Intrauterine device use among women with ovarian cancer: a systematic review

Background

Fertility-sparing treatment may be an option for women with early stage ovarian cancer and certain tumor types. This systematic review evaluated the evidence on the safety of intrauterine device (IUD) use by women with ovarian cancer.

Study Design

We searched the PubMed database for peer-reviewed articles relevant to IUD (copper or levonorgestrel-releasing) use and ovarian cancer published in any language from database inception through August 2009. We sought studies that examined outcomes among women using an IUD at or after ovarian cancer diagnosis.

Results

Of the 250 articles identified by our search strategy, none provided evidence (direct or indirect) regarding the safety of IUD use among women with ovarian cancer.

Conclusions

No evidence on the safety of IUD use among women with ovarian cancer was identified. While there are some theoretical concerns that IUD use might affect monitoring of disease progression of sex cord-stromal tumors, or increase risk of pelvic infection or vaginal bleeding among women undergoing chemotherapy, we did not find any data to suggest that IUD use would lead to worsening of primary ovarian cancer.     

Use of contraceptive methods by women with current venous thrombosis on anticoagulant therapy: a systematic review

Background

As nearly all women with venous thromboembolism (VTE) will be treated with anticoagulant therapy, it is important to consider how anticoagulation affects the safety of contraceptive use.

Study design

We conducted a systematic review of the literature regarding use of contraceptive methods in women with current VTE on anticoagulant therapy. Due to the limited direct evidence that was identified, we expanded our search to include women on anticoagulant therapy for indications other than VTE and women with bleeding disorders.

Results

Six articles met our inclusion criteria. Three observational studies found the levonorgestrel-releasing IUD (LNG-IUD) was an effective treatment for menorrhagia for women on anticoagulation therapy or with bleeding disorders. Prevention of recurrent hemorrhagic ovarian cysts was seen in women on chronic anticoagulation treated with depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) in one small observational study. Among women with bleeding disorders, no complications were seen in 16 women with placement of the LNG-IUD. One pharmacokinetic study found no statistically significant interaction between combined oral contraceptives and warfarin. Other than one case report, no evidence was found regarding the risk of recurrent thrombosis in women on anticoagulation therapy using a contraceptive method.

Conclusion

The majority of studies in this review examined treatment effects of the LNG-IUD or DMPA on complications of anticoagulation and found overall beneficial effects of their use in these circumstances. Minimal evidence in women with inherited bleeding disorders suggests that insertion of the LNG-IUD does not pose major bleeding risks in these women with appropriate management.     

Combined oral contraceptive and intrauterine device use among women with gestational trophoblastic disease

Background

Women diagnosed with gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) need safe and effective contraception because they are advised to delay a subsequent pregnancy.

Study Design

We searched MEDLINE and The Cochrane Library for articles in any language on use of combined oral contraceptives (COC), copper-bearing or levonorgestrel-releasing IUDs among women with benign or malignant GTD, from database inception through November 2008. One review and nine articles were identified and evaluated.

Results

Incidence of postmolar trophoblastic disease was lower among COC users compared with nonusers in six studies, but higher among COC users in three studies. Five studies reported shorter human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) regression duration among COC users compared with other methods. Development of postmolar trophoblastic disease did not differ significantly among IUD users compared with COC users or nonusers in three studies.

Conclusions

Evidence shows that postmolar trophoblastic disease risk does not increase among women using COCs or an IUD following molar pregnancy evacuation compared with use of other contraceptive methods or no method.     

Use of contraceptive methods among women with endometrial hyperplasia: a systematic review

Background

The objective of this systematic review is to evaluate the evidence for the safety of contraceptive use among women with endometrial hyperplasia.

Study Design

We searched the PubMed database for peer-reviewed articles published in any language from database inception through February 2009 concerning the safety of using any contraceptive method among women diagnosed with endometrial hyperplasia. We excluded case reports but included all other study designs. The quality of each individual piece of evidence was assessed using the United States Preventive Services Task Force grading system.

Results

We identified nine articles that met the criteria for review. Each study examined levonorgestrel intrauterine devices (LNG-IUDs); no studies were identified that examined other contraceptive methods. Overall, these studies suggest that LNG-IUD use is not associated with adverse health events among women diagnosed with endometrial hyperplasia. Disease regression with LNG-IUD use was observed in all women in seven studies, in 90% of women in one study, and in 67% of women in one study. Limitations of the studies include small sample sizes and lack of a comparison group or nonrandomized assignment to LNG-IUD.

