Levonorgestrel Intrauterine Device LNG-IUD

Last updated by Peer reviewed by Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGP
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This article refers to the levonorgestrel intrauterine device (LNG-IUD). For information on the copper-containing (non-hormonal) intrauterine device see the separate Intrauterine Contraceptive Device article. For information on insertion techniques see the separate Intrauterine Contraceptives (IUD and LNG-IUD) - Management article.

The LNG-IUD is an intrauterine contraceptive which releases levonorgestrel (LNG). Mirena® was the first LNG-releasing LNG-IUD and has been available in the UK since 1995. It has a plastic T-shaped frame with a reservoir containing 52 mg of LNG and releasing 20 micrograms/24 hours at the outset. The Mirena® LNG-IUD has also been licensed more recently for the treatment of menorrhagia and as endometrial protection for those receiving oestrogen hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Over the past few years, some other types and brands have become available. Currently in the UK, available options are:[1]

  • Mirena®: contains 52 mg LNG in reservoir and releases 20 micrograms LNG/24 hours. Licensed for contraception, heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) and endometrial protection for women using HRT. It is considered effective for five years (four years for HRT). The diameter of the Mirena® introducer is 4.4 mm.
  • Levosert®: contains 52 mg LNG in reservoir and releases 20 micrograms LNG/24 hours (equivalent to Mirena® and currently cheaper). Licensed for contraception and HMB. It is effective for five years (recent licence extension). The diameter of the Levosert® intoducer is 4.8 mm and it is inserted using a two-handed technique.[2]
  • Kyleena®: contains 19.5 mg LNG in reservoir as compared to 52 mg in Mirena® and releases 17.5 micrograms/24 hours at the outset. Smaller size has been shown to make insertion easier and less painful although it may be less likely to cause amenorrhoea. Licensed for contraception only. It is effective for five years.[3]
  • Jaydess®: contains 13.5 mg LNG in reservoir and releases 14 micrograms/24 hours. It is also smaller than Mirena®, and lasts less long (three years.) Licensed for contraception only. Again insertion has been shown to be easier and less painful.

Other brands are available in other countries.

  • The LNG-IUD (and other methods of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC)) is more cost-effective than the combined oral contraceptive (COC) pill, even at one year of use.[4] It is also more cost-effective than injectable contraceptives.
  • Cost per year is currently cheapest for Levosert®, and most expensive for Jaydess®.[2]
  • The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) advises that increasing the uptake of LARC methods will reduce the numbers of unintended pregnancies.[4] It is important that women should be advised of LARC methods when seeking contraception. Over the past ten years, rates of LARC use have been rising, with data showing 41% of women attending sexual and reproductive services in England now choose LARCs - a 44% increase.[5] 9% use a LNG-IUD.
  • The primary contraceptive effect is mediated by its suppressant effect on the endometrium, which prevents implantation: within one month of insertion, high intrauterine LNG levels cause endometrial atrophy and changes in the stroma.
  • There is an increase in endometrial phagocytic cells which also prevents implantation.
  • There is some decreased sperm penetration of cervical mucus and impaired sperm migration.
  • There is little effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis: oestrogen levels are not reduced and most women continue to ovulate.
  • Amenorrhea with the LNG-IUD does not necessarily indicate anovulation. Incidence of anovulation has been shown to be lower with the 13.5 mg device than the 52 mg device.

Failure rates are very low. Exact rates vary in the literature. A large European study showed the overall Pearl Index (pregnancies per 100 woman-years) to be 0.06, and demonstrated superior efficacy compared to copper devices.[7] Comparative tables of contraceptive efficacy suggest the LNG-IUD is the most effective type of contraception other than the progestogen implant and male sterilisation, with 0.2% of women experiencing an unintended pregnancy within the first year of use.[8] This is lower than the pregnancy rate following female sterilisation.

Licences have been extended/subject to change over recent years, so this can be confusing and it may be worth consulting the latest relevant product information.

Mirena®: the Mirena® LNG-IUD is licensed for contraceptive use for a period of five years from insertion. The Mirena® LNG-IUD is also licensed for five years for idiopathic menorrhagia and for four years to provide endometrial protection.

