左炔诺孕酮宫内缓释系统(LNG-IUS)治疗子宫腺肌病2年临床观察

目的:探讨左炔诺孕酮宫内缓释系统(LNG-IUS,商品名:曼月乐)治疗子宫腺肌病(adenomyosis,AM)的临床疗效及不良反应。方法:观察58例子宫腺肌病患者LNG-IUS放置前、放置后1个月、3个月、6个月、12个月、18个月、2年的痛经视觉模拟评分法(VAS)评分、月经量、血清CA125、子宫体积和内膜厚度及相关不良反应。结果:LNG-IUS放置后患者痛经明显缓解,VAS评分明显下降,月经量明显减少,子宫内膜变薄,并持续保持疗效,与放置前相比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.01);在一定程度上,子宫体积缩小,CA125降低,但差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。不良反应主要为阴道少许点滴出血,充分解释后患者多能接受;另有少量脱环、功能性卵巢囊肿、闭经、痤疮等。结论:LNG-IUS是治疗子宫腺肌病的一种有效的保守治疗方法,适合用于痛经和/或月经过多的子宫腺肌病患者。     

曼月乐治疗子宫腺肌病合并卵巢巧克力囊肿的临床观察

目的:探讨左炔诺孕酮宫内缓释系统(LNG-IUS,商品名:曼月乐)治疗子宫腺肌病合并卵巢巧克力囊肿的临床效果。方法观察11例子宫腺肌病合并卵巢巧克力囊肿的患者,放置LNG-IUS后月经情况、痛经程度、子宫内膜及体积、卵巢囊肿体积、CA125行自身前后对照。结果在放置LNG-IUS后,痛经显著缓解,6个月内子宫内膜明显变薄,子宫体积及卵巢囊肿体积在置环后没有明显的增大。结论LNG-IUS使疾病保持静止,是治疗子宫腺肌病合并卵巢巧克力囊肿的一种较为有效且安全的方法。     

左炔诺孕酮宫内缓释系统治疗子宫腺肌病75例疗效观察

目的探讨子宫腺肌病患者放置左炔诺孕酮宫内缓释系统(LNG-IUS)后的临床效果。方法 2005年7月至2009年10月于海军总医院妇产科门诊对75例子宫腺肌病患者直接放置LNG-IUS,在放置前、放置后3、6、12、24、36个月随访观察痛经评分(视觉模糊评分法VAS)、月经量评分(PBAC)、子宫体积、CA125等多项指标。结果 VAS痛经评分、月经量PBAC评分、子宫体积、CA125均在放置1年和2年时显著低于放置前,其中子宫体积及CA125在放置3年时恢复至放环前水平。结论 LNG-IUS是治疗子宫腺肌病的一种较为有效且安全的方法,但是放置24个月后其功效可能降低。     

联合药物治疗子宫内膜异位症的疗效分析

目的:观察腹腔镜手术联合药物治疗子宫内膜异位症的临床疗效。方法:按就诊时间将100名子宫内膜异位症患者分为对照组(50例)和实验组(50例),均于腹腔镜下行保守手术。实验组50例患者于术后月经第一天口服孕三烯酮,剂量2.5mg,每周2次,疗程6个月。治疗期间复诊为每月1次,记录月经复潮时间、痛经情况与时间、妊娠、B超与CA125检查结果,对药物治疗与副反应情况进行观察,进行肝功能复查。结果:实验组复发率显著低于对照组,疼痛缓解率明显高于对熙组。血清CA125的水平:术前各组患者血清CA125的值超过正常的为实验组36例、对照组39例。术后3个月,实验组35例降至正常值,1例半年后降至正常;对照组35例恢复至正常值,4例仍高于正常值,半年后3例仍高于正常值,1例异位囊肿复发。结论:腹腔镜下行保守手术治疗子宫内膜异位症后联合应用孕三烯酮,能够有效抑制子宫内膜异位症手术残留的病灶,减少术后的复发,有效缓解疼痛。     