Conclusions

There is fair quality evidence indicating that use of the LNG-IUD is safe for women with endometrial hyperplasia and may have therapeutic benefits.     

Comparison of the clinical performance, contraceptive efficacy and acceptability of levonorgestrel-releasing IUD and Norplant-2 implants in China

The levonorgestrel-releasing IUD (LNG-IUD, 20 μg/d) and the Norplant^R-2 implants were studied in a randomized comparative clinical trial with 200 women for one year. No pregnancy or expulsion occurred with the Norplant^R-2. In the LNG-IUD group, there was one pregnancy at the 12th month of use after an unnoticed expulsion. The net cumulative pregnancy and expulsion rates of LNG-IUD were 1.0 and 3.0. The removal rate due to menstrual disturbances in both LNG-IUD and Norplant^R-2 groups was 3.0. The use-related discontinuation rates were 9.0 and 3.0, and the continuation rates were 90.0 and 96.0, respectively. The differences were not statistically significant.

Menstrual disturbance was the main side effect. It was improved after long time use, especially in the LNG-IUD group. After one year, the percentages of women with amenorrhea were 18.9 for the LNG-IUD and 8.3 for the Norplant^R-2. The menstrual blood loss was statistically significantly reduced in the LNG-IUD group, and blood haemoglobin concentration increased in both groups. The LNG-IUD and Norplant^R-2 are highly effective, safe, long-acting, and well accepted by the Chinese women.     

Operative management of intrauterine device complications: a case series report

Background

There is limited information about the number of intrauterine device (IUD) users requiring operative intervention for device-related complications. This is an evaluation of cases requiring in-hospital operative intervention for IUD perforations, removals and pregnancy-related complications.

Study Design

Large retrospective case series of patients who received operative management of IUD complications.

Results

Charts of patients from 15 hospitals in two health care systems from 2000 to 2007 were reviewed and outcomes of 276 women are reported. There were 95 operative IUD removals for perforations (including 60 levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine systems), 157 operative procedures for inability to remove an IUD in the office, and 42 pregnancy-related complications that were managed in the operating room. Ectopic pregnancy was the most common diagnosis among pregnant women (23 of 42 pregnant women, 54.8%).

Conclusion

The majority of operative procedures were performed for intrauterine IUDs, most of which were appropriately positioned IUDs with missing or short strings. In-office techniques for obtaining analgesia and dilation as well as appropriate devices for removal of T-shaped IUDs should make this practice rare.     

Postplacental insertion of the levonorgestrel intrauterine device after cesarean delivery vs. delayed insertion: a randomized controlled trial

Objective

This trial was designed to compare levonorgestrel intrauterine device (LNG-IUD) use at 1 year after delivery between women randomized to postplacental insertion at the time of cesarean delivery and delayed insertion 4–8 weeks after delivery.

Study design

This randomized controlled trial was conducted at two urban medical centers. Eligible pregnant women with planned cesarean deliveries were randomized to immediate postplacental insertion during cesarean or delayed insertion after 4–8 weeks. We used intention-to-treat analysis for the primary outcome of LNG-IUD use 12 months after delivery.

Results

Forty-two women were randomized, 20 into the postplacental group and 22 in the delayed group. Although confirmed use of the LNG-IUD 12 months after delivery was higher in the postplacental group (60.0% vs. 40.9%, p=.35), this difference was not statistically significance. Expulsion was significantly more common in the postplacental group (20.0% vs. 0%, p=.04). There were significant differences between the two sites in baseline population characteristics, follow-up and expulsion. The trial did not answer the intended question as it was halted early due to slow enrollment.

Conclusions

Our results show higher expulsion after postplacental insertion compared to delayed insertion but suggest similar IUD use at 12 months. Moreover, it provides valuable lessons regarding a randomized controlled trial of postplacental LNG-IUD placement due to the challenges of estimating effect size and the nature of the population who might benefit from immediate insertion.

Implications

Postplacental insertion of an IUD may improve use of highly effective contraception during the postpartum period. While our results suggest higher expulsion after postplacental insertion compared to delayed insertion and similar IUD use at 12 months, our trial was insufficient to definitively test our hypothesis.     

