The UK CRHRN has undertaken a number of studies looking at IUS use. The following is some of the more recent work.

Cox, M.; Tripp, JH.; Blacksell, S. Clinical performance of the levonorgesterol intrauterine system in routine use by the UK Family Planning and Reproductive Health Research Network: 12 month report. The Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care 2002 26(3)

Abstract:Doctors working in general practice and at family planning clinics throughout the UK who collaborate in the UK Family Planning and Reproductive Health Research Network were responsible for the fitting of 692 Levonorgestrel Intra-uterine Systems (LNG IUS). This study was undertaken to determine the performance of the LNG IUS in British women in routine clinical use. The 12 months cumulative life-table event rates were: pregnancy 0.6, expulsion 4.5. The continuation rate was 70.6. Removals were also required for side effects, which may be due to absorbed levonorgestrel, the removal rate being 7.4. Positive effects include effective contraception and considerably reduced quantity of bleeding for most participants. A need was identified to counsel women about the early bleeding problems, including the possibility of oligomenorrhoea or amenorrhoea. This is considered to be very important as it will help women to persevere so that they can enjoy the longer-term benefits.

Cox, M.; Tripp, JH.; Blacksell, S. Clinical performance of the levonorgesterol intrauterine system in routine use by the UK Family Planning and Reproductive Health Research Network: 5 year report.The Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care 2002 28(2)

Abstract:Objectives: This study was undertaken to determine the performance of the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG IUS) in British women in routine clinical use.

Design:Doctors working in general practice and at family planning clinics throughout the UK who collaborate in the UK Family Planning and Reproductive Health Research Network were responsible for the fitting of 678 LNG IUSs.

Results:Gross cumulative event rates at 5 years per 100 women were pregnancy 1.0, expulsion 5.9, removal for bleeding problems 16.7, removal for pain 4.3, and removal for pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) 1.2. Removals were also required for side effects that may be due to absorbed levonorgestrel. Positive effects include effective contraception and considerably reduced quantity of bleeding for most participants.

Conclusions:A need was identified to counsel women about the early bleeding problems including the possibility of oligomenorrhoea or amenorrhoea. This is considered to be very important as it will help women to persevere so that they can enjoy the longer-term benefits.