Contraception
Volume 75, Issue 1 , Pages 37-39, January 2007

Experience with the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system among HIV-infected women☆☆☆

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki, PO Box 140, SF-00029 Helsinki, Finland

Received 27 April 2006; received in revised form 5 September 2006; accepted 6 September 2006. published online 30 October 2006.

Abstract 

Background

Safe and effective contraception is needed for women infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) is an effective long-term contraceptive that reduces menstrual bleeding and may reduce the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease. Yet, little is known about LNG-IUS use in HIV-infected women.

Subjects and Methods

Six HIV-infected women had the LNG-IUS inserted between March 1998 and October 2002, and were systemically followed for a mean of 45 months. Indications for LNG-IUS use were contraception in four women and menorrhagia in two women.

Results

The LNG-IUS was well tolerated, and menstrual bleeding was reduced in all women. Blood hemoglobin levels increased in each subject, with mean levels being 123 g/L (SD=11.7) before LNG-IUS insertion and 135 g/L (SD=8.7) at 1 year (p=.01). Levels of circulating CD4 lymphocytes and Pap smear findings remained unchanged.

Conclusions

Our limited experience with LNG-IUS use in HIV-infected women is encouraging. The LNG-IUS may be used as an alternative to uterine surgery in HIV-infected women with menorrhagia.

Keywords: Contraception, Menorrhagia, HIV, CIN, LEEP, IUD

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☆ Financial support from the University Central Hospital Research Funds is gratefully acknowledged. Dr. Heikinheimo is the recipient of a Finnish Medical Foundation Clinical Fellowship grant.

☆☆ The contents of the present manuscript do not necessarily reflect the policy of the funding sources.

PII: S0010-7824(06)00362-3

doi:10.1016/j.contraception.2006.09.006

Contraception
Volume 75, Issue 1 , Pages 37-39, January 2007

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