About
© Jessica Scranton, FHI 360
The hormonal
intrauterine Device (IUD)
The levonorgestrel intrauterine device (IUD)—also known as the hormonal IUD—is a highly effective, long-acting, reversible contraceptive with additional non-contraceptive health benefits, including a reduction in menstrual cramps and blood loss, fewer side effects compared to other hormonal methods, and alleviation of anemia for some women. Despite its advantages, availability and use of the method globally has been limited in low-resource settings around the world. This may be changing as new, more affordable hormonal IUD products enter the global market.
Suppliers with products that are currently quality-assured by stringent regulatory authorities include:
Summary of Method Attributes
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Highly effective contraceptive method
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Long-acting and reversible
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Rapid return to fertility after removal
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Can lead to reduced menstrual bleeding and cramping
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Localized release of hormones and relatively low systemic blood levels compared with other hormonal methods (side effects for the hormonal IUD may be less pronounced)
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Removal can be easier than implant removals
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Noncontraceptive health benefits including treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding and potential reduction in iron-deficiency anemia
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May help protect against endometrial and cervical cancer
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No further action or supplies required once the hormonal IUD is inserted
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Can be used immediately postpartum and post-abortion*
For additional information about the method, please refer to the resource library.
This website is designed to be a one-stop shop for groups to share the latest research results, service delivery tools, and guidelines for global- and country-level stakeholders. For more information about ongoing efforts to expand access to the hormonal IUD globally, please contact us.
*Note: Manufacturers' labels for hormonal IUD products do not currently include an indication for immediate postpartum insertions. However, the World Health Organization's Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use categorizes immediate postpartum insertion [<48 hours] of the LNG IUS as a category 1 [no restrictions] in non-breastfeeding women and as a category 2 [benefits outweigh the risks] in breastfeeding women.
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