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Boehnlein C, Boniface ER, Packham AJ, Baldwin MK. A Social Media Survey of US Adolescent Preferences for Menstrual Bleeding Patterns. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol 2024; 37:25-32. [PMID: 37935280 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpag.2023.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE To assess preferences for menstrual pattern and acceptability and knowledge about the safety of induced amenorrhea among adolescents and young adults METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey of US residents aged 14-24 years at least 1 year post-menarche. Online recruitment was conducted via the social media platform TikTok on a teen reproductive health channel. Survey questions focused on menstrual history, menstrual pattern preferences, and demographic characteristics. The primary outcome was the proportion of postmenstrual individuals who would prefer amenorrhea vs scheduled bleeding. RESULTS From 5113 potential respondents who accessed the eligibility screening, 3001 completed surveys and met the inclusion criteria. Most were aged 14-18 (63.7%), distributed proportionally among all US Census regions. When asked if they could pick their period-bleeding style without any permanent impacts, almost three-quarters chose no bleeding at all (amenorrhea; 71.5%) compared with scheduled periods (28.5%). However, 63.7% agreed or were uncertain when faced with the statement "It might be unsafe if hormone medications stop your period bleeding." After adjusting for age, gender expression, race, religion, heavy bleeding, and frequent bleeding, factors associated with preference for amenorrhea vs regular bleeding were younger age, masculine gender expression, White race, and non-Christian religious background. Baseline bleeding amount and frequency were not associated with preference for amenorrhea. CONCLUSION More than two-thirds of US adolescents and young adults indicated a preference for medication-induced amenorrhea if the method was assured to not have any permanent effects on the body, despite highly prevalent misconceptions about health and safety.
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Jones SC, Boniface ER, Boehnlein C, Jones Packham A, Baldwin MK. Menstrual Health Literacy among Adolescents and Young Adults Who Menstruate: Impact of Christian Family Background and United States Region. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol 2023; 36:518-524. [PMID: 37482080 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpag.2023.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE To compare menstrual health literacy among adolescents and young adults on the basis of family religious background and United States region METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey of post-menarcheal US adolescents and young adults aged 14-24 years who identified their family religious background, including Christian or non-religious, with recruitment via the social media platform TikTok. We asked participants several questions to assess their health literacy regarding common myths about the use of gonadal steroid hormones for menstrual suppression. RESULTS From 3250 online survey respondents, 2997 met the criteria for analysis, with 1989 identifying their family as Christian (66.4%) and 1008 identifying their family as non-religious (33.6%), with equal representation by US region. Health literacy was lower among those with a Christian family background, with concerns that menstrual suppression is unhealthy (16.4% vs 10.5% with non-religious background, P < .01), is unsafe (31.4% vs 24.2%, P < .01), and could lead to infertility (32.6% vs 20.0%, P < .01). Similarly, adolescents and young adults from the US South were worried that menstrual suppression is unhealthy (31.5%; P < .01) and would lead to infertility (33.8%; P < .01). CONCLUSION Health literacy is lower among adolescents and young adults with a Christian family background and those who live in the South. These results demonstrate a need for an evidence-based national curriculum that addresses the safe and effective use of hormonal medications for menstrual suppression.