Five years' experience with levonorgestrel-releasing IUDs

Two levonorgestrel-releasing IUDs and a copper-releasing IUD of the same shape were studied in a randomized comparative study over five years. The levonorgestrel-releasing IUDs released 20 micrograms or 30 micrograms per day. The Pearl index during the 10,600 woman-months of LNG-IUD use was 0.11. The control device releasing copper had a Pearl index of 1.6. The amount and duration of menstrual bleeding was greatly reduced, leading to a high incidence of oligo- or amenorrhea. The continuation rate in this pioneer trial was 53 per 100 users for the levonorgestrel-releasing IUD (LNG-IUDs) and 50 per 100 users for the copper-releasing IUD (Nova T). The removal rates for reasons other than amenorrhea were not significantly different. Discontinuation because of amenorrhea occurred during the first two years, the cumulative termination rate for this reason was 11.6 per 100 users at five years. The LNG-IUDs removed for investigation after five years of use revealed that the devices contained about 40 percent of the original load. The effective lifespan of the device has been demonstrated by this study to be five years; the residual steroid gives an additional safety period of two more years. The LNG-IUD is a highly effective reversible contraceptive method, which strongly reduced the amount and duration of bleeding. During the first two months there is scanty but frequent spotting which, like the high incidence of oligo- and/or amenorrhea, requires counselling of health personnel and women using LNG-IUDs.     

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.     

Impact of different contraceptive methods on quality of life in rural women of the Jiangsu province in China

Background

The combined oral contraceptives (COCs) and intrauterine devices (IUDs) are the most common contraceptive methods used by women. Women's choices of contraceptive method are largely affected by the safety and efficacy of contraceptive methods as well as by change in women's quality of life. However, there are still scanty data focusing on the impact of COC or IUD on quality of life in women, especially in China. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets (Marvelon) and Yuangong-Cu220 IUD (YCu220 IUD) on quality of life in rural women of the Jiangsu province in China.

Study Design

In this prospective cohort study, 784 COC users and 910 YCu220 IUD users were included. The women filled up quality-of-life questionnaires (Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire) before and after use of contraceptive methods.

Results

Significant score changes in physical health, mood, work/school/labor, living situation, vision, general well-being and overall satisfaction were noted as significant improvements after COC use in women (p<.05), and the largest improvements were in physical health and living situation; all item scores except for work/school/labor, household activities and leisure time activities had improved statistically from baseline in YCu220 IUD users (p<.05). For COC users, the proportions of women with total quality-of-life scores ≥57 before and after COC use were 11.50% and 11.79%, respectively; but the proportion of YCu220 IUD users with total quality-of-life scores ≥57 increased from 4.40% to 12.04%. Compared to women without contraceptive use history, women with past OC and/or IUD use had a significantly higher difference in the total quality-of-life scores.

Conclusions

COC and YCu220 IUD could significantly improve overall quality of life in rural women of the Jiangsu province.     

Temporal and regional trends in IUD insertion: a population-based study in Ontario, Canada

Background

Intrauterine device (IUD) use is low in Canada and declined between 1985 and 1995. This study examines temporal and regional trends in IUD insertion in Ontario, Canada, from 1996 to 2006.

Study Design

We used physician billing data to determine annual age-adjusted IUD insertion rates for women aged 15-55 years and proportions inserted by gynecologists and family physicians (FPs). We used small area variation statistics to analyze variation in rates across the province.

Results

Annual insertion rates followed a U-shaped distribution and were lowest in 2001 and highest in 2006. From 1996 to 2006, the proportion inserted by FPs fell from 38.2% to 31.6% (p<.001). In 2006, women in regions with the highest rates were twice as likely to have an IUD inserted as those in the lowest-rate regions.

Conclusions

IUD insertion rates began to increase in 2001, the year of introduction of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system. Regional variation in rates suggests that access is not equal across the province and that strategies to support FPs to insert IUDs may be important to ensure adequate access.     

The effect of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device on menorrhagia in women taking anticoagulant medication after cardiac valve replacement

Background

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine devices (LNG-IUDs) on menorrhagia in patients receiving anticoagulant therapy after cardiac valve replacement.

Study Design

Forty women with menorrhagia who underwent cardiac valve replacement and were taking anticoagulant medication were enrolled in the study. The women were randomly divided into two groups: LNG-IUDs were inserted into 20 women in Group 1 over the first 3 days of menstrual bleeding, while the women in Group 2 were followed without any intervention. The activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, international normalized ratio, hematocrit level, hemoglobin level, ferritin level and pictorial bleeding assessments for the quantity of menstrual bleeding were recorded.

Results

Three months after insertion of LNG-IUDs, the women in Group 1 had a significant decrease in blood loss and higher hemoglobin, hematocrit and ferritin values. No difference was detected for these parameters in the control group at the third and sixth months of the study. Coagulation parameters did not differ between the two groups.

