Successful pregnancy outcome with the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system

The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (IUS) is extremely effective with pregnancy rates comparable to tubal ligation (i.e. a 5-year cumulative rate varying from 0.5 to 1.1).1 Women using the device should be fully counselled about the risks of failure and the risks of ectopic pregnancy although those using an IUS are actually at a much lower risk of ectopic pregnancy than those not using any contraception at all. An ongoing intrauterine pregnancy with the IUS is very rare. One report confirmed that of 678 insertions only five pregnancies occurred none of which proceeded to term with the IUS in situ. This case report describes an ongoing pregnancy with a IUS in situ. (excerpt)