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Nappi RE, Tiranini L, Bosoni D, Cucinella L, Piccinino M, Cumetti A, Perone V, Benedetto C. Women's attitudes about combined hormonal contraception (CHC) - induced menstrual bleeding changes - influence of personality traits in an Italian clinical sample. Gynecol Endocrinol 2023; 39:2189971. [PMID: 36918022 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2023.2189971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We investigated the attitudes to change the frequency of menstrual bleeding by using combined hormonal contraception (CHC). Personality characteristics were also explored. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study in two university hospitals in northern Italy. Current, past and never CHC users (n = 545; age 18-44 years) completed a self-administered semi-structured questionnaire and the Ten-Item Personality Inventory (TIPI). RESULTS Forty-five percent of responders (n = 301) would prefer to change their bleeding frequency by using CHC. A flexible regimen was the preferred choice (n = 80; 33%) followed by extended regimens to bleed every 3 months (n = 54; 22%) or to never bleed (n = 43; 18%). The main positive reasons were to avoid dysmenorrhea (43%) and have more freedom in sexual (36%) and active (35%) life, whereas the main reason for a negative attitude was 'menstrual rhythm is natural' (59%). Age had a significant influence on women's willingness to change menstrual frequency by using CHC [>39 years (57%), 30-39 years (31%) and <30 years (46%)] (χ2: 9.1; p = 0.01). Never users significantly reported a more negative attitude (71%) in comparison with past (51%) and current users (49%) (χ2: 18.7; p = 0.001). Personality traits played a role, with higher scores of openness (p = 0.005) and extraversion (p = 0.001) in women with a positive attitude. CONCLUSIONS Almost half of our study sample reported a preference for changing their menstrual pattern by using CHC. Flexibility was the preferred choice across age and use of CHC. Personality characteristics (openness and extroversion) might influence attitudes toward CHC-induced menstrual bleeding changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella E Nappi
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Research Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Gynecological Endocrinology and Menopause, IRCCS San Matteo Foundation, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Lara Tiranini
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - David Bosoni
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Laura Cucinella
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Manuela Piccinino
- Research Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Gynecological Endocrinology and Menopause, IRCCS San Matteo Foundation, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Cumetti
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Research Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Gynecological Endocrinology and Menopause, IRCCS San Matteo Foundation, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Valeria Perone
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Research Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Gynecological Endocrinology and Menopause, IRCCS San Matteo Foundation, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Chiara Benedetto
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology I, Ospedale S. Anna, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Bougault V, Schiano-Lomoriello S, Castanier C, Buisson C, Ericsson M, Teulier C, Collomp K. Physical activity and combined hormonal contraception: association with female students' perception of menstrual symptoms. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1185343. [PMID: 37265844 PMCID: PMC10230043 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1185343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the association between physical activity (PA) and combined hormonal contraceptive (CHC) on female students' self perceptio of their menstrual cycle symptoms. Methods: Healthy French female students (n = 834) completed an online questionnaire to assess their PA level (Group 1: non-active; Group 2: moderate physical activity; Group 3: high physical activity; Group 4: very high physical activity), menstrual status or contraception use, self-reported diet and medication, impact on engagement in some social activities, and self-assessment of perceived mental and physical symptoms during the week prior to menses (PM) for students with a normal menstrual cycle (NMC), and the week of menses (ME) for normal menstrual cycle students and those using combined hormonal contraception. Results: Whatever the conditions (PM and ME, NMC and CHC), fewer self-perceived symptoms and self-reported alteration in fat intake were reported by the students in Group 4, and more analgesic and anti-inflammatory medication use was reported by Group 1. Fewer self-perceived symptoms were also found in CHC vs NMC female students for all physical activity levels, but in a more marked way when associated with very high physical activity. In addition, less university and sports practice absenteeism was observed with high and very high physical activity. Conclusion: In conclusion, the perception of menstrual cycle symptoms was lower with very high physical activity, as with combined hormonal contraception. Moreover, female students training more than 5 h/week also reported less university absenteeism and impairment in physical activities. Further studies are necessary to establish the causal link of physical activity and combined hormonal contraception on menstrual symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sandrine Schiano-Lomoriello
- CIAMS, Université d'Orléans, Orléans, France
- CIAMS, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France
