However, use of the LNG-IUS does not appear to reduce overall uterine dimensions or those of uterine fibroids. In women with uterine fibroids and menorrhagia, LNG-IUS expulsion rates may be somewhat higher than in women without fibroids. Although symptomatic relief is not guaranteed, these findings indicate that insertion of a LNG-IUS represents an appropriate therapeutic option for selected women with menstrual symptoms associated with uterine fibroids. Questions remain regarding the usefulness of routine preinsertion evaluation of the endometrial cavity as well as ultrasound-guided LNG-IUS insertion. Clinicians who candidly inform their patients regarding what we do and do not know regarding the benefits and risks of the LNG-IUS in women with fibroids should selectively make this therapy available prior to resorting to surgical therapies.

Copper IUD and LNG IUS compared with tubal occlusion

This article will cover current contraceptive use around the world, then examine the advantages and disadvantages of female sterilization, the hormonal intrauterine system and the copper intrauterine device. Finally, the need for contraceptive choice will be discussed along with a discussion on the cost-effectiveness of these methods.

The promise and reality of the intrauterine route for hormone delivery for prevention and therapy of gynecological disease

CONTEXT

Progestins delivered by a variety of routes have been demonstrated, in addition to their high contraceptive effect, to have substantial benefits in the treatment of various gynecological disorders, and the intrauterine route has particular efficacy in treating endometrial and myometrial disorders. It should be possible to extend this to prevention of disease.

THERAPY OF GYNECOLOGICAL DISEASE

Those conditions for which there is most evidence of therapeutic benefit from intrauterine release of progestins include heavy menstrual bleeding (due to most causes), endometrial hyperplasia, endometriosis and adenomyosis.

PREVENTION OF GYNECOLOGICAL DISEASE

Reasonable evidence exists to support the findings that intrauterine levonorgestrel helps to prevent the development of uterine fibroids, endometriosis, endometrial hyperplasia, acute episodes of pelvic infection and a wide range of menstrual symptoms. There is also promise of prevention of endometrial carcinoma, endometrial polyps, infertility and perhaps adenomyosis.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a need for specific studies to further explore the prevention of these gynecological conditions which can cause major health disturbances and community distress.

Modern management of abnormal uterine bleeding: the levonorgestrel intra-uterine system

Since its launch, more than 9 million women worldwide have used the levonorgestrel intra-uterine system (IUS) for contraception, as a treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding and as the progestogen component of hormone-replacement therapy. For women in their reproductive years, the IUS has become one of the most acceptable medical treatments for menorrhagia, reducing referrals to specialists and decreasing the need for operative gynaecological surgery. This article will outline the development of the IUS, highlighting the most important recent areas of research covering its use to control menstrual blood loss and pain.

Intrauterine devices — upper and lower genital tract infections

The clinical diagnosis of a pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is notoriously difficult. The incidence rate of PIDs among intrauterine device (IUD) users as reported from different studies depends heavily on the definition used and the means available for diagnosing PIDs. It varies by almost 10-fold from 1 per 100 to 1 per 1000 woman-years in different publications. PID risk has been found to be 6-fold higher in the first month after IUD insertion than it is thereafter. It is not known if the overall PID risk in IUD users beyond the first month of IUD insertion is higher than that in nonusers; however, if it is higher, the additional risk is small. The PID risk in IUD users is modified by the number of sexual partners of the IUD user and that of her partner(s), community prevalence of STDs and age of the IUD user. Bacterial vaginosis appears not to be associated with IUD use. Overall, bacterial vaginosis is not associated with PIDs, but specific subgroups of patients with BV that may be difficult to identify clinically are at an increased risk for PIDs. Because of the long duration of use of current copper IUDs, replacement of the IUD is infrequent and insertion-associated PIDs should consequently also be less frequent. IUD use has become safer with respect to PIDs through more effective screening and counseling procedures described in current guidelines for the initiation of IUD use. Current guidance must be followed to preserve the IUD as a safe contraceptive method.

Long-term use of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system

Since its launch in Finland in 1990, the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG IUS) has become available in more than 100 countries throughout the world, with most countries also having the approval for the treatment of idiopathic menorrhagia and protection from endometrial hyperplasia during estrogen replacement therapy. After its introduction in Finland and Scandinavian countries, the LNG IUS has been available in most European countries since the mid to late 1990s and in the United States since 2001. Studies on the repeat use of the LNG IUS with second and third consecutive IUSs have shown high continuation rates and low rates of adverse effects. During repeat use of the LNG IUS, the bleeding pattern changes toward an increasing amenorrhea rate. With regard to the menorrhagia indication, the 5-year follow-up results of a randomized comparative trial of the LNG IUS and hysterectomy have shown equal satisfaction and improvement in health-related quality of life with both treatments. Although a proportion of women assigned to the LNG IUS group eventually underwent hysterectomy, the continuation rate of the LNG IUS for menorrhagia is clearly superior to that of conventional medical therapy (e.g., oral progestins). Use of the LNG IUS in combination with estrogen therapy in women undergoing menopausal transition seems to be well tolerated and associated with a favorable bleeding pattern.

