Levonorgestrel (LNg) IUD
Topic Overview
The levonorgestrel (LNg)
intrauterine device (IUD) releases small amounts of
levonorgestrel, a form of
progesterone, into the
uterus each day. This type of IUD reduces cramping and
heavy menstrual bleeding. And it is a highly effective method of
birth control.
It must be replaced
every 5 years to ensure that hormone release continues at a level that helps
you.
How well does it work?
Most women have a significant decrease in uterine blood loss
with the LNg IUD. Some studies report up to a 95% reduction in blood loss.1 Increased spotting during the first couple
of months is common, followed by less bleeding thereafter.
What are common side effects?
The LNg IUD can reduce menstrual bleeding and cramps and, in many women, eventually cause menstrual periods to stop altogether. In this case, not menstruating is not harmful.
The LNg IUD may cause hormonal side effects similar to those caused by oral contraceptives.
- Breast tenderness
- Mood swings
- Headaches
- Acne
These side effects are not common. But if they do happen, they usually go away after the first few months.
References
Citations
-
Fritz MA, Speroff L (2011). Abnormal uterine bleeding. In Clinical Gynecologic Endocrinology and Infertility, 8th ed., pp. 591–620. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
Credits
|
By
|
Healthwise Staff |
|
Primary Medical Reviewer
|
Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine |
|
Specialist Medical Reviewer
|
Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
|
Last Revised
|
January 27, 2012 |
Last Revised:
January 27, 2012
Fritz MA, Speroff L (2011). Abnormal uterine bleeding. In Clinical Gynecologic Endocrinology and Infertility, 8th ed., pp. 591–620. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
