Patients' decisions regarding the treatment of primary dysmenorrhoea

To assess earlier experiences and likelihood for use of methods used for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhoea, a very common problem in women.

A consecutive group of patients (n = 205) visiting a private gynaecological practice in Weilburg, Germany, received an assessment form on which they were asked to provide earlier experiences with various methods for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhoea. They were also asked to rate the likelihood for use of various methods from conventional medicine as well as from complementary and alternative medicine. Half of them received information on efficacy, safety and costs based on the American Cancer Society Working Group grading system.

Only 5.5% reported no experience with contraceptives or pain relievers and 26.7% had no experience with complementary and alternative medicine. The remaining patients had experience with a median of two (mean = 3.7, SD = 4.8) methods. Diet and homeopathy were the most frequently used methods from complementary and alternative medicine. In spite of the provision of information on efficacy, safety and costs, patients chose the methods based on earlier experience. Patients familiar with complementary and alternative medicine also did not see which areas belong together, e.g. homeopathy, Schüssler's salts and anthroposophy.

In spite of the provision of information, patients preferred to use those methods they were already acquainted with. In order to allow patients to make better decisions, different ways should be gone in order to help patients make better decisions.