CLINICAL EXPERIENCE WITH LEVONORGESTREL INTRAUTERINE SYSTEM AT A GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL IN NIGER DELTA, NIGERIA

*Nonye-Enyidah Esther, Enyidah Nonyenim S. and Jumbo A. I.

ABSTRACT

Background: Mirena, a long acting reversible hormonal intrauterine contraceptive device is one of the most effective contraceptive methods with a lot of non-contraceptive benefits. Despite these benefits, the users still discontinue its use due to various reasons. Objective: To determine the prevalence rate, side effects, discontinuation rate and indications for discontinuation of Levonorgestrel intrauterine device (LNG IUD) at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH), Port Harcourt. Methods: A retrospective study of 874 clients attending family planning clinic at the RSUTH from 1st January, 2015 – 31st December, 2019 was conducted. Their records were retrieved from the clinic and reviewed. Data was extracted, coded and analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) IBM version 25.0 (Armonk, NY). Result: Seventeen women used mirena out of 874 acceptors of contraceptives within the study period giving an uptake rate of 1.95%. The mean age was 33.47+5.20 years. Most age group was 30-34 years accounting for 52.9%. Age range was 27-45 years and most (64.7%) were multiparous. All were Christians and married and only one client (5.9%) had no formal education. No client discontinued the use although one (5.8%) had amenorrhoea and two each (11.8%) had irregular vaginal bleeding, lower abdominal pain and vaginal discharge respectively. There was no unintended pregnancy. Conclusion: Mirena is safe and effective. Irregular vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge and lower abdominal pain were the commonest side effects which were not serious enough to cause discontinuation.

Keywords: Mirena, uptake rate, side effects, discontinuation rate, RSUTH.