Conclusion

LNG-IUDs can be considered as an effective non-surgical treatment for menorrhagia in women receiving anticoagulant therapy after cardiac valve replacement.     

Menstrual pattern changes from levonorgestrel subdermal implants and DMPA: systematic review and evidence-based comparisons

Background

Many women want a lengthy duration of contraception but are wary of the menstrual changes from depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA). A subdermal levonorgestrel (LNG) implant may be a reasonable alternative. However, information on menstrual changes from these methods has not been summarized and compared in an easy-to-understand form.

Study Design

We systematically reviewed the published literature on these contraceptives to find research that used menstrual diaries and standard World Health Organization definitions. We attempted to find information on amenorrhea, number of bleeding or spotting episodes, number of bleeding or spotting days and normal patterns, as reported in four consecutive 90-day reference periods.

Results

We found 16 published articles meeting our criteria and involving diaries of up to 1600 DMPA users and 2300 LNG implant users. We were able to compare the two methods on only three outcomes. For DMPA use, the weighted prevalence of amenorrhea at successive 90-day periods was 12%, 25%, 37% and 46%. The comparable estimates for the LNG implant were 11%, 13%, 9% and 13%. Levonorgestrel implant users experienced a higher average number of bleeding or spotting days compared to DMPA users, but this average was similar to what is expected naturally. At 12 months, normal menstrual patterns were experienced by 23% of LNG implant users compared to 11% of DMPA users.

Conclusions

Like most hormonal contraception, LNG implants usually produce menstrual changes; however, the changes do not appear to deviate from normal patterns as much as the changes from DMPA. Understanding these differences and other method attributes might help women make an informed choice about which contraceptive to use.     

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.     

Comparison of uterine artery blood flow with levonorgestrel intrauterine system and copper intrauterine device

Background

As a contraceptive method, we investigated whether the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) has any effect on uterine artery blood flow when compared with copper intrauterine device (IUD).

Study Design

Sixty women with copper IUD and 60 women with LNG-IUS were included in the study. The age, gravidity, parity, body mass index (BMI) and menstrual flow pattern using a pictorial chart were recorded. All women were assessed by ultrasonography at the preinsertion period and 1 year after insertion. The pulsatility and resistance indices (PI and RI, respectively) of the uterine artery and endometrial thickness were evaluated in the preinsertion and postinsertion periods.

Results

In copper IUD users, preinsertion and postinsertion ultrasonographic assessments were not significantly different. However, postinsertion RI was significantly higher compared with preinsertion RI in LNG-IUS users (p=.001). The PI was also increased 1 year after insertion, but it did not reach statistically significant levels (p=.08). Endometrial thickness was also significantly decreased in the postinsertion period in women with LNG-IUS (p=.04).

Conclusion

The significant increase in uterine artery RI in LNG-IUS users 1 year after insertion might be due to its local progestational effects. It might also indicate the mechanism of the LNG-IUS in reducing menstrual blood flow.     

A randomized prospective trial comparing the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system with thermal balloon ablation for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding

Background

Use of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) was compared with thermal balloon ablation (TBA) for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB).

Study Design

A prospective randomized trial comparing the LNG-IUS (n=30 women) and TBA (n=28 women).

Results

Hemoglobin levels increased (p<.001) and blood loss was reduced (p<.001) in both groups after 1 year of treatment. Menstrual bleeding was less in the LNG-IUS group compared to the TBA group at 6 and 12 months of treatment (p=.035 and p=.048, respectively). Intermenstrual bleeding was significantly less in the TBA group at 6 months compared to the LNG-IUS group (p=.044); however, there was no significant difference at 12 months (p=.129). No difference was found in psychological aspects between pre- and posttreatment variables in either of the groups (p=.537).

Conclusions

Both the LNG-IUS and TBA appear to be effective in controlling HMB; however, posttreatment uterine bleeding patterns are different.     

Menstrual blood loss in women using the frameless FibroPlant LNG-IUS

Background

This study was conducted to report on a menstrual blood loss (MBL) study and iron stores in women with and without heavy menstrual bleeding using the frameless FibroPlant^® levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) for contraception.

Study design

An open, prospective, noncomparative MBL study, using FibroPlant^® releasing 14 mcg of LNG/day for contraception. MBL was assessed by the quantitative alkaline hematin (QAH) technique.