- Sport, Physical Activity, Rehabilitation and Movement for Performance and Health Research Group, Orléans, France
| | - Carole Castanier
- CIAMS, Université d'Orléans, Orléans, France
- CIAMS, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France
| | - Corinne Buisson
- Laboratoire Anti-Dopage Français, LADF, Université Paris-Saclay, Chatenay-Malabry, France
| | - Magnus Ericsson
- Laboratoire Anti-Dopage Français, LADF, Université Paris-Saclay, Chatenay-Malabry, France
| | - Caroline Teulier
- CIAMS, Université d'Orléans, Orléans, France
- CIAMS, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France
| | - Katia Collomp
- CIAMS, Université d'Orléans, Orléans, France
- CIAMS, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France
- Sport, Physical Activity, Rehabilitation and Movement for Performance and Health Research Group, Orléans, France
- Laboratoire Anti-Dopage Français, LADF, Université Paris-Saclay, Chatenay-Malabry, France
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Perelló Capó J, López González G, Rius-Tarruella J, Calaf Alsina J. Real-world satisfaction and menstrual bleeding pattern with available LNG-IUD among Spanish young women. EUR J CONTRACEP REPR 2022; 27:461-472. [PMID: 36148980 DOI: 10.1080/13625187.2022.2112562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the satisfaction and menstrual bleeding pattern with levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine systems (LNG-IUD) in young women. METHODS A prospective, multicentre, non-interventional study with 1-year follow-up was conducted in Spain. Participants were women between 18 and 30 years old who freely choose any available LNG-IUD for contraception. Satisfaction with LNG-IUD was measured with a 5-point Likert scale. Type of LNG-IUD, menstrual bleeding pattern and satisfaction with it, easiness of insertion and pain during procedure were collected. RESULTS A total of 555 women (37.3% parous, 62.7% nulliparous) (mean age 25.8 ± 3.5) completed the study. After 12 months, 92.4% of women were satisfied or very satisfied with the LNG-IUD, with no differences by parity status, type of IUD or baseline menstrual bleeding pattern. Satisfaction with the LNG-IUD correlated with satisfaction with menstrual bleeding pattern at 12 months. Up to 88.7% of women were satisfied or very satisfied with their menstrual bleeding pattern at 12 months in comparison to 41.5% at baseline (p < 0.001). Adverse events (AE)-related discontinuation rate was low (2.2%). CONCLUSIONS Satisfaction with LNG-IUD is very high among young Spanish women, regardless of parity and menstrual bleeding pattern at baseline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josep Perelló Capó
- Santa Creu i Sant Pau Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Joaquim Calaf Alsina
- Santa Creu i Sant Pau Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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van Eijk AM, Jayasinghe N, Zulaika G, Mason L, Sivakami M, Unger HW, Phillips-Howard PA. Exploring menstrual products: A systematic review and meta-analysis of reusable menstrual pads for public health internationally. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0257610. [PMID: 34559839 PMCID: PMC8462722 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Girls and women need effective, safe, and affordable menstrual products. Single-use menstrual pads and tampons are regularly provided by agencies among resource-poor populations. Reusable menstrual pads (RMPs: fabric layers sewn together by an enterprise for manufacture of menstrual products) may be an effective alternative. METHODS For this review (PROSPERO CRD42020179545) we searched databases (inception to November 1, 2020) for quantitative and qualitative studies that reported on leakage, acceptability, or safety of RMPs. Findings were summarised or combined using forest plots (random-effects meta-analysis). Potential costs and environmental savings associated with RMPs were estimated. RESULTS A total of 44 studies were eligible (~14,800 participants). Most were conducted in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC, 78%), and 20% in refugee settings. The overall quality of studies was low. RMP uptake in cohort studies ranged from 22-100% (12 studies). One Ugandan trial among schoolgirls found leakage with RMPs was lower (44.4%, n = 72) compared to cloths (78%, n = 111, p<0.001). Self-reported skin-irritation was 23.8% after 3 months among RMP-users in a Ugandan cohort in a refugee setting (n = 267), compared to 72.8% at baseline with disposable pad use. There were no objective reports on infection. Challenges with washing and changing RMP were reported in LMIC studies, due to lack of water, privacy, soap, buckets, and sanitation/drying facilities. Among 69 brands, the average price for an RMP was $8.95 (standard deviation [sd] $5.08; LMIC $2.06, n = 10, high-income countries [HIC] $10.11), with a mean estimated lifetime of 4.3 years (sd 2.3; LMIC 2.9, n = 11; HIC 4.9 years, n = 23). In 5-year cost-estimates, in LMICs, 4-25 RMPs per period would be cheaper (170-417 US$) than 9-25 single-use pads, with waste-savings of ~600-1600 single-use pads. In HICs, 4-25 RMPs would be cheaper (33-245 US$) compared to 20 single-use tampons per period, with waste-savings of ~1300 tampons. CONCLUSION RMPs are used internationally and are an effective, safe, cheaper, and environmentally friendly option for menstrual product provision by programmes. Good quality studies in this field are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria van Eijk
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Naduni Jayasinghe
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Garazi Zulaika
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Linda Mason
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | | | - Holger W. Unger
