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Heavy menstrual bleeding: a global survey of health care practitioners' perceptions
Ana Luiza Lunardi Rocha1, Márcia Cristina França Ferreira1, Rívia Mara Lamaita1
1a Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , Federal University of Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil.
Insights
Health care practitioners (HCPs) worldwide have varied definitions and perceptions of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB). Improved clinician education is needed for better diagnosis and treatment of HMB globally.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Women's Health
- Medical Education
Background:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is a common gynecological issue impacting women's quality of life.
- Understanding health care practitioners' (HCPs) perceptions is crucial for effective HMB management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess international health care practitioners' (HCPs) perceptions of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB).
- To identify variations in HMB definitions, diagnosis, and treatment approaches across different countries.
Main Methods:
- An online survey was distributed to HCPs in 10 countries.
- The survey collected data on HCPs' definitions, diagnostic methods, and treatment preferences for HMB.
Main Results:
- A significant variation in HMB definition (p < .001) and diagnostic approaches was observed among countries.
- Most HCPs used pad/tampon count and impact on daily activities to measure blood loss.
- Oral contraceptives, levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine systems, and surgery were common treatment options for idiopathic HMB.
Conclusions:
- HMB definition and management perceptions differ significantly across countries.
- Nearly half of HCPs consider surgery for idiopathic HMB.
- Enhanced clinician education is essential to standardize HMB care and improve patient outcomes.
Objectives:
This study sought to assess the perceptions of health care practitioners (HCPs) regarding heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB).
Methods:
We developed an online survey for HCPs administered in 10 countries (Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Korea, Russia, Spain, UK and USA), in order to assess their perceptions regarding HMB.
Results:
We received 1032 responses. Most HCPs considered more than 7 days of bleeding abnormal. There was a significant difference in the definition of HMB between countries (p < .001). Most HCPs measured menstrual blood loss by the number of sanitary pads or tampons needed, followed by the impact on patients' daily activities. The majority of HMB patients (61%) were diagnosed as having a non-structural disorder with no causative identifiable coagulopathy. Patient acceptance and compliance were each relevant for the treatment decisions of half of the HCPs. Treatment options for idiopathic HMB featured mainly oral contraceptives and the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system. Surgery was mentioned as a treatment option for idiopathic HMB by 44% of HCPs.
Conclusion:
The definition of HMB and HCP perceptions of HMB regarding diagnostic and therapeutic issues varied between countries. Surgery was mentioned as a treatment for idiopathic HMB by nearly half of HCPs. Clinician education is greatly needed to improve the management of women with HMB.
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