Medical Health Encyclopedia

Progestin-Releasing IUDs.These IUDs continuously release progestin into the uterus in small amounts. They may be specifically beneficial for women with menstrual disorders. The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system, or LNG-IUS (Mirena), releases progestin for up to five years. To date, of all the IUDs, the LNG-IUS appears to solve more problems than the other versions. It is long acting, safe, is very effective in preventing heavy bleeding, and helps reduce cramps. In fact, one expert described the LNG-IUS as a nearly ideal contraceptive.With short-term IUDs (Progesterone T, Progestatsert) the progestin supply runs out after a year and a new IUD must be inserted.

FibroPlant is a unique "frameless" LNG-IUS device that is very small and secretes a very low dose of progestin. It appears to have very few hormonal effects, although comparison studies are needed to prove any significant advantages over the Mirena.

Inserting the IUD

With some exceptions, an IUD can be inserted at any time, except during pregnancy. It is typically inserted in the following manner by a trained health professional:

• A plastic tube containing the IUD (the inserter) is slid through the cervical canal into the uterus.
• A plunger in the tube pushes the IUD into the uterus.
• Attached to the base of the IUD are two thin but strong plastic strings. After the instruments are removed, the health care provider cuts the strings so that about an inch of each dangles outside the cervix within the vagina.

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The strings have two purposes:

• They enable the user or health care provider to check that the IUD is properly positioned. (Because the IUD has a higher rate of expulsion during menstruation, the woman user should also check for the strings after each period.)
• They are used for pulling the IUD out of the uterus when removal is warranted.

Candidacy for the IUD