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Knowledge of Latin American Obstetricians and Gynecologists regarding Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
Luis Bahamondes1, Victor Marin2, Silvia Ciarmatori3
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Campinas Medical School (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil.
Insights
Latin American OBGYNs demonstrated awareness of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) diagnosis and treatments. However, they underreported patient consultations for HMB and showed varied knowledge on specific therapeutic options.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Reproductive Medicine
- Clinical Practice
Background:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is a prevalent gynecological issue impacting women's quality of life.
- Accurate diagnosis and effective management of HMB are crucial in daily obstetric and gynecological practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the knowledge of obstetricians and gynecologists (OBGYNs) in Latin America regarding the diagnosis and treatment of HMB.
- To identify potential gaps in understanding and practice related to HMB management among Latin American OBGYNs.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was administered to OBGYNs from 12 Latin American countries during a reproductive medicine scientific meeting.
- A multiple-choice questionnaire assessed participants' knowledge on HMB definition, prevalence, and treatment options.
Main Results:
- Most respondents (80%) correctly identified the criteria for HMB blood loss and recognized that ethinyl estradiol-containing combined oral contraceptives (COCs) are not ideal for HMB.
- A significant underreporting of women consulting for HMB was observed.
- Female OBGYNs and those in private practice were more likely to perceive benefits from estradiol valerate/dienogest COCs or levonorgestrel-releasing IUS for HMB.
Conclusions:
- Latin American OBGYNs generally possess awareness regarding the significance of HMB and emerging medical treatments.
- There is a need to address the underestimation of HMB's prevalence in clinical consultations.
- Further education may be beneficial to refine understanding of specific HMB treatment efficacy.
Abstract:
Background. Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is a common gynecological complaint affecting quality of life. Objectives. To assess knowledge on diagnosis and treatments of HMB of Latin American (LA) obstetricians and gynecologists (OBGYNs). Methods. A survey was conducted during a scientific meeting, organized to provide updated information on topics of reproductive medicine to OBGYNs from 12 LA countries who were invited to respond to a multiple-choice questionnaire. Results. Of the 210 OBGYNs participating in the survey, from 169 (80.4%) to 203 (96.7%) answered the questions. Most respondents (80%) gave accurate answers regarding the amount of blood loss which defines HMB, underreported the proportion of women who consulted due to HMB, and were aware that the use of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) with ethynyl estradiol is not an adequate treatment in women with HMB. Female OBGYNs and those who worked in the private sector were more prone to report a higher possibility of improvement of HMB with a COC that contained estradiol valerate and dienogest or with a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system. Conclusions. In general, the respondents were aware of the importance of HMB in gynecological practice and of the new medical treatments and underreported the proportion of women who consulted due to HMB.
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