Attitudes of Israeli gynecologists towards the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system: a questionnaire survey

Objectives The aim of the study was to examine the current attitudes and practices of gynecologists regarding the use of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS, Mirena®, Schering AG, Germany) as a contraceptive device and for the treatment of menorrhagia in the premenopausal period. In addition, physician knowledge of patient satisfaction with the device was evaluated.Methods A written, self-administered questionnaire was given to 300 gynecologists actively employed in gynecological departments and outpatient clinics in urban centers in Israel. The items covered the indications for which the LNG-IUS was prescribed, the estimated rate of use of the LNG-IUS compared to copper intrauterine devices (IUDs), patient satisfaction with the LNG-IUS and previous knowledge about it, and demographic characteristics of the population using IUDs. All forms were completed on an anonymous basis.Results The questionnaire was returned, properly completed, by 298 physicians, yielding a response rate of 99...