3889例左炔诺孕酮宫内缓释系统临床应用分析

目的:探讨左炔诺孕酮宫内缓释系统(LNG-IUS)的临床适应证、临床效果、相关副反应及处理对策,以提高续用率.方法:回顾分析近10年我院3889例放置LNG-IUS女性临床资料及随访情况.结果:放置LNG-IUS指征排序:避孕3090例、痛经(包括子宫内膜异位症和子宫腺肌病)610例、月经量过多(包括单纯性子宫内膜增生过长)172例;无一例带器受孕,避孕有效率100％;治疗月经量过多有效率93.60％,痛经缓解率97.70％;LNG-IUS放置后常见副反应排序:阴道点滴流血(17.23％)、闭经(11.34％)、阴道分泌物增多(2.75％)等.除去有生育要求取LNG-IUS者,因症取LNG-IUS发生率为10.70％,取LNG-IUS前3位原因分别是闭经(3.52％)、阴道点滴流血(1.65％)和面部色素沉着(1.29％).结论:LNG-IUS不仅可作为主要的避孕方式,而且可作为治疗月经量过多和子宫内膜异位症/子宫腺肌病引起的痛经的一线治疗方案;术前充分知情告知,术后规范随访,副反应及时对症处理,可降低LNG-IUS取器率.     

左炔诺孕酮宫内缓释系统(LNG-IUS)治疗子宫腺肌病中远期临床效果的研究

目的:探讨子宫腺肌病(AM)患者放置左炔诺孕酮宫内缓释系统(LNG-IUS)后的中远期临床效果。方法:对48例AM患者放置LNG-IUS,记录放置前1个月、放置后第1年、第1.5年、第3年、第5年的痛经、月经量、子宫内膜厚度变化,同时阴道超声测量子宫大小及双侧卵巢体积等各项指标。放置LNG-IUS第1年、第1.5年及第3年、第5年抽取晨血查生殖内分泌激素水平及肝肾功能。结果:放置LNG-IUS后至少完成1年随访43例,随访率89.58%,平均随访50个月。43例患者术后痛经改善,临床有效率83.72%,与置LNG-IUS前比较,有统计学差异(P<0.01);子宫体积放置后1.5年与放置前比明显缩小(P<0.05);第3年、第5年缩小更明显(P<0.01)。放置后子宫内膜厚度明显变薄(P<0.01);生殖激素无明显变化。结论:LNG-IUS用于治疗子宫腺肌病具有较好的中远期效果。     

左炔诺孕酮宫内缓释系统治疗子宫腺肌病的临床疗效研究

目的:探讨左炔诺孕酮宫内缓释系统(LNG-IUS)治疗子宫腺肌病(AM)的临床疗效。方法:对67例AM患者子宫内放入LNG-IUS,检测放置前、放置后1、3、6、12、24个月的月经量、痛经情况、子宫内膜厚度、子宫体积以及血清中的血红蛋白(Hb)、促卵泡生成素(FSH)、黄体生成素(LH)、雌二醇(E_2)等指标的变化。结果:放置LNG-IUS后,患者的月经量在3个月后较放置前明显减少(P0.05),痛经在放置3个月后较放置前明显减轻(P0.05),子宫内膜厚度在放置1个月后较放置前明显变薄(P0.05),子宫体积在放置1年后明显缩小(P0.05),血清Hb水平在放置6个月后较放置前明显上升(P0.05),血清FSH、LH、E_2水平放置前、后无统计学差异(P0.05)。结论:LNG-IUS能有效缓解AM患者痛经、减少月经量、改善子宫内膜厚度并在一定程度上缩小子宫体积、提高血清Hb水平,且不会影响患者卵巢功能,是治疗AM的一种有效方法。     

左炔诺孕酮宫内缓释系统预防子宫内膜异位症保守性手术后复发的疗效观察

目的观察子宫内膜异位症(内异症)患者保守性手术后采用左炔诺孕酮宫内缓释系统(LNGIUS)预防复发的疗效。方法内异症保守性手术后38例患者放置LNG-IUS为研究组,20例患者选择口服孕三烯酮为对照组,比较两组患者术后疼痛缓解程度、血清CA_(125)水平及内异症的复发情况。结果研究组术后3、6、12个月患者疼痛评分分别为(2.1±0.9)分、(1.8±0.4)分和(1.2±0.6)分,与对照组[(4.7±1.1)分、(4.4±0.9)分和(4.8±1.3)分]比较,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。研究组术后12个月血清CA_(125)水平[(23.6±10.9)U/ml]与对照组[(41.3±11.2)U/ml]比较,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。研究组放置后12个月复发率为10.5%(4/38),与对照组的45.0%(9/20)比较,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论内异症保守性术后使用LNG-IUS能明显缓解内异症的痛经症状,可预防复发。     

