Table 3.
Most Common Reasons for Requesting Removal Prior to 6 Months of Use
| Levonorgestrel Intrauterine System | Copper IUD | Implant | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| n=148* | % | n=52* | % | n=94 | % | |
| Pain/cramping | 41 | 27.7 | 18 | 34.6 | 0 | 0.0 |
| Irregular/Frequent bleeding | 14 | 9.5 | 10 | 19.2 | 50 | 53.2 |
| Heavy Bleeding | 3 | 2.0 | 9 | 17.3 | 0 | 0.0 |
| Acne | 13 | 8.8 | 0 | 0.0 | 4 | 4.3 |
| Mood changes | 8 | 5.4 | 0 | 0.0 | 4 | 4.3 |
| Vaginal symptoms (odor/discharge/itching) | 6 | 4.1 | 3 | 5.8 | 0 | 0.0 |
| Headache | 6 | 4.1 | 1 | 1.9 | 7 | 7.5 |
| Weight gain | 5 | 3.4 | 0 | 0.0 | 4 | 4.3 |
| Amenorrhea | 5 | 3.4 | 0 | 0.0 | 1 | 1.1 |
| Desires pregnancy | 5 | 3.4 | 0 | 0.0 | 3 | 3.2 |
| Desires permanent sterilization | 1 | 0.7 | 1 | 1.9 | 0 | 0.0 |
| Pain with intercourse | 0 | 0.0 | 1 | 1.9 | 0 | 0.0 |
| Private provider recommended removal | 5 | 3.4 | 3 | 5.8 | 1 | 1.1 |
| Hair Loss | 1 | 0.7 | 0 | 0.0 | 3 | 3.2 |
| Arm Pain | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0.0 | 4 | 4.3 |
| Other Complaints† | 35 | 23.7 | 6 | 11.5 | 13 | 13.8 |
*
115 levonorgestrel intrauterine system and 24 copper IUD expulsions were excluded.
IUD, intrauterine device.
†
Other complaints included decreased libido, fatigue, dizziness, IUD strings poking partner, pelvic infection, pain other than abdominal, allergic reaction, nausea or vomiting, perforation, fear of infertility, fear of foreign body, gastrointestinal complaints, nipple discharge, breast pain, excessive hair growth, hot flashes, and pregnancy.