Intrauterine contraception for adolescents aged 14–18 years: a multicenter randomized pilot study of Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system compared to the Copper T 380A

Godfrey, Emily M.; Memmel, Lisa M.; Neustadt, Amy; Shah, Megha; Nicosia, Antonia; Moorthie, Mydhili; Gilliam, Melissa

doi:10.1016/j.contraception.2009.09.004

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Volume 81, Issue 2 , Pages 123-127, February 2010

Intrauterine contraception for adolescents aged 14–18 years: a multicenter randomized pilot study of Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system compared to the Copper T 380A

Emily M. Godfrey
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Corresponding author. Tel.: +1 312 413 3213; fax: +1 312 996 2579.
Lisa M. Memmel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Section of Family Planning, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
Amy Neustadt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Section of Family Planning, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
Megha Shah
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Section of Family Planning, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
Antonia Nicosia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Section of Family Planning, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
Mydhili Moorthie
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
Melissa Gilliam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Section of Family Planning, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA

Received 13 July 2009; received in revised form 6 September 2009; accepted 9 September 2009. published online 09 October 2009.

Abstract

Background

Intrauterine contraception can provide adolescents with effective, long-term contraception as well as with other health benefits. In adult populations, intrauterine contraception rates highly in patient satisfaction and safety. It is rarely prescribed to adolescents because of limited data.

Study Design

Multicenter, randomized, controlled, participant-blinded pilot study of 14–18-year-old females assigned to the Copper T 380A intrauterine device or the Levonorgestrel Intrauterine System. Participants were followed up for 6 months following insertion.

Results

We enrolled 23 participants; 12 received the Levonorgestrel Intrauterine System, and 11 received the Copper T 380A. At 6 months, the continuation rates were 75% for the Levonorgestrel Intrauterine System users and 45% for the Copper T 380A users (p=.15). Two Copper T 380A users experienced partial expulsion. Heavy bleeding and pelvic pain were the most commonly reported side effects. Participants rated both methods favorably.

Conclusions

This study shows that at 6 months, though not statistically significant, adolescent continuation rates trended towards being greater with the Levonorgestrel Intrauterine System compared to the Copper T 380A. These pilot data will be helpful in the design of a larger trial of intrauterine contraception use among adolescents.

Keywords: Intrauterine contraception, Adolescents, Pilot study, Randomization