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Australia
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia
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Bajalan Z, Moafi F, MoradiBaglooei M, Alimoradi Z. Mental health and primary dysmenorrhea: a systematic review. J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol 2019; 40:185-194. [PMID: 29745745 DOI: 10.1080/0167482x.2018.1470619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Several factors including demographic, reproductive, lifestyle, psychological and social factors can affect incidence and severity of primary dysmenorrhea. This study aimed to systematically review the psychological risk factors associated with primary dysmenorrhea. Embase, ISI web of knowledge, ProQuest, Science Direct, Scopus and PubMed central were searched using keywords related to risk factors and primary dysmenorrhea. Observational studies, published in English after 2000, focusing solely on psychological factors affecting primary dysmenorrhea were included. The search process retrieved 11,928 potential related articles. Thirty three articles met inclusion criteria and were assessed for final synthesis. The STROBE checklist was used to quality assessment of studies. Results of study showed that few studies had investigated relationship between dysmenorrhea and most psychological disorders. Most studies have investigated the relationship between dysmenorrhea and depression, anxiety, stress, alcohol abuse and somatic disorders. So, further studies are needed to investigate relation between most psychological disorders with primary dysmenorrhea. Significant relationship between some mental health components such as depression, anxiety and stress with primary dysmenorrhea shows the importance of psychological assessment before the choice of therapeutic methods. Also, the feasibility of designing and evaluating the effectiveness of the use of psychotherapy interventions for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea as alternative therapies can be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Bajalan
- a Midwifery Department, School of Nursing and Midwifery , Qazvin University of Medical Science , Qazvin , Iran
| | - Farnoosh Moafi
- a Midwifery Department, School of Nursing and Midwifery , Qazvin University of Medical Science , Qazvin , Iran
| | - Mohammad MoradiBaglooei
- b Psychiatric Nursing Department, School of Nursing & Midwifery , Qazvin University of Medical Science , Qazvin , Iran
| | - Zainab Alimoradi
- c Social Determinants of Health Research Centre , Qazvin University of Medical Science , Qazvin , Iran
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Zgliczynska M, Szymusik I, Sierocinska A, Bajaka A, Rowniak M, Sochacki-Wojcicka N, Wielgos M, Kosinska-Kaczynska K. Contraceptive Behaviors in Polish Women Aged 18-35-a Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E2723. [PMID: 31366184 PMCID: PMC6695758 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16152723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The aim was to evaluate contraceptive behaviors, and factors affecting them, in the population of Polish-speaking women. A cross-sectional study was performed on 6763 women, current contraceptive users, aged 18 to 35. An anonymous and voluntary questionnaire written in Polish, containing 33 questions, was distributed online from January to February 2017. The Internet and doctors were the most popular sources of information about contraception (82% and 73%, respectively). Upon choosing contraception, women paid the most attention to its efficacy (85%) and its impact on health (59%). The most common methods were combined oral contraceptives (38%) and condoms (24%). In total, 51% had chosen hormonal contraception, of which 68% experienced side effects. The most frequent were decreased libido (39%) and weight gain (22%). Factors associated with the usage of hormonal or non-hormonal contraception were: education, relationship status, parenthood, number of sexual partners, frequency of intercourses, sources of information about contraception, and factors considered most important when choosing a contraceptive method. The choice between short-acting and long-acting reversible contraception was influenced by age, relationship status, parenthood, smoking, sources of information about contraception, and factors considered most important when choosing a contraceptive method. Wide access to contraception, high-quality education, and counselling should become priorities in family planning healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Zgliczynska
- Students' Research Group at the 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, Starynkiewicz Square 1/3, P.O. Box 02-015 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Iwona Szymusik
- st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, Starynkiewicz Square 1/3, P.O. Box 02-015 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Aleksandra Sierocinska
- Students' Research Group at the 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, Starynkiewicz Square 1/3, P.O. Box 02-015 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Armand Bajaka
- Students' Research Group at the 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, Starynkiewicz Square 1/3, P.O. Box 02-015 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Martyna Rowniak
- Students' Research Group at the 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, Starynkiewicz Square 1/3, P.O. Box 02-015 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Nicole Sochacki-Wojcicka
- st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, Starynkiewicz Square 1/3, P.O. Box 02-015 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Miroslaw Wielgos
- st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, Starynkiewicz Square 1/3, P.O. Box 02-015 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kosinska-Kaczynska