左炔诺孕酮宫内缓释系统用于子宫内膜异位症保守性手术后复发的治疗

目的 探讨左炔诺孕酮宫内缓释系统(LNG-IUS)用于子宫内膜异位症(内异症)患者保守性手术或保守性手术联合药物巩固治疗后复发者治疗的效果.方法 选择因内异症复发而就诊的患者23例,于月经周期第5～7天宫内放置LNG-IUS.所有患者均无生育要求且不愿再次手术.于放置LNG-IUS后3、6、12、24、36个月随访,观察放置LNG-IUS前后患者疼痛视觉模拟(VAS)评分、血清CA125水平、卵巢内异症囊肿体积的变化以及月经情况、体质量等指标.结果 (1)VAS评分:放置LNG-IUS后12个月,痛经、慢性盆腔痛或性交痛缓解最为明显,VAS评分由放置LNG-IUS前的(5.9±2.3)、(4.3±2.0)分下降为(1.0±0.7)、(1.4±1.1)分,分别比较,差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.01).(2)囊肿体积:11例患者复发表现为卵巢内异症囊肿,放置LNG-IUS后6个月,卵巢内异症囊肿体积由放置前的(11.4±6.1)cm3下降至(5.5±3.4)cm3,两者比较,差异也有统计学意义(P＜0.01);放置12个月时,2例卵巢内异症囊肿消失,放置24个月时,共9例卵巢内异症囊肿消失.(3)血清CA125:从放置LNG-IUS后6个月时开始,CA125水平显著下降,由放置前的(65.5±19.6)kU/L降至放置6个月时的(42.1±13.6)kU/L,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01),放置后12个月时,CA125水平仍继续下降,此后趋于平稳.(4)其他:放置LNG-IUS后6个月内,阴道不规则出血或点滴出血是常见现象,随着放置时间延长,情况明显缓解.少数患者出现体质量增加的情况.结论 内异症保守性手术或手术联合药物巩固治疗后复发的患者,应用LNG-IUS可有效地缓解疼痛症状,降低血清CA125水平,缩小卵巢内异症囊肿体积,是一种有效、安全、持续时间长、全身副作用少、依从性高的治疗方法.

Abstract：

Objective To evaluate the efficiency of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) in the treatment of recurrent endometriosis after conservative surgery or conservative surgery combined with medical treatment. Methods Twenty-three patients with recurrent endometriosis after conservative surgery or conservative surgery combined with medical treatment were treated by LNG-IUS. All patients rejected further operation and had no desire of fertility. The visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of pain, menstrual model, weight and serum CA125 level and the volume of ovarian endometriotic cysts before and after 3, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months of treatment were recorded and compared. Results ( 1 ) VAS score:after 12 months of using LNG-IUS, dysmenorrheal, chronic pelvic pain or dyspareunia were relieved significantly. VAS score were dropped from 5.9 ± 2. 3,4. 3 ± 2.0 to 1.0 ± 0. 7,1.4 ± 1. 1 ( P ＜ 0. 01 ). ( 2 )Volum of cysts :after 6 months of using LNG-IUS, the volume of recurrent ovarian endometriotic cysts in 11 patients were reduced from ( 11.4 ± 6. 1 ) em3 to ( 5. 5 ± 3.4 ) em3 significantly ( P ＜ 0. 01 ). At 12 months of follow-up, it suggested that 2 patients' ovarian endometriotic cysts disappeared. At 24 months follow-up,9 patients ovarian endometriotic cysts disappeared ( 3 ) CA125: serum CA125 decreased from ( 65.5 ± 19. 6 )kU/L to (42. 1 ± 13.6) kU/L at 6 months after treatment remarkably (P ＜ 0. 01 ). Continued to decrease after 12 months and then become steady. Irregular bleeding and spotting was the main side effects, weight gain was also observed in few patients. Conclusions LNG-IUS could be used in treatment of recurrent endometriosis after conservative surgery or conservative surgery combined with medical treatment effectively. It could relieve pain, reduce the level of CA125 and decrease the size of ovarian endometriotic cysts. LNG-IUS seems to be an effective, safe, and long term treatment for endometriosis with fewer side effects and better compliance.     

