User satisfaction with an intrauterine system containing 52 mg levonorgestrel: a Portuguese study

To characterise patient satisfaction 6 and 12 months after insertion of a 52 mg levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) in Portuguese women.

A non-interventional and prospective study was conducted in Portuguese women of reproductive age who had Levosert^® inserted. Two questionnaires (administered 6 and 12 months after 52 mg LNG-IUS insertion) were used to collect information on the patients' menstrual pattern, discontinuation rate, and satisfaction rate with Levosert^®.

A total of 102 women were enrolled, of which only 94 (92.2%) completed the study. Seven participants discontinued the use of the 52 mg LNG-IUS. At 6 and 12 months, 90.7% and 90.4% of participants, respectively, were either satisfied or very satisfied with the 52 mg LNG-IUS. At 6 and 12 months, 73.2% and 72.3% of participants, respectively, indicated that they were very likely to recommend the 52 mg LNG-IUS to a friend or family member. Most women (92.2%) continued to use the 52 mg LNG-IUS for the first year. The percentage of women who were 'much more satisfied' with Levosert^® than with their previous contraceptive methods was 55.9% and 57.8% at 6 and 12 months, respectively, per questionnaire assessment. Satisfaction was associated with age (p = 0.004), amenorrhoea (p < 0.003) and absence of dysmenorrhoea (p = 0.003), but not with parity (p = 0.922).

These data suggest that the continuation and satisfaction rates with Levosert^® were very high, and that this system is well accepted among Portuguese women. Patient satisfaction was driven by a favourable bleeding pattern and absence of dysmenorrhoea.