- st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, Starynkiewicz Square 1/3, P.O. Box 02-015 Warsaw, Poland
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Lete I, Calleja J, Pérez-Campos E, de la Viuda E, Lertxundi R, Martínez M, Quesada M, Sánchez-Borrego R. Cross-sectional evaluation of the impact of information on flexible extended regimens of oral contraceptives in the choices made by women seeking contraceptive counselling: the FLEXO study. EUR J CONTRACEP REPR 2018; 23:260-264. [PMID: 30203678 DOI: 10.1080/13625187.2018.1493099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Oral combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs) are available that limit the number of menses when used in a flexible extended regimen. Our aim was to investigate the decision-making processes of women presented with a flexible extended CHC option. METHODS The FLEXO study is an epidemiological, cross-sectional, multicentre study conducted under typical clinical practice conditions to determine women's acceptance of a flexible continuous CHC regimen versus a cyclical 21/7 day regimen, after receiving standardised information during contraceptive counselling. RESULTS A total of 1350 women were invited to participate, of whom 1156 were enrolled. Of these, 47.2% chose the flexible extended CHC regimen. Their main reason for choosing this regimen was to reduce the number of menses (25.7%), followed by the desire to avoid symptoms related to menstruation (21.6%). The reasons given for rejecting this regimen were the desire to have monthly menstrual cycles (24.9%) and the fear of becoming pregnant and not being aware of it due to the absence of menstruation (18.1%). CONCLUSION Many women chose the extended flexible regimen when they received information about this option. Women primarily chose this pattern to relieve or eliminate discomfort related to menstruation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iñaki Lete
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , University Hospital of Araba , Vitoria-Gasteiz , Spain
| | | | - Ezequiel Pérez-Campos
- c Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , Associated University Hospital of Requena , Requena , Spain
| | - Esther de la Viuda
- d Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , University Hospital of Guadalajara , Guadalajara , Spain
| | | | - Mercedes Martínez
- f Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , Hospital Virgen Macarena , Seville , Spain
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Lete I, Lobo P, Nappi RE, Pintiaux A, Fiala C, Häusler G, Chabbert-Buffet N. Male perception about the inconveniences associated with monthly bleeding for their partner - an international survey. EUR J CONTRACEP REPR 2018; 23:1-11. [PMID: 29355396 DOI: 10.1080/13625187.2017.1423284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess men's perceptions about monthly bleeding and associated inconveniences for their partner, as well as men's attitudes regarding the desired menstruation frequency for their partner and knowledge about hormonal contraceptives. METHODS A 15 min quantitative online survey was conducted among 5044 men aged 18-45 years, who had been in a relationship for more than 6 months, across 13 European countries (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland). Responses were compared to those obtained in a similar study among European women. RESULTS Most men perceived that their partner considered her menstrual flow as moderate, lasting an average of 5.2 d, slightly longer than previously reported by women. Almost all men reported that their partners experience menstruation-related symptoms. However, prevalence of mood-related symptoms was perceived to be more frequent and physical symptoms less frequent, relative to women's self-reported symptoms. Given the option, 71% of men would choose longer intervals between their partner's periods. Maintaining the couple's sex life, social life and relationship quality were key factors cited in their preference. Overall, 42% of respondents stated that women taking hormonal contraceptives needed to have monthly periods. CONCLUSIONS Men's perception regarding their partner's periods was generally consistent with that previously reported by women. Most men would prefer less frequent bleeding episodes for their partners. Although, the present data suggest that couples are discussing periods, knowledge about contraception could be improved. Health care professionals should intensify counselling to better inform both partners about their contraceptive options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iñaki Lete
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , Araba University Hospital , Vitoria-Gasteiz , Spain
| | - Paloma Lobo
- b Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , Infanta Sofia University Hospital , Madrid , Spain
| | - Rossella E Nappi
- c Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Paediatric Sciences, Research Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Gynaecological Endocrinology and Menopause, IRCCS San Matteo Polyclinic , University of Pavia , Pavia , Italy
| | - Axelle Pintiaux
- d Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , Erasme Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles , Brussels , Belgium
| | - Christian Fiala
- e Gynmed Family Planning Clinic , Vienna , Austria.,f Department of Women's and Children's Health , Karolinska Institute , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Günther Häusler
- g Department of General Gynaecology and Gynaecological Oncology , Medical University of Vienna , Vienna , Austria
| | - Nathalie Chabbert-Buffet
- h Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , APHP Tenon Hospital, Pierre and Marie Curie University , Paris , France
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