Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device is an efficacious contraceptive for women with leiomyoma

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (LNG-IUD) as contraception for women with uterine leiomyoma. METHODS: Thirty women with uterine leiomyoma requiring contraception were enrolled and had a LNG-IUD inserted. Menstrual blood volume (assessed by a pictorial blood loss assessment chart [PBAC]), haemoglobin concentration, volume of uterus and leiomyoma were determined before and after LNG-IUD insertion. RESULTS: The median (range) PBAC score was 145.0 (60.0–232.0) before LNG-IUD insertion, which significantly decreased to 44.0 (0.0 − 99.0) and 36.0 (0.0 − 90.0) after 6 and 12 months of LNGIUD use, respectively. Prior to LNG-IUD insertion, the median haemoglobin concentration in patients with anaemia was 100.0 (69.0–109.0) g/l and this increased significantly after 6 and 12 months of LNG-IUD use, to 117.5 (101.0–131.0) g/l and 119.5 (108.0–135.0) g/l, respectively. There were no significant changes in uterine or leiomyoma volumes. No patient became pregnant and there were no severe side-effects; one IUD was expulsed. CONCLUSION: The LNG-IUD may be a safe and effective contraceptive for women of reproductive age with uterine leiomyoma.