左炔诺孕酮宫内缓释系统治疗子宫腺肌病的疗效

目的观察左炔诺孕酮宫内缓释系统（LNG-IUS）治疗子宫腺肌病所致痛经的临床疗效。方法对56例子宫腺肌病所致痛经患者给予放置LNG-IUS治疗。并进行前后自身对照,比较放置前后视觉模拟评分法（VAS）和口述评分法（VRS）,以评估痛经和深部性交痛改善情况,并观察月经、子宫大小及副反应情况。结果放置LNG-IUS后3个月,55例（98.2%）患者痛经症状显著缓解或完全消失,月经量显著减少。与放置前比较,放置后3、6、9、12个月VAS和VRS评分明显下降（P〈0.01）;月经周期和子宫体积差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。17例（30.4%）深部性交痛患者症状明显缓解;36例（64.3%）贫血患者血红蛋白水平恢复正常。结论 LNG-IUS能有效控制子宫腺肌病患者的疼痛,减少月经量,疗效显著。     

左炔诺孕酮宫内缓释系统用于防治子宫内膜异位症和子宫腺肌病的临床观察

目的观察左炔诺孕酮宫内缓释系统(LNG-IUS)用于治疗子宫内膜异位症(EM)及子宫腺肌病(AM)相关疼痛和防止复发的疗效。方法EM患者21例,AM患者12例,于保守性手术后即刻,或单纯疼痛复发后放置LNG-IUS,EM患者中有4例在放置前注射促性腺激素释放激素激动剂(GnRHa),AM患者中有5例放置前注射GnRHa。以放置LNG-IUS前后自身对照,比较疼痛视觉模拟评分(VAS)、血清生殖激素和CA125水平,随诊记录阴道出血等副反应的发生情况;放置前注射GnRHa者与单纯放置者比较出血模式的差异。结果疼痛复发后单纯放置LNG-IUS的5例EM患者,VAS评分由放置前的(8·09±0·21)降至(1·64±1·12)分,两者比较,差异有统计学意义(P=0·042);5例单纯放置LNG-IUS的AM患者,VAS评分由(8·41±1·59)降至(3·99±3·87)分,两者比较,差异无统计学意义(P=0·068)。所有患者于随访期限内,仅2例患者分别出现疼痛或病灶复发,其余患者无疼痛或病灶的复发。放置LNG-IUS后有30例患者完成了初次随诊,初次随诊时间平均为5个月,月平均出血天数18·6d,以不规则点滴出血为主;放置LNG-IUS前是否加用GnRHa的患者月平均出血天数分别为(19±6)和(18±6)d,两者比较,差异无统计学意义(P=0·089)。随诊满1年时,22例患者转为每月规律性阴道出血,月平均出血天数8d。结论LNG-IUS能有效控制EM和AM相关疼痛并延缓复发,不规则和(或)点滴阴道出血是最显著的副反应,放置前注射GnRHa对出血的改善效果欠佳。     

左炔诺孕酮宫内缓释系统治疗子宫腺肌病临床效果研究

目的:探讨左炔诺孕酮宫内缓释系统(LNG-IUS)治疗子宫腺肌病的临床疗效。方法:102例子宫腺肌病患者在月经周期第7天放置LNG-IUS,观察放置前,放置后1、3、6、12个月的月经情况,痛经程度及副反应。结果:①放置LNG-IUS后随访102例,其中8例取LNG-IUS终止治疗(5例因月经过少,3例因痤疮),12个月续用率为92.16%(94/102)。②放置后1、3、6、12个月,随时间延长,视觉模拟评分(VAS)和口述评分(VRS)痛经评分逐渐下降,与放置前比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。③放置LNG-IUS后出血模式主要表现为月经过少,放置后1个月,68.63%(70/102)患者月经过少;放置后3个月,78.43%(80/102)患者月经过少;放置后12个月,91.49%(86/94)患者月经过少。④主要副反应为不规则出血,放置后1个月不规则出血发生率18.63%(19/102),放置后3个月不规则出血发生率11.76%(12/102),6个月以后无不规则出血。随访12个月闭经发生率6.38%(6/94)。结论:LNG-IUS治疗子宫腺肌病近期疗效显著,不良反应少,临床应用价值高。     

