Successful use of levonorgestrel intrauterine system in a HIV positive woman
Cooling, H.
British Journal of Family Planning 25(1): 25-26
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0144-8625 PMID: 10228247 Document Number: 282191
The case presented in this paper suggests that the levonorgestrel intrauterine system may be an excellent contraceptive method for HIV-positive women. At presentation to a UK family planning clinic, a 32-year-old nulliparous woman was using Depo-Provera for contraception; however, she was bleeding irregularly and complained of acne and lack of vaginal lubrication. The Mirena intrauterine system was considered because it offered lighter menstrual periods or amenorrhea, no need for regular clinic visits, reliable contraception, and fewer systemic side effects than other progestogen-only methods. At follow-up 6 weeks after Mirena insertion, the woman reported one light period, pain on the day of fitting only, and no progestogenic side effects. The reduced blood loss associated with this method is beneficial if mild anemia is present and may reduce exposure of an HIV-negative male partner to infected blood. Moreover, the system's effectiveness is not compromised by the broad-spectrum antibiotics or liver enzyme-inducing drugs taken by women with HIV/AIDS.