Intrauterine contraception: evaluation of clinician practice patterns in Kaiser Permanente Northern California

BACKGROUND

Despite the medical evidence, few women of reproductive age in the United States use intrauterine contraception (IUC) in comparison with women worldwide. To reduce cost as a barrier, Kaiser Permanente removed the cost to the patient for IUC throughout California in 2002. The goal of this study was to evaluate whether providing evidence-based information about IUC would result in changes in the knowledge, attitudes and practice patterns of clinicians and in greater IUC utilization as compared with removing cost alone.

STUDY DESIGN

A comprehensive education intervention was conducted in half of Kaiser Permanente Northern California ob-gyn departments. To make comparisons between the intervention and comparison sites, we surveyed clinicians in both groups before and after the intervention about their IUC knowledge, attitudes as well as practice patterns and collected utilization data for 27 months.

RESULTS

Statistically significant changes in attitudes and practice patterns were reported by the intervention group as compared with the usual care comparison group. By the end of the study, change in IUC utilization was significantly greater in the intervention group (utilization rate=9.57/1000) as compared with the comparison group (utilization rate=7.35/1000) (p=.02).

CONCLUSION

A multifaceted approach to providing evidence-based clinician and patient education resulted in statistically significant reported changes in attitudes and practice patterns and in greater IUC utilization as compared with usual practice.

Young pregnant women's knowledge of modern intrauterine devices

OBJECTIVE

Modern intrauterine devices (IUDs) are safe, effective, and reversible, but only 2.1% of U.S. women use IUDs. We aimed to estimate young pregnant women's knowledge of IUDs.

METHODS

We surveyed 190 women, aged 14-25 years, presenting for prenatal or abortion care about their contraceptive history, plans, and knowledge. We asked if they had heard of IUDs and queried them on IUD characteristics.

RESULTS

The women were, on average, 20 years old, 27% had education past high school, and 47% had delivered a child. Half were in prenatal care, and 91% had not planned their current pregnancy. Fifty-two percent wished to wait 4 or more years before their next pregnancy, and 27% did not want to be pregnant ever again. Safety and efficacy were the most important factors in choosing a contraceptive method. Fifty percent had heard of IUDs, 71% did not know about IUDs' safety, and 58% did not know about IUDs' efficacy. Respondents who knew of IUDs were older (21 versus 19 years, P<.001) and more likely to be parous (55% versus 39%, P=.04).

CONCLUSION

Young women choosing contraception after a pregnancy would benefit from counseling about the relative safety and effectiveness of IUDs, allowing them to make fully informed contraceptive decisions.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II-2.

[Acceptability of intrauterine levonorgestrel delivery system (Mirena 52mg) after estrogen-progesterone oral contraception: results of a prospective multicentric study of 211 patients aged 25-35 years]

INTRODUCTION

Use of an intrauterine levonorgestrel (SIU-LNG) delivery system (Mirena 52mg has become popular in recent years, particularly among younger women. Mirena is currently the contraceptive method of choice used as an alternative to classical copper-containing intrauterine devices after oral contraception. The purpose of this study was to evaluate patient satisfaction among young women during the first year of use of the intrauterine hormonal system.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This multicentric phase IV trial with a non-comparative methodology was conducted among 211 young women aged 25-35 years. The SIU-LNG was prescribed for women who wanted to change their contraception after oral estrogen progesterone taken for at least three months prior to inclusion in the study. A total of 211 patients were included and review was planned at one year: 197 patients (93.36%) were reviewed.

RESULTS

Mean patient age was 31.48+/-3.25 years. The SIU-LNG was inserted successfully at the first attempt in 99.05% of women. The continuation rate ws 85.65% at one year. Evaluation of cycle characteristics showed less voluminous blood loss and fewer dysmenorrheal phenomena as well as, in 40%, the development of amenorrhea. At the last visit, 85% of women were satisfied or very satisfied with this method of contraception.

CONCLUSION

As has been demonstrated in earlier studies, Mirena offers a contraception with a reliability equivalent to that of oral estrogen progesterone (IP: 0 - 0.2), with very few hormonal side effects due to the low plasma passage of levonorgestrel. Mirena is particularly well adapted for young women who desire a reliable long-term easty-to-use contraception after taking oral contraception.

Tubal Pathology: The Role of Hormonal Contraception, Intrauterine Device Use and Chlamydia trachomatis Infection

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study was to identify a possible association between tubal pathology and the contraceptive methods previously used, especially third generation copper intrauterine devices (IUDs).

METHOD

In this retrospective unmatched case-control study, use of contraceptive methods and Chlamydia trachomatis antibody titres were compared in women with tubal occlusion (n = 84) and infertile women with tubal patency (n = 253) demonstrated by hysterosalpingography. Contraceptive methods were also compared to primiparous women with natural pregnancy.

RESULTS

A significantly higher percentage of women with tubal occlusion had previously used an IUD. Positive C. trachomatis antibody testing was found significantly more often in women with tubal occlusion. Neither hormonal contraceptives nor condoms were associated with an increased risk for uni- or bilateral tubal occlusion.

CONCLUSION

In the present study, we observed an increased rate of tubal occlusions in previous IUD users. This should be considered in the contraceptive counseling of young and nulliparous women.

Contraceptive options during perimenopause

During the transition years leading to menopause, the possibility of conception persists, although at a lower rate. Contraceptive choices available to perimenopausal women are as varied as those for their younger counterparts, albeit with some limitations related predominantly to coexisting medical conditions rather than the advancing age itself. In this review, different contraceptive choices pertaining to this age group will be discussed, with a focus on evidence-based data.