Use of the Levonorgestrel Intrauterine System in Adolescents with Endometriosis

Study ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate our adolescent patient population who had received a levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) at or after the time of endometriosis diagnosis, and determine efficacy of the LNG-IUS in regards to pain and bleeding on follow-up exam.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingPediatric Adolescent Gynecology Clinic and Children's Hospital in a metropolitan area.ParticipantsAdolescent patients age 14–22 with pathology-proven endometriosis who had the LNG-IUS placed during the course of their treatment for this disease. Patients were divided into LNG-IUS placement at the time of surgical diagnosis versus placement some time after diagnosis.Main Outcome MeasuresPain and bleeding were assessed by follow-up exam. Pain was classified at each follow-up visit as either none, minimal, moderate, or severe. Bleeding was classified as none, irregular spotting, irregular bleeding, or daily bleeding.ResultsThe majority of patients (67%) required additional hormonal therapy for pain and bleeding suppression. Time to bleeding suppression and pain suppression was sooner in the group with interval time between surgical diagnosis and LNG-IUS placement, compared to LNG-IUS placement at the time of surgery (2.4 months vs 5.3 months until bleeding suppression, and 3.8 months vs 4.8 months until pain suppression), although statistical significance was not achieved.ConclusionsThe LNG-IUS is an option for treatment of endometriosis in adolescents. As pain is the main problem associated with endometriosis, LNG-IUS placement is beneficial at the time of surgery when it is diagnosed. A prospective study is needed for further assessment of outcomes.     

Use of 52-mg Levonorgestrel-Releasing Intrauterine System in Adolescents and Young Adult Women: 3-Year Follow-Up

Study ObjectiveTo evaluate continuance rates, bleeding patterns, and patient satisfaction with 52-mg levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) use in adolescents and young adult women during the first 3 years of useDesignWe conducted an observational prospective study.SettingFamily Planning Service of a tertiary hospital in BrazilParticipantsOne hundred adolescents and young women aged 16-24 years.InterventionInsertion of 52-mg LNG-IUS for the main purpose of contraception. Follow-up visits were conducted at 12, 24, and 36 months after insertion.Main Outcome MeasuresContinuance rates, reasons for discontinuation of the method, and women's satisfaction and bleeding patternsResultsAmong those who were not lost to follow-up, LNG-IUS continuance rates were 89.1% (82/92), 82.9% (72/87), and 75.3% (64/85) in the first, second, and third years of use, respectively. The main reason for discontinuation was acne, followed by expulsion of/malpositioned LNG-IUS. Other reasons for discontinuation were irregular uterine bleeding, dysmenorrhea, and abdominal pain. The amenorrhea rates were 50%, 54.1%, and 39% at 12, 24, and 36 months, respectively. Spotting rates increased during the first 3 years of use (20.8%, 16.7%, and 26.6%, respectively). Adolescents and young women using the LNG-IUS showed high rates of satisfaction, with 93.9%, 100%, and 96.8% of women being very satisfied/satisfied in the first 3 years of use. Only 2 participants who continued using the LNG-IUS reported being very dissatisfied/dissatisfied in the third year of follow-up.ConclusionThe LNG-IUS showed high rates of continuation and satisfaction in the first 3 years of use in Brazilian adolescents and young adults. Most women reported a favorable bleeding pattern.     

Comparison of a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device versus expectant management after conservative surgery for symptomatic endometriosis: a pilot study

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the frequency and severity of dysmenorrhea are reduced in women with symptomatic endometriosis in whom a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (Lng-IUD) is inserted after operative laparoscopy compared with those treated with surgery only. DESIGN: Open-label, parallel-group, randomized, controlled trial. SETTING: A tertiary care and referral center for patients with endometriosis. PATIENTS(S): Parous women with moderate or severe dysmenorrhea undergoing first-line operative laparoscopy for symptomatic endometriosis. INTERVENTION(S): Randomization to immediate Lng-IUD insertion or expectant management after laparoscopic treatment of endometriotic lesions.Proportions of women with recurrence of moderate or severe dysmenorrhea in the two study groups 1 year after surgery and overall degree of satisfaction with treatment.Moderate or severe dysmenorrhea recurred in 2 of 20 (10%) subjects in the postoperative Lng-IUD group and 9/20 (45%) in the surgery-only group. Thus, a medicated device inserted postoperatively will prevent the recurrence of moderate or severe dysmenorrhea in one out of three patients 1 year after surgery. A total of 15/20 (75%) women in the Lng-IUD group and 10/20 (50%) in the expectant management group were satisfied or very satisfied with the treatment received. CONCLUSION(S): Insertion of an Lng-IUD after laparoscopic surgery for symptomatic endometriosis significantly reduced the medium-term risk of recurrence of moderate or severe dysmenorrhea.     

