Current Practices of Obstetrics & Gynecology Providers Regarding Menstrual Health Management During Clinic Visits [36L

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Menstrual health management (MHM) has gained attention internationally given the relationship between lack of access to menstrual products and absenteeism, poor school or work performance, and increased risk of urogenital infections. There is a dearth of information on how Ob/Gyn providers in the United States address MHM. This study seeks to describe Ob/Gyn providers' MHM practices in a low income clinic population and to assess willingness to recommend reusable menstrual products. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of Ob/Gyn providers from private and hospital outpatient women's health practices at Yale New Haven Hospital conducted with a 17-item anonymous questionnaire to assess counseling practices regarding menstrual products. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis. RESULTS: Among the 52 providers who responded (response rate 69%): 38.4% sometimes ask patients about their choice of menstrual products, 21.2% always ask, 15.4% ask only when patients bring it up, 17.3% don't usually ask and 7.7% never ask. While most providers (88.5%) were familiar with the menstrual cup and 36.5% think that the menstrual cup would work well for some patients, only 13.5% have recommended it. One-quarter would not recommend the menstrual cup and 42.3% would appreciate more information about the menstrual cup prior to recommending it. CONCLUSION: The menstrual cup is a reusable alternative that remains underutilized. There is great need for guidelines to encourage and educate providers regarding MHM that may improve patients' quality of life. Ob/Gyn providers could play an essential role in the improvement of MHM if menstrual products use and patient needs were addressed in clinic visits.