The levonorgestrel intrauterine system (IUS) is a contraceptive method made of plastic, and shaped like the letter “T”, placed inside the uterus. Inside, it contains a synthetic female hormone, levonorgestrel, which is released slowly into the uterus (womb), helping to prevent pregnancy. This hormone acts like the natural hormone progesterone and is widely used in other contraceptive methods, such as implants and oral contraceptive pills.

• Over the first year of use, the pregnancy rate for LNG-IUS users is 1 to 3 per 1,000 women, a rate less than 1%
• The LNG-IUS is a safe method of contraception, comparable to sterilization
• The LNG-IUS provides a lower and steadier dose of hormones than oral contraceptive pills
• The LNG-IUS is easily inserted and easily removed
• Fertility returns quickly upon removal of the LNG-IUS device
• Use of LNG-IUS may help shorten, lighten or even eliminate menstrual bleeding

The Levonorgestrel Intrauterine System (LNG-IUS) was developed by Population Council and Bayer Schering Pharma Oy and is currently distributed by Bayer Schering Pharma in the private market. The LNG-IUS is now also available to the public-sector audience, through various mediums of distribution.

The development of the LNG-IUS began in the late 1970s at the Population Council, with the aim of creating a contraceptive device combining the beneficial features of both oral contraceptives and intrauterine devices. Today clinical data is available for over 13,000 women-years of product use, demonstrating high efficiency and acceptance of the LNG-IUS.

 

The product consists of a T-shaped plastic frame and a white cylinder shaped hormone reservoir around the vertical arm of the frame. The system releases a steady flow of 20 micrograms of levonorgestrel into the uterus every 24 hours for up to five years. The hormone acts in a number of ways to prevent pregnancy.