Comparison of copper intrauterine device with levonorgestrel-bearing intrauterine system for post-abortion contraception

• Published in: The journal of obstetrics and gynaecology research Vol. 41; no. 9; pp. 1426 - 1432
• Main Authors: Bilgehan, Fatma, Dilbaz, Berna, Karadag, Burak, Deveci, Canan Dura
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Australia Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.09.2015
• Subjects: Abortion, Induced; Adult; Contraception - methods; Contraceptive Agents, Female - adverse effects; Contraceptive Agents, Female - therapeutic use; copper intrauterine device; Female; Humans; Intrauterine Devices, Copper - adverse effects; Intrauterine Devices, Medicated - adverse effects; Levonorgestrel - adverse effects; Levonorgestrel - therapeutic use; levonorgestrel-bearing intrauterine system; method continuity; Metrorrhagia - etiology; post-abortion contraception; Pregnancy; Young Adult; levonorgestrel-bearing intrauterine system; copper intrauterine device; post-abortion contraception; method continuity
• ISSN: 1341-8076; 1447-0756
• DOI: 10.1111/jog.12747

Aim The aim of this study was to compare the safety, bleeding pattern, effects, side‐effects, complications and 6‐month continuity rates of levonorgestrel‐bearing intrauterine system (LNG‐IUS) with conventional copper intrauterine device (Cu‐IUD) inserted immediately after voluntary termination of pregnancy up to 10 weeks of gestation. Methods One hundred women who underwent voluntary pregnancy termination and preferred IUD insertion as a contraceptive method after counseling were enrolled. The patients were randomly allocated to Cu‐IUD or LNG‐IUS and followed up at 10 days, and at 1, 3 and 6 months. The expulsion rates, continuation rates, side‐effects, and bleeding patterns were compared. Results Fifty women in the Cu‐IUD group and 44 women in the LNG‐IUS group were followed up. The continuity and expulsion rate for Cu‐IUD and LNG‐IUS at the end of 6 months was 74%, 12%, and 75%, 11.3%, respectively. In LNG‐IUS users, the incidence of amenorrhea and the number of spotting days were higher and hemoglobin increased throughout the follow‐up period. The side‐effects related to both methods were not different from interval insertions. Conclusion Immediate post‐abortion intrauterine contraception with Cu‐IUD or LNG‐IUS is a safe, reliable method. The incidence of side‐effects is similar, and there is only a slightly higher rate of expulsion but an acceptable rate of method continuation.