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) suggest that it provides contraceptive protection for up to seven years. Release rate of the 52 mg LNG-IUD at five years is twice that of the 13.5 mg LNG-IUD at three years, suggesting that it is likely to be effective for some time beyond its five years' licensed indication. However in general the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health (FSRH) guideline does not currently recommend use outside the length of the licence other than in certain situations:

  • Extended duration of use for women aged 45 years or over at the time of insertion. The guideline recommends removal when it is no longer needed (menopause) or effective (if being used for menorrhagia).
  • The NICE LARC guideline initially recommended that women who have the LNG-IUD inserted at or after the age of 45 years and are amenorrhoeic may retain the LNG-IUD until the menopause.[4] However the FSRH guidance supports this even where women are not amenorrhoeic.[9]
  • Where women present late for a change of LNG-IUDUS, where this is between five and seven years after insertion, risk of pregnancy is considered low, and it may be immediately replaced subject to a negative and follow-up pregnancy test.

Levosert®: like Mirena®, Levosert® is now licensed for five years for contraception and menorrhagia. It is possible that the contraceptive licence will be extended beyond five years in future.[2]

Kyleena®: is licensed for contraceptive use only, for five years.[3]

Jaydess®: is licensed for contraception alone, for a period of three years.[10]

Contraceptive use

  • The LNG-IUD is a suitable option for most women who need contraception, with few conditions where risks of use outweigh benefits (see 'Contra-indications and cautions', below).
  • It can be appropriate for many women, including those who traditionally offer contraceptive challenge, such as obese women, women with diabetes or epilepsy, women with migraine and women with contra-indications to oestrogen (see the separate Contraception and Special Groups article).[4]
  • The LNG-IUD can be used at any age, and may be used in nulliparous women.
  • The LNG-IUD should not be used as emergency contraception (see the separate Emergency Contraception article).

Advantages as a contraceptive method
These include:

  • Rapid return of fertility post-removal.
  • Reduced menstrual loss and dysmenorrhoea.
  • Convenience (long-lasting method that is independent of intercourse).
  • Lack of significant interactions with hepatic enzyme-inducing drugs.[11]
  • Unlike long-acting injectable depot contraceptives there is no demonstrable effect on bone mineral density (BMD).[12]
  • Useful in the perimenopausal years where both contraception and HRT may be required together.

Disadvantages as a contraceptive method
These include:

  • Initial menstrual irregularities.
  • Other side-effects (see below).
  • Women may dislike the idea of the invasive and uncomfortable fitting procedure.
  • Fitting a LNG-IUD is technically more difficult (in view of its larger diameter) than fitting a LNG-IUD, particularly in nulliparous or perimenopausal women. However, Kyleena® and Jaydess® may be fitted more easily, as the frame is smaller and narrower.

Non-contraceptive uses

Menorrhagia
The Mirena® LNG-IUD is the first-line pharmaceutical treatment for HMB (where there is no identified pathology or <3 cm fibroids or adenomyosis) and can reduce menstrual losses by over 90%.[13] Comparisons to alternative methods of managing this can be found in the separate Menorrhagia article. It is important to note that effectiveness of pharmacological treatments for HMB may be limited in women with fibroids that are substantially greater than 3 cm in diameter.[13]

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

  • The Mirena® LNG-IUD is licensed for the prevention of endometrial hyperplasia during oestrogen replacement therapy for up to four years.
  • It provides a means of delivering endometrial protection with minimum systemic absorption of progestogen.

Endometrial hyperplasia
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) guideline recommends the LNG-IUD as the first-line of treatment for endometrial hyperplasia without atypia, as it is more effective than oral progestogens and has a more favourable profile with regard to adverse effects.[14] [15] The guideline also advises use in hyperplasia with atypia for women who are not suitable for hysterectomy or who wish to preserve fertility.