Results

The MBL study was conducted in 40 heavy and normally menstruating Brazilian women seeking contraception. MBL was reduced from a mean baseline menstrual volume of 29.7 mL to a mean volume of 1.5 mL after 24 months, while ferritin values increased from a mean value of 31.1 ng/mL (at baseline) to a mean level of 72.5 ng/mL (after 24 months of use). Differences were highly significant (p<.0005). There were no significant differences between those who had normal menstrual bleeding and the heavy bleeders. The heavy bleeders had comparable MBL to the normal bleeders 3 months after insertion, and by 24 months post-insertion, their ferritin levels were comparable to those of the normal bleeders. Amenorrhea occurred in 80% of women out of 40 after 24 months of use. No pregnancies were recorded.

Conclusion

The LNG-IUS is effective in reducing MBL in normally menstruating women as well as in women with heavy menstrual bleeding. The authors agree with the recommendations by the UK National Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and the new Finnish guidelines for heavy menstrual bleeding that the LNG-IUS should be positioned as first-line treatment prior to endometrial ablation or hysterectomy.     

Variations in body mass index of users of depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate as a contraceptive

Background

Weight gain is a frequent reason for discontinuing the contraceptive with depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA).

Study Design

This 3-year retrospective cohort study assessed body mass index (BMI; kg/m²) variations in 379 current or past DMPA users compared to TCu380A intrauterine device (IUD) users matched for age and BMI, categorized into G1 (normal weight), G2 (overweight) or G3 (obese) according to baseline BMI. Variations in weight and BMI were evaluated using analysis of variance.

Results

BMI increased progressively in all groups but significantly more in G1 and G2 DMPA users compared to nonusers and according to duration of use. In the G3 subgroup, weight trends were similar in the DMPA and IUD users.

Conclusions

Normal and overweight women increased BMI with DMPA use; however, obese women did not increase weight. Weight increase in DMPA users could be associated with metabolic alterations related to duration of use in normal and overweight women and to alterations already present in obese women. Prospective studies are required to determine triggering factors. DMPA use ≤3 years was not associated with weight increase in women with BMI (kg/m²) ≥30.     

The safety of intrauterine devices in breastfeeding women: a systematic review

ObjectivesTo investigate levonorgestrel (LNG)-releasing and copper-bearing (Cu) intrauterine device (IUD) safety among breastfeeding women and, for Cu-IUD use, breastfeeding performance and infant health.Study designSystematic review.MethodsWe searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and clinicaltrials.gov for articles through January 2016. We included studies of Cu-IUD or LNG-IUD users comparing IUD-specific (perforation, expulsion) and other contraceptive-related (infection, removal/cessation due to bleeding/pain and other adverse events) outcomes for breastfeeding vs. non-breastfeeding women. We also included studies of breastfeeding women comparing contraceptive-related outcome for IUD-users vs. other contraceptive-method users. Finally, we included studies comparing breastfeeding outcomes among Cu-IUD users to users of other nonhormonal contraceptives or no contraception.ResultsOf 548 articles identified, 23 (16 studies) met the inclusion criteria. Two studies suggested that the risk of IUD perforation was 6–10 times higher among breastfeeding vs. non-breastfeeding women. Seven studies suggested that risks for other adverse events were similar or lower among breastfeeding vs. non-breastfeeding women. Three studies among breastfeeding women found no increased risk of adverse events in IUD users vs. nonusers. Breastfeeding performance and infant growth were similar for Cu-IUD users and users of other nonhormonal methods or no contraception.ConclusionOverall, risks for adverse events among IUD users, including expulsion, pain and removals, were similar or lower for breastfeeding women vs. non-breastfeeding women. Uterine perforation with IUDs, while rare, appeared more frequent among breastfeeding women. No evidence indicated that Cu-IUD use in breastfeeding women influences breastfeeding performance or infant growth.     

Attitudes and beliefs about the intrauterine device among teenagers and young women

Background

Little is known about attitudes and beliefs among teenagers and young women about the intrauterine device (IUD).

Study Design

We surveyed 252 women, ages 14-27 years, presenting for appointments at an urban family planning clinic about demographics, sexual and birth control history, and opinions about the IUD.

Results

Fifty-five percent had not heard of the IUD. Participants who were parous were 4.4 times more likely to be interested in the IUD than nulliparous participants. Independent of parity, participants who had heard of the IUD from a health care provider were 2.7 times more likely to be interested in using the method. The study population was at high risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs); however, 82% of participants predicted that they would increase or experience no change in their condom use with an IUD in place.

Conclusions

Health care providers should be encouraged to talk to teenagers and young women who are at high risk for unintended pregnancy, both parous and nulliparous, about using the IUD.