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
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Heikinheimo O, Lehtovirta P, Suni J, Paavonen J. The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) in HIV-infected women ��� effects on bleeding patterns, ovarian function and genital shedding of HIV. Hum Reprod 2006 [in press].
Article info
Publication history
Published online: October 30, 2006
Accepted:
September 6,
2006
Received in revised form:
September 5,
2006
Received:
April 27,
2006
Footnotes
���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.
Identification
Copyright
© 2007 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
