Feasibility of postpartum placement of the levonorgestrel intrauterine system more than 6 h after vaginal birth

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of postpartum levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) placement on the postpartum ward.Study DesignThis case-series study took place in a teaching hospital in North Carolina. Women were followed for 6 months, and data on method satisfaction, study design satisfaction and expulsion were collected. Descriptive statistics were used.ResultsForty women enrolled. Twenty-nine women (73%) received the LNG-IUS at a median of 20 h (range 7–48 h) after delivery, and all reported that they would recommend this method of contraception to a friend. Eleven women had a spontaneous expulsion (38%; 95% confidence interval 21, 58).ConclusionPlacement of LNG-IUS more than 6 h postpartum was acceptable to women in this study. The expulsion rate of 38% had statistical instability and should be interpreted with caution. However, our report may assist with individual counseling of women interested in postpartum LNG-IUS placement, or in future study designs.