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Amenorrhea associated with contraception-an international study on acceptability.
A F Glasier1, K B Smith, Z M van der Spuy
1Contraceptive Development Network, Center for Reproductive Biology, University of Edinburgh, The Chancellor's Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK. Anna.glasier@lpct.scot.nhs.uk
Contraception
|January 11, 2003
Summary
Most women dislike menstruation and prefer fewer or no periods. Many are open to contraceptives causing amenorrhea, a finding that contradicts provider beliefs.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Contraception Research
- Women's Health
Background:
- Historical views suggested amenorrhea was undesirable.
- Recent trends indicate a preference for reduced menstruation in developed nations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess women's and contraceptive providers' attitudes toward menstruation and amenorrhea.
- To inform the development of novel contraceptive methods.
Main Methods:
- Questionnaire survey of 1001 women and 290 contraceptive providers across China, South Africa, Nigeria, and Scotland.
- Assessed preferences for menstrual frequency and willingness to use amenorrhea-inducing contraceptives.
Main Results:
- Majority of women in China, South Africa, Nigeria, and Scotland disliked periods, citing inconvenience and menstrual problems.
- Most Nigerian women preferred monthly bleeding, while others opted for less frequent or no bleeding.
- Willingness to try amenorrhea-inducing contraceptives was high across most groups, except in China.
- Contraceptive providers overestimated the importance of regular menstruation to their clients.
Conclusions:
- A significant shift in preference towards reduced or absent menstruation exists among women globally.
- Contraceptive providers may need updated education on client preferences regarding menstrual patterns.
- Findings support the development and acceptance of amenorrhea-inducing contraceptives.