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Key Points for Providers and Clients

Long-term pregnancy protection. Very effective for 5 years, immediately reversible.

Inserted into the uterus by a specifically trained provider.

Little required of the client once the LNG-IUD is in place.

Bleeding changes are common but not harmful. Typically, lighter and fewer days of bleeding, or infrequent or irregular bleeding.

 

Levonorgestrel Intrauterine Device


What Is the Levonorgestrel Intrauterine Device?
  • The levonorgestrel intrauterine device (LNG-IUD) is a T-shaped plastic device that steadily releases small amounts of levonorgestrel each day. (Levonorgestrel is a progestin widely used in implants and oral contraceptive pills.)
  • A specifically trained health care provider inserts it into a woman’s uterus through her vagina and cervix.
  • Also called the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system, LNG-IUS, or hormonal IUD.
  • Marketed under the brand name Mirena.
  • Works primarily by suppressing the growth of the lining of uterus (endometrium).

How Effective?

One of the most effective and long-lasting methods:

  • Less than 1 pregnancy per 100 women using an LNG-IUD over the first year (2 per 1,000 women). This means that 998 of every 1,000 women using LNG-IUDs will not become pregnant.
  • A small risk of pregnancy remains beyond the first year of use and continues as long as the woman is using the LNG-IUD.

– Over 5 years of LNG-IUD use: Less than 1 pregnancy per 100 women (5 to 8 per 1,000 women).

Approved for up to 5 years of use.

Return of fertility after LNG-IUD is removed: no delay

Protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs): none

Side Effects, Health Benefits, Health Risks, and Complications

Side Effects

Some users report the following:

Changes in bleeding patterns, including:

– Lighter bleeding and fewer days of bleeding

– Infrequent bleeding

– Irregular bleeding

– No monthly bleeding

– Prolonged bleeding

  • Acne
  • Headaches
  • Breast tenderness or pain
  • Nausea
  • Weight gain
  • Dizziness
  • Mood changes

Other possible physical changes:

Ovarian cysts

Known Health Benefits

Helps protect against:

  • Risks of pregnancy
  • Iron-deficiency anemia

May help protect against:

Pelvic inflammatory disease

Reduces:

  • Menstrual cramps
  • Symptoms of endometriosis (pelvic pain, irregular bleeding) 

Known Health Risks

None

Complications

Rare:

Puncturing (perforation) of the wall of the uterus by the LNG-IUD or an instrument used for insertion. Usually heals without treatment.

Very rare:

Miscarriage, preterm birth, or infection in the very rare case that the woman becomes pregnant with the LNG-IUD in place.

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