Health-related quality of life and satisfaction associated with 3-year use of a levonorgestrel 13.5 mg intrauterine device vs Nova T copper 380 mm2 intrauterine device: Results of a phase 4 randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the impact of levonorgestrel 13.5 mg and Nova T copper 380 mm² intrauterine devices (LNG13.5-IUD and Cu380-IUD, respectively) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and the satisfaction with the method throughout 3 years of use.

Study design: We conducted a single-center, evaluator-masked, randomized controlled trial to compare the bleeding profile of LNG13.5-IUD and Cu380-IUD users. Secondary objectives included HRQoL and satisfaction throughout the study. We used the validated questionnaire of the Spanish Society of Contraception (SEC-QoL), which evaluates social, sexual/psychological well-being, and menstrual/breast symptoms, to assess HRQoL and a 5-point Likert scale for satisfaction.

Results: These secondary outcomes were assessed in the whole population included in the study: 55 LNG13.5-IUD and 51 Cu380-IUD users. The mean overall SEC-QoL scores were similar at baseline (61.5 and 59.6, respectively; p = 0.570) and greater for LNG13.5-IUD after 3 years (69.2 vs 52.5, respectively; p = 0.002). All SEC-QoL domains scored also higher (p < 0.05 vs Cu380-IUD for all). At month 36, 20/30 (67%) and 8/28 (29%) users, respectively, had reached the MID (a 3.4-point increase) in SEC-QoL score (p = 0.004). At this time, 24/29 (82%) and 9/28 (32%) users, respectively, were "very satisfied" (p < 0.001). Willingness to continue the method was similar (22/28 [79%] vs 17/28 [61%] users, respectively; p = 0.170).

Conclusions: Among the use of LNG13.5-IUD was associated with better HRQoL vs Cu380-IUD throughout the 3 years. Satisfaction with the method was higher with LNG13.5-IUD.

Implications: People considering having an LNG13.5-IUD or a Cu380-IUD inserted may now benefit from the information regarding the impact of these devices on HRQoL and satisfaction with the method as reported in our study conducted in Spain.

Keywords: Contraception; Copper intrauterine device; Levonorgestrel intrauterine device; Long-acting reversible contraception; Quality of life; Satisfaction.