Efficacy of Levonorgestrel Intrauterine System in the Management of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding: A Retrospective Analysis of a 100 Women

AIM: Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is a common gynaecological complaint affecting around 10-30% women during reproductive years. It adversely affects a woman's life, leading to psychological, medical, social and sexual problems. We aim to study the efficacy of a levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) in 100 women suffering from AUB. METHODOLOGY: A retrospective study was carried out at a private nursing home in Mumbai over a period of 4 years. A total of 100 patients aged 30 years to 50 years (average age = 42.9 years) who underwent LNG-IUS insertion for abnormal uterine bleeding were studied. Cases were evaluated according to clinical findings, hemogram and transvaginal ultrasound. The women were called for follow-up at 1 week, 1 month, 6 months, 1 and 2 years to analyse type and amount of bleeding and development of amenorrhea. RESULTS: At the end of 6 months, 75% patients experienced decreased menstrual blood loss. Five patients underwent removal of the LNG-IUS at the end of 6 months as they experienced no relief of symptoms. At the end of 2 years, 95% patients were fully satisfied with the LNG-IUS insertion. CONCLUSION: A levonorgestrel intrauterine system significantly reduces bleeding in menorrhagia due to benign causes and is found to be highly effective in the management of various gynaecological pathologies such as endometrial polyps, adenomyosis and endometrial hyperplasia when insertion perfomed after dilatation and curettage/polypectomy. It has proven to be superior to various surgical and other non-surgical treatment modalities.