Seeking help for menstrual pain during adolescence: A mixed-methods retrospective survey of treatment experiences and...

Menstrual pain can significantly impact adolescents' well-being and functioning. Despite the prevalence of adolescent menstrual pain, information about adolescents' experiences seeking treatment is limited.

We examined retrospective reports of help-seeking in adolescence among menstruators to better understand perceptions and experiences of interacting with the healthcare system due to menstrual pain.

This study used an embedded mixed-methods design in which the qualitative and quantitative data were collected concurrently.

Young adults aged 18-25 who experienced menstrual pain in adolescence completed an online, mixed-methods survey of help-seeking experiences. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and reflexive thematic analysis.

Across participants (N = 590, M_age = 21.78 years), 41% sought treatment for menstrual pain in adolescence and of these 43% found the treatments they were offered ineffective. Three themes were generated related to why treatment was perceived as unsuitable: "Side effects and risks of pharmacological treatment," "treatment not tailored to the individual," and "treatment seen as a band-aid solution." Participants perceived the treatment options as limited and likely not addressing the underlying cause of their pain. Four themes were generated related to perceived improvements to treatment seeking. Participants recommended that healthcare providers: "Go beyond contraceptives," "share and demonstrate expertise," "investigate menstrual pain," and "listen and do not dismiss." Participants reported that having more information, feeling validated, and understanding treatment recommendations would improve their experience.

Participants perceived that their menstrual pain-related treatment needs were unmet in adolescence, despite being offered treatments that align with treatment guidelines for adolescent menstrual pain. Findings suggest that improving explanations about treatment provided to youth, along with improving communication and menstrual education, may lead to more optimal help-seeking experiences among adolescents.