Attitudes of Israeli gynecologists towards the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system: A questionnaire survey

A. Ben-Haroush, G. Oron, Y. Yogev, A. Yeshaya, B. Kaplan*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the study was to examine the current attitudes and practices of gynecologists regarding the use of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS, Mirena®, Schering AG, Germany) as a contraceptive device and for the treatment of menorrhagia in the premenopausal period. In addition, physician knowledge of patient satisfaction with the device was evaluated. Methods: A written, self-administered questionnaire was given to 300 gynecologists actively employed in gynecological departments and outpatient clinics in urban centers in Israel. The items covered the indications for which the LNG-IUS was prescribed, the estimated rate of use of the LNG-IUS compared to copper intrauterine devices (IUDs), patient satisfaction with the LNG-IUS and previous knowledge about it, and demographic characteristics of the population using IUDs. All forms were completed on an anonymous basis. Results: The questionnaire was returned, properly completed, by 298 physicians, yielding a response rate of 99.3%. Almost one-half of the physicians (n = 147, 49.3%) used the LNG-IUS only as a contraceptive device, 17.4% only as treatment for menorrhagia, and 33.2% for both indications. The vast majority of gynecologists (82.2%) reported a patient satisfaction rate of 70% or more. Among the gynecologists using the LNG-IUS as treatment for menorrhagia, the estimated overall patient satisfaction rate was more than 50%. Although most physicians expressed greater patient satisfaction with the LNG-IUS than with copper-releasing IUDs (p < 0.004), the majority of gynecologists still used the copper-releasing IUDs more frequently. Most considered the LNG-IUS as an appropriate method for endometrial protection in postmenopausal women using estrogen replacement therapy. Conclusions: Physicians should be made aware of the beneficial health effects of the LNG-IUS, particularly in premenopausal women with menorrhagia and for endometrial protection during hormone replacement.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)29-33
Number of pages5
JournalEuropean Journal of Contraception and Reproductive Health Care
Volume9
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2004

Keywords

  • Contraception
  • Intrauterine devices
  • Israel
  • Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system
  • Menorrhagia
  • Physician questionnaire

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