The use of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine devices in adolescents — own experience
Abstract
It is estimated that 19% of adolescents in Poland begin their sexual life when they are 15 years old and more than 50% of
people aged 17–19 years have already had their first sexual contact. World Health Organization recommends teenagers to
use the method of ‘dual protection’ (condom and other method of contraception, i.e. intrauterine devices).
In this study, we sought to present our own experience in the field of the use of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine devices
in adolescents and to compare it with the experience of other researchers worldwide.
Low- dose levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device is safe and effective method of contraception in adolescents. It is
also an alternative treatment used in heavy chronic abnormal uterine bleeding. It can be also used as an alternative in
women with cyanotic heart disease who have contraindications for standard contraception.
Gynecologists and pediatricians should be well informed in the topic of intrauterine device use among adolescents and
they should provide them reliable knowledge in this field.
Keywords: levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine deviceIUDAUBheavy menstrual bleeding
References
- Badanie Zbigniewa Izdebskiego i Polpharmy Seksualność Polaków 2011. Świat Medycyny i Farmacji z dnia 01.01.2012 r.
- World Health Organization Contraception in adolescence 2004. https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/42901/9241591447_eng.pdf?sequence=1 (28.03.2020).
- The reproductive health report: The state of sexual and reproductive health within the European Union. Eur J Contracept Reprod Health Care. 2011; 16 Suppl 1: S1–70.
- Rekomendacje Polskiego Towarzystwa Ginekologicznego w sprawie antykoncepcji. (2006) Wydanie specjalne. Ginekol Dypl. 2006: 24–26.
- Beatty MN, Blumenthal PD. The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system: Safety, efficacy, and patient acceptability. Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2009; 5(3): 561–574.
- Intrauterine Contraception Translating Research Into Action. Straight to the Point: Talking IUC Simple steps to successfully counselling women about intrauterine contraception (IUC) in under 7 minutes. https://www.your-life.com/static/media/pdf/educationalmaterial/Booklet_Simple_steps_to_successfully_counselling_women_about_IUC.PDF (28.03.2020).
- Polis R, Hertweck S. Treatment Options for the Adolescent Patient Experiencing Abnormal Uterine Bleeding. Current Treatment Options in Pediatrics. 2016; 2(3): 184–195.
- Dean G, Schwarz EB. Intrauterine contraceptives. In: Hatcher RA, Contraceptive Technology. 20th rev ed. Ardent Media, New York 2011: 147–19.
- American Pediatric Society. Contraception for Adolescents. Pediatrics October. 2014; 134(4): e1244–e1256.
