Contraceptive-induced amenorrhea: An exploratory study of perceptions among a reproductive-age urban Southern California population

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the preferences for and knowledge of contraceptive-induced amenorrhea among a reproductive age predominantly Hispanic community in Southern California.

Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited English and Spanish speaking reproductively capable participants from three outpatient clinics associated with a large academic hospital. A validated survey assessed preferences and knowledge surrounding contraceptive-induced amenorrhea. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses using chi-squared tests, and multivariate regression were performed to evaluate the association between demographic variables and the desire for contraceptive-induced amenorrhea, as well as its perceived safety.

Results: Of 209 respondents (response rate: 78.9 %), 66.5 % were Hispanic and 48.8 % identified as Christian. A majority of participants (56.5 %) would not consider a contraceptive method that would induce amenorrhea. Furthermore, a majority of participants (64.1 %) believed that contraceptive-induced amenorrhea is harmful. Belief of harm due to contraceptive-induced amenorrhea was associated with avoiding contraception that could induce amenorrhea (p < 0.001). However, participants who were discontent with menstruation statistically preferred contraceptive-induced amenorrhea (p < 0.01). No significant association was found between race and preference for contraceptive-induced amenorrhea (p = 0.89) or understanding of its safety (p = 0.34).

Conclusions: The majority of our sample would not prefer contraceptive-induced amenorrhea and feared that amenorrhea would be harmful. Given the perceived harm of contraceptive induced amenorrhea may limit the use of highly effective methods for all races, educational initiatives aimed at reviewing safety may allow for more informed patient decision-making.

Keywords: Amenorrhea; Contraception; Menstruation preferences.