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Contraception. 2017 Oct 18. pii: S0010-7824(17)30495-X. doi: 10.1016/j.contraception.2017.10.007.

Pregnancy outcomes associated with extended use of the 52-mg 20μg/day levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system beyond 60months: A chart review of 776 women in Brazil

Bahamondes L, Fernandes A, Bahamondes MV, Juliato CT, Ali M and Monteiro I

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the contraceptive performance of the 52-mg 20 μg/day levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS, Mirena, Bayer Oy, Turku, Finland) among women who maintain the same device without changes after 60 months.

Study design: This is a chart review study in which we assessed the charts of 766 women who continue the same LNG-IUS for contraception beyond 60months. The women were evaluated at the Family Planning clinic, University of Campinas Medical School, Campinas, SP, Brazil from November 1990 to March 2011. We obtained sociodemographic data, duration of use, continuation and discontinuation rates and reasons, bleeding pattern at the recorded last visit. The statistical analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier analysis.

Results: A total of 776 charts were identified of women who used the LNG-IUS beyond 60months. The mean age (± SEM) at LNG-IUS placement was 32.0±0.2years (ranged 15 to 44years; median was 32years). The distribution of number of pregnancies was 0-1 (45%); 2-4 (54.1%) and=5 (0.9%). The median length of the LNG-IUS' use was 73months after placement (ranged 61-184months). Zero pregnancies were reported and the main reasons for discontinuation were expiration of approved effective lifespan, menopause and planning pregnancy. The cumulative women-years (W-Y) of exposure were 967 and 1485 up to seven and 15years, respectively. The main bleeding pattern reported by the women was amenorrhea.

Conclusion: The 52-mg 20 μg/day LNG-IUD (Mirena®) showed continue contraceptive efficacy beyond 5years of use with no pregnancies detected over 967 and 1485W-Y up to seven and 15years after placement.

Implications: The 52-mg 20 μg/day LNG-IUD presented a very high contraceptive efficacy beyond the first five years of lifetime labelled. Increasing data support that efficacy beyond 5years of use, and new data suggested efficacy as long as 15years. Healthcare professionals, policy makers and stakeholders could take advantage of the present information to decide to maintain the same device at least up to seven years. Furthermore, amenorrhea could be a good indicator of contraceptive effect.

Comment: During consultations in the family planning clinic we are often asked whether the LNG-IUD really works for 3 years, or even longer. We see from the above that, despite what is written on the official label, women do not need to fear for a pregnancy if they forget to have it removed and replaced. (HMV).