人工流产术后即时放置左炔诺孕酮宫内缓释系统的系统评价

目的:系统评价人工流产术后即时放置左炔诺孕酮宫内缓释系统(LNG-IUS)的临床疗效和安全性。方法:计算机检索Medline、Embase、Cochrane图书馆、中国期刊全文数据库、中国生物医学文献数据库、中文科技期刊数据库、万方数据资源系统。纳入比较人工流产术后即时放置LNG-IUS与人工流产术后即时放置含铜宫内节育器(CuIUD),以及人工流产术后即时放置LNG-IUS与月经期放置LNG-IUS的研究。由2位评价者独立进行文献筛选及数据提取。采用Cochrane协作网提供的RevMan5.0进行Meta分析。结果:共纳入文献17篇,患者5 512例。人工流产术后即时放置LNG-IUS与人工流产术后即时放置CuIUD相比,LNG-IUS组的带器妊娠率低,闭经发生率高,因症取出率低,脱落和不规则出血的发生率组间无统计学差异。人工流产术后即时放置LNG-IUS与月经期放置LNG-IUS相比,放置后6个月点滴出血发生率低(RR=0.42,95%CI=0.22~0.83,P=0.01);放置后12个月点滴出血、妊娠、脱落、因症取出、闭经发生率组间均无统计学差异。结论:人工流产术后即时放置LNG-IUS安全有效。     

Symptomatic large bowel endometriosis in a woman with a hormonal intrauterine device: a case report

BACKGROUND: Extragenital endometriosis can occur in the rectum and sigmoid causing cyclic rectal bleeding. A hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) (20 microg/24 h levonorgestrel releasing), originally developed as an easily reversible contraceptive method, is a therapeutic option for bleeding disorders. CASE: A 34-year-old woman using depot progesterone injection (crys-talline suspension of 150 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate) for contraception was amenorrheic and asymptomatic. After switching to a levonorgestrel-releasing IUD the patient experienced irregular bleeding with concomitant dysmenorrhea and rectal bleeding. Colonoscopy revealed a sigmoid mass. Laparotomy with resection of the sigmoidal mass and ovarian cyst was performed. Histopathologic analysis confirmed the suspected diagnosis of large bowel endometriosis. CONCLUSION: In our patient, large bowel endometriosis became symptomatic 2 years after insertion of hormonal IUD. The suppressive effect of the hormonal IUD seemed to be insufficient for the control of extragenital endometriosis.     

Pain and bleeding pattern related to levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) insertion

Objective

To investigate whether the pattern or pain or bleeding during levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) insertion and in the first 6 weeks thereafter is altered by LNG-IUS malposition.

Study design

Prospective cohort of 413 women undergoing LNG-IUS insertion or replacement. A first questionnaire on pain perception was completed by the women immediately after insertion. In a second questionnaire the women were asked to record pain in the 3 days following insertion and both pain and bleeding from 4 to 6 weeks after insertion. Six weeks after insertion a 2D- and 3D-ultrasound examination was performed to evaluate the position of the LNG-IUS and of the uterus.

Results

Parity was inversely related to pain at insertion, in the first 3 days and at 4–6 weeks. LNG-IUS insertion was less painful in the postpartum period. Women who had had a LNG-IUS as prior contraceptive method reported a higher percentage of amenorrhea at 4–6 weeks. The position of the LNG-IUS or of the uterus did not influence the pain scores or the bleeding pattern. The fact that the LNG-IUS arms appeared embedded in the uterine wall on coronal 3D-volume reconstruction did not influence pain or the bleeding pattern.

Conclusions

Because neither pain nor bleeding is a reliable predictor of LNG-IUS position, we suggest an ultrasound examination to confirm correct LNG-IUS placement in all patients at about 6 weeks after insertion.