One year quality of life measured with SEC-QoL in levonorgestrel 52 mg IUS users.

Abstract

Objectives: The present study aims to prospectively evaluate quality of life (QoL) of women using 52 mg levonorgestrel intrauterine system for contraception determined through the SEC-QoL, a questionnaire specifically designed to assess the impact of contraceptive methods on QoL of fertile women. Study design: We conducted a prospective observational multicenter study of 201 reproductive age women who initiated the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNGIUS) for contraception. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected at baseline and 12 months afterwards. Participants filled in the SEC-QoL questionnaire at both visits. SEQ-QoL scores range from 0 (worst QoL) to 100 (best QoL). Results: Participants claimed an increased QoL 12 months after insertion in all five dimensions of SEC-QoL due to its high contraceptive efficacy and its capability to reduce other menstrual symptoms (e.g. heavy menstrual bleeding or dysmenorrhoea), overall exerting a positive impact on user’s satisfaction. SEC-QoL general overall score went from a mean (SD) score of 46.3 (17.3) at baseline to 72.2 (14.8) 12 months afterwards (p<0.001). Overall, 94.6% of women claimed having found additional benefits other than contraception. No pregnancies were reported during the 12 months of study duration and only 14 women discontinued use of LNG-IUS (only two of them due to an adverse event), representing a continuation rate of 93%. Conclusions: Women using LNG-IUS for contraception have an increased QoL after 12 months of use, demonstrated by the increased score in all dimensions of the SEC-QoL questionnaire.