Question

I am a breastfeeding mother and i want to know if it is safe to use Levonorgestrel IUD? Is Levonorgestrel IUD safe for nursing mother and child? Does Levonorgestrel IUD extracts into breast milk? Does Levonorgestrel IUD has any long term or short term side effects on infants? Can Levonorgestrel IUD influence milk supply or can Levonorgestrel IUD decrease milk supply in lactating mothers?

Levonorgestrel IUD lactation summary

Levonorgestrel IUD is safe in breastfeeding
  • DrLact safety Score for Levonorgestrel IUD is 1 out of 8 which is considered Safe as per our analyses.
  • A safety Score of 1 indicates that usage of Levonorgestrel IUD is mostly safe during lactation for breastfed baby.
  • Our study of different scientific research also indicates that Levonorgestrel IUD does not cause any serious side effects in breastfeeding mothers.
  • Most of scientific studies and research papers declaring usage of Levonorgestrel IUD safe in breastfeeding are based on normal dosage and may not hold true for higher dosage.
  • Score calculated using the DrLact safety Version 1.2 model, this score ranges from 0 to 8 and measures overall safety of drug in lactation. Scores are primarily calculated using publicly available case studies, research papers, other scientific journals and publically available data.

Answer by Dr. Ru: About Levonorgestrel IUD usage in lactation

Progestin containing contraceptive drug that is used as a single dose for oral, subcutaneous implant, intrauterine device (IUD), or emergency contraception administration.Also marketed in association with ethinylestradiol Levonorgestrel is a progestin, and active metabolite isomer of norgestrel, both derived from nortestosterone. It is excreted in breast milk in clinically non-significant amount, and, no problems have been observed in infants whose mothers were treated. The plasma levels of these infants were very low. Levonorgestrel and progestogens are generally considered contraceptive drugs of choice during lactation since they neither alter the quantity and composition of milk nor cause side effects on both growth of infants and the duration of breastfeeding.Published study results have shown protection against breast bone mass loss with the use of progestin-only contraceptives. For the first 6 weeks postpartum, non-hormonal methods are of choise. There is a debate on the role of progestin-related drugs in decreasing milk production when used before lactation has been fully established. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that this medication is usually compatible with breastfeeding.WHO List of Essential Medicines 2002: rates it as compatible with breastfeeding after the 6th postnatal week.
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