Future uses
Other potential uses of the LNG-IUD include its role in the treatment of:

  • Endometriosis - studies have looked at the use of the LNG-IUD as maintenance therapy or following surgery: there is some evidence that the LNG-IUD is effective in reducing recurrence of pain.[16]
  • Endometrial protection for women on tamoxifen - the LNG-IUD provides endometrial protection from tamoxifen-induced changes, reducing the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and benign polyps . A Cochrane review concluded that there was not yet evidence that it reduces the risk of endometrial cancer in this situation, and although there is no evidence that it affects risk of breast cancer recurrence or death, further trials are needed.[17]
  • Endometrial carcinoma - the LNG-IUD may have a role in early-stage carcinoma and in patients unfit for surgery.[18]

Absolute contra-indications - UK Medical Eligibility Criteria (UKMEC) category 4 (use represents an unacceptable health risk)

  • Infection: current pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or purulent cervicitis, current symptomatic chlamydia or gonorrhoea, septic abortion or postpartum endometritis, pelvic tuberculosis.
  • Current pregnancy.
  • Some cancers: cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, malignant trophoblastic disease, current breast cancer.
  • Undiagnosed irregular vaginal bleeding/suspicion of genital malignancy.

Relative contra-indications - UKMEC catetory 3 (risks usually outweigh benefits)

  • 48 hours to four weeks postpartum (Insertion within the first 48 hours is considered safe).
  • Complicated organ transplant.
  • Long QT syndrome.
  • Gestational trophoblastic disease with decreasing hCG levels.
  • Past history of breast cancer.
  • Uterine fibroids with distortion of the uterine cavity and other conditions causing distortion of the uterine cavity.
  • Asymptomatic chlamydial infection.
  • HIV with low CD4 count.
  • Hepatocellular adenoma or carcinoma.
  • Severe cirrhosis.

For women with cardiac disease, FSRH guidance suggests the decision to use intrauterine contraception should involve a cardiologist.[6] If there is a high risk of vasovagal reaction, it should be fitted in a hospital setting (eg, women with single ventricle circulation, Eisenmenger physiology, tachycardia or pre-existing bradycardia).

Interactions
The manufacturers of Esmya® (ulipristal acetate 5 mg), which is used for the treatment of severe symptoms of uterine fibroids, advise avoiding concomitant use of a progestogen intrauterine system.[19]

For complications associated directly with the insertion process, including perforation, expulsion and lost threads, see the separate Intrauterine Contraceptives (IUD and LNG-IUD) - Management article.

Altered or abnormal bleeding[20]

Irregular bleeding and spotting are common in the first six months with a LNG-IUD. Explain to women that 90% will experience reduced menstrual flow ultimately and some will be amenorrhoeic. The FSRH has produced guidance on the assessment and management of problematic bleeding on hormonal contraception, including the LNG-IUD. While they recommend assessment following at least three months of persistent bleeding after insertion of LNG-IUD, they make the point that this is an arbitrary cut-off point, since persistent bleeding is common in the first six months following insertion of IUD. For full details of their recommendations, see the separate Intermenstrual and Postcoital Bleeding article.

Decision to investigate early will depend on a number of factors including risk of STIs, previous bleeding pattern, concerns of the woman and concurrent symptoms (pelvic pain, postcoital bleeding, dyspareunia, for example).

  • <3 months from insertion - exclude STIs, check cervical screening history and consider the need for a pregnancy test. Where pain, discharge or lost threads occur in addition to bleeding, this requires further investigation to exclude expulsion, perforation or infection.
  • >3 months from insertion (although the guidance notes that LNG-IUD-related bleeding is common up to six months) - perform a clinical examination where there is persistent bleeding, any new symptom or changed bleeding pattern, failed medical treatment, non-participation in the cervical screening programme or if requested by the woman. Abnormal clinical findings should be managed appropriately. Where findings are normal, but the woman is aged over 45 years or has risk factors for endometrial cancer, refer for further investigation (eg, ultrasound, hysteroscopy, endometrial biopsy).

Hormonal symptoms

  • Acne, headaches, breast tenderness and nausea are reported by LNG-IUD users but these do not differ significantly from IUD users, and usually settle with time.
  • Serum LNG levels with an IUD are lower than with oral or subdermal administration of progestogen but there is wide individual difference, possibly explaining the variation in experience of hormonal side-effects.

Mood changes

Depression can be an issue, and may be associated with suicidal thoughts. Women should be advised to consult their GP if they develop depressive symptoms.

