Levonorgestrel Health Dictionary

An abbreviation for intrauterine contraceptive device. An IUD, which is also known as an IUCD or coil, is a mechanical device that is inserted into the uterus for purposes of contraception. Most IUDs are plastic devices with either copper or silver incorporated to improve their effectiveness. One type of IUD releases small amounts of the progestogen hormone levonorgestrel and is sometimes known as an intrauterine system (IUS). IUDs are believed to inhibit the implantation of a fertilized egg in the wall of the uterus (see implantation, egg).

An IUD is inserted through the vagina and cervix into the uterine cavity. Once in position, an IUD provides immediate protection. Most IUDs have a plastic string attached to make removal easier and also to indicate its presence when in place. IUDs usually need to be replaced every 3–8 years.

Women who have been pregnant are less likely to have complications than women who have never been pregnant. For example, they may experience less pain on insertion and have lighter menstrual flow and lower expulsion rates. IUDs are usually not recommended for women with fibroids or an irregular uterine cavity. If menstrual flow is heavy, or there is a history or increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), a progestogen IUD may be recommended.

Rarely, pregnancy can occur, although IUDs seldom cause problems and can be removed. Nonprogestogen IUDs increase the risk of PID, which can lead to permanent infertility. A rare complication of IUD use is perforation of the uterus, which most commonly occurs at the time of insertion.... iud

A group of oral drug preparations containing one or more synthetic female sex hormones, taken by women in a monthly cycle to prevent pregnancy. “The pill” commonly refers to the combined or the phased pill, which both contain an oestrogen drug and a progestogen drug, and the minipill, which contains only a progestogen. Oestrogen pills include ethinylestradiol; progestogens include levonorgestrel and norethisterone. When used correctly, the number of pregnancies among women using oral contraceptives for one year is less than 1 per cent. Actual failure rates may be 4 times higher, particularly for the minipill, which has to be taken at precisely the same time each day.

Combined and phased pills increase oestrogen and progesterone levels. This interferes with the production of two hormones, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which in turn prevents ovulation. The minipill works mainly by making the mucus lining of the cervix too thick to be penetrated by sperm.

Oestrogen-containing pills offer protection against uterine and ovarian cancer, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, and irondeficiency anaemia. They also tend to make menstrual periods regular, lighter, and relatively pain-free. Possible side effects include nausea, weight gain, depression, swollen breasts, reduced sex drive, increased appetite, leg and abdominal cramps, headaches, and dizziness. More seriously, there is a risk of thrombosis causing a stroke or a pulmonary embolism. These pills may also aggravate heart disease or cause hypertension, gallstones, jaundice, and, very rarely, liver cancer. All oral contraceptives can cause bleeding between periods, especially the minipill. Other possible adverse effects of the minipill include irregular periods, ectopic pregnancy, and ovarian cysts. There may be a slightly increased long-term risk of breast cancer for women taking the combined pill.

Oestrogen-based pills should generally be avoided in women with hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, liver disease, migraine, otosclerosis, or who are at increased risk of a thrombosis. They are not usually prescribed to a woman with a personal or family history of heart or circulatory disorders, or who suffers from unexplained vaginal bleeding. The minipill or a lowoestrogen pill may be used by women who should avoid oestrogens. Combined or phased pills may interfere with milk production and should not be taken during breast-feeding. Certain drugs may impair the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. (See also contraception.) ... oral contraceptives

(intrauterine system) a hormonal contraceptive device consisting of a plastic T-shaped frame that is inserted into the uterus. It carries a progestogen (*levonorgestrel) in a sleeve around its stem and has two fine threads attached to its base, by which it can be removed. It provides a long-term method of contraception that is also reversible. The IUS is also used in the treatment of menorrhagia and benign *endometrial hyperplasia as it acts by thinning the endometrium. A newer version delivers a smaller amount of levonorgestrel and is suitable for young women who have not been pregnant; it is not licensed for menorrhagia or for use after the menopause.... ius

(emergency contraception) prevention of pregnancy after intercourse has taken place. This can be achieved by two methods, which aim to prevent implantation of the fertilized ovum in the uterus: (1) an oral dose of *levonorgestrel or *ulipristal taken within 72 hours and 120 hours, respectively, of unprotected intercourse; and (2) insertion of an *IUCD within five days of unprotected intercourse.... postcoital contraception