Experience and levels of satisfaction with the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system in China: a prospective multicenter survey

BACKGROUND: Although surveys conducted in Western countries have shown that the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS; Mirena(®)) is well accepted by European women, its acceptance by Chinese women is not yet clearly known. The purpose of this study was to analyze the experiences and levels of satisfaction with Mirena among Chinese women living in 12 different cities. METHODS: In total, 1,021 women who attended 21 medical centers for insertion of Mirena were invited to complete a questionnaire regarding their contraceptive decision at baseline (preinsertion), and two further questionnaires on their experience and satisfaction with Mirena at 3–6 months and 1 year after insertion. RESULTS: At baseline, 36% of women self-reported heavy or very heavy menstrual bleeding, while 41% reported normal bleeding. The majority of women (98%) were satisfied with the preinsertion counseling, during which contraceptive reliability was identified as the most important reason for considering Mirena. Continuation rates for Mirena were 99% at 3–6 months and 93% at 12 months after insertion, and most women (92% and 93%, respectively) had less bleeding at these times. The percentage of women who rated Mirena as better than their previous contraceptive method was 63%. Overall, around 90% of respondents were very satisfied or rather satisfied with Mirena, and 64% stated that they would recommend it to their friends. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that continuation and satisfaction rates with Mirena were very high, and that the device is well accepted by Chinese women.