Pregnancy and ectopic pregnancy

  • Overall rates are lower than with no contraception. If a woman does become pregnant with a LNG-IUD in situ, ectopic pregnancy risk is 1 in 20, so she should seek medical advice to exclude it. Ectopic pregnancy must be excluded although most pregnancies will be intrauterine.
  • The risk of ectopic pregnancy is less for LNG-IUD than for conventional IUDs.
  • Women who become pregnant must be counselled regarding the increased risk of second-trimester miscarriage, infection and preterm delivery if the device remains in situ, and that removal reduces these outcomes but is associated with a small risk of miscarriage
  • If threads are visible or retrievable in the endocervical canal the device should be removed up to 12 weeks of gestation.
  • In other cases the device should be sought at delivery or termination and, if not detected at this time, an abdominal X-ray performed to ensure it is not extrauterine.

Pelvic infection

  • This is most strongly related to the insertion procedure and to the background risk of STIs.
  • There is a six-fold increase in risk of PID in the first 20 days following insertion.
  • If pelvic infection is suspected in a woman using an IUD/LNG-IUD then antibiotics should be started.
  • The device does not routinely need to be removed, but this can be considered if symptoms do not start to resolve within 72 hours or if the woman wishes it.
  • Women should be followed up and their partners treated where appropriate. Sexual health risk assessment and counselling should be offered.

Actinomyces-like organisms (ALOs)

  • ALOs are commensals of the female genital tract and have been identified in women with and without intrauterine contraception
  • Their role in infection in women using intrauterine contraception is not clear
  • If ALOs are seen on a swab or smear, removal of the device is not indicated if the woman is asymptomatic.
  • If symptoms of pelvic pain occur in conjunction with the presence of ALOs, other causes of infection should be considered and removal of the device may be advisable.

Cancer: no evidence of increased risk

Studies suggest use of the LNG-IUD is associated with significantly reduced rates of ovarian and endometrial cancer and there is currently no evidence for it being associated with any increase in breast cancer.[21]

Editor's note

Dr Krishna Vakharia, 24th March 2023[22]

An observational study looking at progesterone and breast cancer risk has been published. It was shown that there was an elevated risk of breast cancer - 20-30% - in women who are under 50 who currently use or have recently used progesterone-only contraceptions. This is in all forms of progesteroneonly contraception: pill, implant, injection and coil.

It was shown that in those people who had progesteroneonly contraception for five years, the 15-year absolute excess risk of breast cancer associated with use of oral contraceptives ranges from 8 per 100,000 users for use from age 16 to 20 to about 265 per 100,000 users for use from age 35 to 39.

However, taking into account that in 20-year-olds the risk of breast cancer is extremely low, this added risk with progesterone-only contraception remains very low. Factors such as excessive alcohol use (increases breast cancer risk by 20%) and obesity will have a similar degree of risk for breast cancer.

Pregnancy and all the potential risks that entails, such as blood clots, gestational diabetes as well as the emotional trauma of an unwanted pregnancy or termination, need to be taken into account when counselling.

The risk of breast cancer increases with age - however, it still remains low. The added risk in the 35-39 year group, is still low. All women should be told about the risks when taking hormonal contraception.

For those that have a high risk of cancer - those who have the BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 genes or a strong family history - there is no evidence yet to know what the increased risks would be, and should be discussed during contraception counselling.

Currently, the guidance for having progesterone-only contraception has not changed, as benefits outweigh the risks.

Evidence suggests that normal fertility returns as soon as a LNG-IUD S is removed.[19] It can, however, take some months for regular menses to resume.

Where pregnancy is desired

The LNG-IUD can be removed at any time.

Where pregnancy is not desired[23]

  • The LNG-IUD should be removed with menstruation or, if there has been no unprotected sexual intercourse in the previous seven days, at other times.
  • Where the LNG-IUD is to be exchanged, intercourse should be avoided for the previous seven days in case re-insertion fails.
  • When switching to the COC pill, remove after seven consecutive pills.
  • When switching to the depot or implant progestogen methods, remove the LNG-IUD after seven days of use of the new method.

