The use of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine devices in adolescents-own experience

Abstract

It is estimated that 19% of adolescents in Poland begin their sexual life when they are 15 years old and more than 50% of people aged 17-19 years have already had their first sexual contact. World Health Organization recommends teenagers to use the method of 'dual protection' (condom and other method of contraception, i.e. intrauterine devices). In this study, we sought to present our own experience in the field of the use of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine devices in adolescents and to compare it with the experience of other researchers worldwide. Low-dose levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device is safe and effective method of contraception in adolescents. It is also an alternative treatment used in heavy chronic abnormal uterine bleeding. It can be also used as an alternative in women with cyanotic heart disease who have contraindications for standard contraception. Gynecologists and pediatricians should be well informed in the topic of intrauterine device use among adolescents and they should provide them reliable knowledge in this field.