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. 2022 Apr 19:6:49.
doi: 10.12688/gatesopenres.13609.1. eCollection 2022.

Global research and learning agenda for building evidence on contraceptive-induced menstrual changes for research, product development, policies, and programs

Emily Hoppes  1 , Chukwuemeka Nwachukwu  2 , Julie Hennegan  3 , Diana L Blithe  4 , Amanda Cordova-Gomez  2 , Hilary Critchley  5 , Gustavo F Doncel  6 , Laneta J Dorflinger  1 , Lisa B Haddad  7 , Amelia C L Mackenzie  1 , Jacqueline A Maybin  5 , Kelle Moley  8 , Kavita Nanda  1 , Carolina Sales Vieira  9 , Bellington Vwalika  10 , Simon P S Kibira  11 , Alexandria Mickler  2 , Funmilola M OlaOlorun  12 , Chelsea B Polis  13 , Marni Sommer  14 , Katie M Williams  1 , Eva Lathrop  15 , Tanya Mahajan  16 , Kate H Rademacher  1 , Marsden Solomon  1 , Katrina Wilson  17 , Lucy C Wilson  18 , Lillian Rountree  1
Affiliations

Global research and learning agenda for building evidence on contraceptive-induced menstrual changes for research, product development, policies, and programs

Emily Hoppes et al. Gates Open Res. .

Abstract

Background: Contraceptive-induced menstrual changes (CIMCs) can affect family planning (FP) users' lives in both positive and negative ways, resulting in both opportunities and consequences. Despite this, and despite the important links between FP and menstrual health (MH), neither field adequately addresses CIMCs, including in research, product development, policies, and programs globally. Methods: In November 2020, a convening of both MH and FP experts reviewed the existing evidence on CIMCs and identified significant gaps in key areas. Results: These gaps led to the establishment of a CIMC Task Force in April 2021 and the development of the Global Research and Learning Agenda: Building Evidence on Contraceptive-Induced Menstrual Changes in Research, Product Development, Policies, and Programs Globally (the CIMC RLA) , which includes four research agendas for (1) measurement, (2) contraceptive research and development (R&D) and biomedical research, (3) social-behavioral and user preferences research, and (4) programmatic research. Conclusions: Guided by the CIMC RLA, researchers, product developers, health care providers, program implementers, advocates, policymakers, and funders are urged to conduct research and implement strategies to address the beneficial and negative effects of CIMCs and support the integration of FP and MH. CIMCs need to be addressed to improve the health and well-being of women, girls, and other people who menstruate and use contraceptives globally. Disclaimer : The views expressed in this article are those of the authors. Publication in Gates Open Research does not imply endorsement by the Gates Foundation.

Keywords: CIMC; contraceptive; contraceptive-induced menstrual change; family planning; menstrual change; menstrual health; research agenda; research and learning agenda.

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Conflict of interest statement

No competing interests were disclosed.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.. Measurement Research Agenda for Contraceptive-Induced Menstrual Changes.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.. Contraceptive-Induced Menstrual Changes Measurement Framework.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.. Contraceptive R&D and Biomedical Research Agenda for Contraceptive-Induced Menstrual Changes.
Figure 4.
Figure 4.. Social Behavioral and User Preferences Research Agenda for Contraceptive-Induced Menstrual Changes.
Figure 5.
Figure 5.. Programmatic Research Agenda for Contraceptive-Induced Menstrual Changes.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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