Efficacy, duration of use and assessing suitability

DGRefHelp - NHS Dumfries & Galloway
NHS Dumfries and Galloway

Efficacy

  • The failure rate of LNG-IUD use is very low
  • The Pearl Indices (number of pregnancies per 100 users) for the different devices are generally reported as:
    • 1–0.2 for 52 mg LNG-IUD over 5–7 years
    • 3 for 19.5 mg LNG-IUD over 3–5 years
    • 3 for 13.5 mg LNG-IUD over 3 year
  • The contraceptive effectiveness of LNG-IUD is not affected by use of enzyme-inducing drugs or weight/BMI

Duration of Use

13.5 mg LNG-IUD for contraception

Jaydess®

 3 years

19.5 mg LNG-IUD for contraception

Kyleena®

 5 years

52 mg LNG-IUD for contraception

Beneilxa®, Levosert®, Mirena®,

Inserted age under 45 : 8 years

Inserted age 45 and over: retain until age 55

52 mg LNG-IUD as part of HRT

Beneilxa®, Levosert®, Mirena®

 5 years

 

Assessing Suitability

Few medical conditions contraindicate use of IUC (see UKMEC (2016 https://www.fsrh.org/documents/ukmec-2016/)

Investigations are not routinely required prior to insertion.

Most LNG-IUD insertions are straightforward and can be undertaken in primary care /community settings. There will be additional considerations for some individuals, for example, pre-insertion investigations, alterations to current medication dosage/timing, discussion with the individual’s usual care provider or a requirement to insert the IUD in a specialist setting.

The use of IUC is contraindicated if there is a known or suspected allergy or hypersensitivity to any of the components of the device.

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 25/08/2023

Next review date: 01/10/2025

Author(s): West of Scotland Managed Clinical Network in Sexual Health Clinical Guidelines Group .

Version: 10.1

Approved By: West of Scotland Managed Clinical Network in Sexual Health