Is Liletta (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system) good for contraception?

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Last updated: March 31, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

Liletta is a highly effective form of long-acting reversible contraception, with a failure rate of 0.1%, making it an excellent option for women seeking reliable birth control. According to the study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2019 1, Liletta is a hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) that contains 52 mg of levonorgestrel and is approved for use for up to 5 years. The benefits of Liletta include:

  • High efficacy in preventing pregnancy, with a failure rate of 0.1% 1
  • Convenience, as it does not require daily maintenance
  • Potential to reduce menstrual bleeding and cramping for many users
  • Reversibility, allowing women to easily switch to another form of contraception or attempt pregnancy when desired
  • FDA approval for use for up to 5 years, although there is evidence to support extended use beyond this timeframe 1

Key characteristics of Liletta compared to other long-acting reversible contraceptive methods are:

  • Active ingredient: 52 mg of levonorgestrel
  • Failure rate: 0.1%
  • Length of time approved for use by FDA: 5 years
  • Comparison to other IUDs, such as Mirena, Kyleena, and Skyla, which have similar failure rates but differ in their active ingredients and approved durations of use 1

Overall, Liletta is a highly effective and convenient form of contraception that can be an excellent option for women seeking reliable birth control, particularly those at high risk for medical complications, as emphasized by the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine consult series #48 1.

From the Research

Liletta Contraceptive Information

  • Liletta is a type of intrauterine device (IUD) that releases levonorgestrel, a form of progestin hormone.
  • The provided studies do not specifically mention Liletta, but they discuss the effectiveness and safety of similar levonorgestrel-releasing IUDs 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
  • These studies suggest that levonorgestrel-releasing IUDs are highly effective in preventing pregnancy, with failure rates of less than 1% per year 2, 3, 5.
  • They also report that these IUDs can provide non-contraceptive health benefits, such as reducing menstrual blood loss and alleviating symptoms of dysmenorrhea 3, 5.
  • The studies highlight the importance of patient and clinician discussion in selecting the most suitable contraceptive method, considering factors such as tolerance for risk of pregnancy, menstrual bleeding changes, and personal values and preferences 2, 6.

Key Findings

  • Levonorgestrel-releasing IUDs have a high contraceptive efficacy, with a Pearl Index of 0.0-0.2 per 100 women-years 5.
  • These IUDs can be used for an extended period, up to 8 years, with maintained effectiveness and a favorable safety profile 3, 4.
  • The use of levonorgestrel-releasing IUDs can reduce menstrual blood loss and alleviate symptoms of dysmenorrhea, making them a suitable option for women with heavy menstrual bleeding or menstrual disorders 3, 5.
  • Patient satisfaction with levonorgestrel-releasing IUDs is high, with most women reporting satisfaction with the continued use of the device 3.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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