Postmenopausal removal[9]

  • If inserted after the age of 45 years, the Mirena® may be used until menopause. Guidance does not currently support this extended use for other LNG-IUD devices, but this is likely to evolve.
  • Similarly, if the Mirena® is being used in the management of menorrhagia (and not for contraception or with oestrogen replacement therapy), it can be retained beyond the five-year licensed duration of use if bleeding patterns are acceptable.

Dr Mary Lowth is an author or the original author of this leaflet.

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Further reading and references

  1. British National Formulary (BNF); NICE Evidence Services (UK access only)

  2. FSRH New Product Review: Levosert® intrauterine delivery system; Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare, April 2015 (amended 4 March 2019)

  3. FSRH New Product Review: Kyleena 19.5 mg intrauterine delivery system; Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare, 29 January 2018 (amended 22 March 2019)

  4. Long-acting reversible contraception (update); NICE (September 2014, last updated July 2019)

  5. Sexual and Reproductive Health Services (Contraception), England, 2018/19; NHS Digital

  6. Intrauterine Contraception; Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare Clinical Effectiveness Unit (March 2023 - last updated July 2023)

  7. Heinemann K, Reed S, Moehner S, et al; Comparative contraceptive effectiveness of levonorgestrel-releasing and copper intrauterine devices: the European Active Surveillance Study for Intrauterine Devices. Contraception. 2015 Apr91(4):280-3. doi: 10.1016/j.contraception.2015.01.011. Epub 2015 Jan 16.

  8. Contraception - assessment; NICE CKS, September 2019 (UK access only)

  9. Contraception for Women Aged over 40 Years; Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (2017 - last updated September 2019)

  10. Jaydess Levonorgestrel Intrauterine System - New Product Review; Clinical Effectiveness Unit of the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare, 2014

  11. UK Medical Eligibility Criteria Summary Table for intrauterine and hormonal contraception; Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare, 2016 - amended September 2019

  12. Bahamondes MV, Monteiro I, Castro S, et al; Prospective study of the forearm bone mineral density of long-term users of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system. Hum Reprod. 2010 May25(5):1158-64. doi: 10.1093/humrep/deq043. Epub 2010 Feb 25.

  13. Heavy menstrual bleeding: assessment and management; NICE Guideline (March 2018 - updated May 2021)

  14. Management of Endometrial Hyperplasia; RCOG/BSGE Joint Guideline (2016)

  15. Abu Hashim H, Ghayaty E, El Rakhawy M; Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system vs oral progestins for non-atypical endometrial hyperplasia: a systematic review and metaanalysis of randomized trials. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2015 Oct213(4):469-78. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2015.03.037. Epub 2015 Mar 19.

  16. Abou-Setta AM, Houston B, Al-Inany HG, et al; Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (LNG-IUD) for symptomatic endometriosis following surgery. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013 Jan 31(1):CD005072. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD005072.pub3.

  17. Dominick S, Hickey M, Chin J, et al; Levonorgestrel intrauterine system for endometrial protection in women with breast cancer on adjuvant tamoxifen. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015 Dec 9(12):CD007245. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD007245.pub3.

  18. Pal N, Broaddus RR, Urbauer DL, et al; Treatment of Low-Risk Endometrial Cancer and Complex Atypical Hyperplasia With the Levonorgestrel-Releasing Intrauterine Device. Obstet Gynecol. 2018 Jan131(1):109-116. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000002390.

  19. Contraception - IUS/IUD; NICE CKS, March 2019 (UK access only)

  20. Problematic bleeding with hormonal contraception; Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (July 2015)

  21. Jareid M, Thalabard JC, Aarflot M, et al; Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system use is associated with a decreased risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer, without increased risk of breast cancer. Results from the NOWAC Study. Gynecol Oncol. 2018 Apr149(1):127-132. doi: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2018.02.006. Epub 2018 Mar 2.

  22. Combined and progestagen-only hormonal contraceptives and breast cancer risk: A UK nested case–control study and meta-analysis; Public Library of Science (PLOS, March 2023

  23. FSRH Guidance: Switching or Starting Methods of Contraception; Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare, November 2017 - login required (amended August 2019)

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