Common questions about Levosert (FAQ)
Q: How quickly does Levosert start working after it is put in?
According to official contraception guidance, if the device is inserted within the first five days of your menstrual cycle, it provides immediate protection against pregnancy. If the insertion happens outside of this specific window, it is generally recommended to use a reliable backup method, such as condoms, for the following seven days for reliable protection.
Q: Can Levosert be used for heavy periods even if I don't need birth control?
Yes, Levosert is officially licensed for treating heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB), in addition to its primary use as a contraceptive. Because the device continuously releases the hormone levonorgestrel into the uterus, it is designed to provide effective contraception alongside the HMB treatment.
Q: Is it typical for menstrual cramps to change after Levosert insertion?
Changes in menstrual patterns, including cramping, are a typical expectation. While some users report common side effects such as pelvic pain, many find that their periods become less painful or stop completely over time. Persistent severe pain is a symptom that may warrant evaluation by a healthcare professional.
Q: Can taking common painkillers affect how Levosert works?
Official product information emphasizes interactions with certain enzyme-inducing medicines, which could theoretically affect the systemic hormone levels. There are no general regulatory warnings that common, non-enzyme-inducing over-the-counter painkillers, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, affect the effectiveness of Levosert.
Q: Are there any long-term health concerns mentioned in official documents regarding Levosert?
Levosert is approved for long-term use, lasting up to eight years for contraception. The main long-term risks documented in official safety information include the low risk of uterine perforation (most often at insertion) and ectopic pregnancy, though the overall risk of pregnancy is very low. Studies indicate the device is generally well-tolerated over its approved duration of use.
Q: What is the likelihood of expulsion for Levosert in the first year?
The risk of the device being displaced or expelled (moving out of the uterus) is generally considered low. Clinical studies indicate this risk is highest in the first year of use, particularly within the first three months after the system is inserted, with estimates around 1 in 20 users.
Q: Are there warnings about using Levosert with specific heart conditions?
Caution is advised if certain serious conditions develop, such as severe arterial disease. Official information states that smoking increases the risk of developing blood clots, stroke, or heart attack with hormonal products, and prescribers typically advise women who smoke to discontinue use.
Q: Is it possible to feel the Levosert device once it is placed?
The T-shaped device itself is not expected to be felt inside the body. However, the fine threads attached to the IUS hang slightly out of the cervix and can be felt with a clean finger. Feeling these threads is a method for checking that the device is still in the correct position.
Q: Are there any specific activities, like swimming or exercise, that should be avoided with Levosert?
Once the device is settled, there are generally no restrictions on activities such as swimming or exercise. It is typically only recommended to avoid inserting anything into the vagina (like tampons or menstrual cups) for the first two weeks immediately following the fitting procedure.
Q: What happens if Levosert is removed earlier than its official duration?
The contraceptive effect of Levosert stops immediately upon its removal. The removal procedure is quick, and patients may experience mild cramping and light spotting for a few days afterward.
Q: Does using Levosert affect future fertility after it is taken out?
No. Official information indicates that fertility is expected to return quickly after the IUS is removed, regardless of how long it was used. Many women in studies achieved pregnancy within a few months of having the device taken out.
Q: What is the connection between Levosert and ovarian cysts?
The hormone in Levosert may occasionally lead to the development of small, fluid-filled sacs, known as ovarian cysts. These cysts are typically harmless, frequently resolve on their own, and often do not cause symptoms.
Q: Does the removal process of Levosert usually involve pain?
The removal procedure is generally quick and is associated with minimal discomfort. Mild cramping is commonly reported either during or shortly after the device is withdrawn by the healthcare professional.
Q: What does official information say about the return of the menstrual cycle after Levosert removal?
After the removal of the IUS, the release of the hormone stops immediately. If your menstrual periods became lighter or stopped while using the device, the return to your previous menstrual cycle pattern may take a few weeks, or up to three months, to stabilise.
Q: Is it necessary to use any backup method after Levosert insertion?
If insertion occurs outside the first five days of your menstrual cycle, it is generally recommended to use a reliable barrier method of contraception, such as condoms, for the following seven days.
Q: Is a follow-up visit after insertion mandatory for Levosert users?
While the manufacturer's patient information advises users to regularly self-check the threads, it is standard clinical practice to schedule a follow-up appointment. This is typically done around six weeks after insertion to allow a healthcare professional to confirm that the device is correctly positioned.
Q: What is described in product literature as the purpose of the threads on Levosert?
The threads serve two main functions, according to the patient information. They allow the user to check that the device is still in place, and they are used by the healthcare professional to easily and safely remove the IUS when required.
Q: Can a person get an MRI scan with Levosert in place?
Yes, patients with Levosert in place can generally undergo MRI procedures. The device belongs to a class of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine systems made of non-metallic materials, which are deemed compatible with patients undergoing MRI procedures at all static magnetic field strengths.
Q: Does Levosert affect sexual desire or libido?
Changes to sexual desire, or libido, are a reported possibility with progestogen-only contraceptives. However, official information often indicates that there is not enough direct clinical evidence to confirm whether these changes are definitively caused by the device.
Q: Is it possible to use menstrual cups or tampons with Levosert?
It is generally recommended to use sanitary pads immediately after insertion. If using tampons or menstrual cups, official guidance recommends avoiding them for the first two weeks after fitting. Patients are generally advised to exercise caution when using menstrual cups, due to the risk of suction potentially dislodging the IUS.
Q: How do doctors check if Levosert is still in the correct position?
The position of the IUS is checked by physical examination, which includes confirming the presence of the threads. If the threads are not visible or if the device's position is suspected to have changed, a doctor may use an abdominal ultrasound scan or sometimes an X-ray to confirm the exact location of the system.
Q: Why is it important to check for the threads regularly?
Checking the threads allows you to confirm that the device has not slipped or been partially or completely expelled. If the device is out of place, its effectiveness in preventing pregnancy may be reduced, and contacting a healthcare provider for evaluation is generally recommended.
