LAUSR

OBJECTIVE The aim: To compare satisfaction of women using oral contraception to satisfaction of women using the levonorgestrel-secreting intrauterine system. In the comparison the following factors were taken into account: comfort of use, menstrual cycle, libido level, well-being and the impact on the relationship with a partner. PATIENTS AND METHODS Materials and methods: The study involved 129 randomly selected women who had to fill in the research survey questionnaire. RESULTS Results: It has been proved that patients are more willing to use the intrauterine system secreting levonorgestrel because of a more reliable contraceptive effect and convenience of use. This kind of contraception has a beneficial effect on libido and relationships with a partner. Women using oral contraception did not report such advantageous influence of their method of contraception. An increase in libido was noticed for 24 women in the group of patients using the levonorgestrel-secreting intrauterine system and for 8 women in the group of users of oral contraception, which corresponds to 33.8% and 13.8%. Patients used oral contraception more often in order to regulate their menstrual cycle and to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding. CONCLUSION Conclusions: The study identifies groups of women for whom a specific method of contraception would be appropriate. The greatest benefits of using the levonorgestrel-secreting intrauterine system will have patients who appreciate the convenience of use, as well as those who have sex drive disorders or for whom oral contraception causes undesirable symptoms. Women with hormonal disorders, irregular menstrual cycles and heavy menstrual bleeding will benefit most from the use of oral contraception.