We know the tremendous impact AUB can have on women’s lives. Pain, tiredness, lack of energy, long menstrual cycles with almost hourly changing of tampons and pads, the overall feeling that life must be planned around periods—these are just some of the ways AUB may affect daily life.1
For some women who suffer, AUB may be a sign of an underlying health problem. Blood loss from AUB can lead to iron-deficiency anemia, which can cause shortness of breath and increase the risk of heart problems.2 AUB is also the most common symptom of endometrial cancer.3
So many women impacted…but so few are seeking help
AUB affects more than 10 million American women each year.1 However, it seems likely that the real number is much higher because many women experience AUB symptoms but don’t seek out care. This issue is seen worldwide. A survey conducted in Europe found that, of 4,506 premenopausal women, 27.2% experienced AUB, and 46% of these women had never sought medical consultation.4 A study conducted in Japan surveyed almost 20,000 women, and while 74% of women reported suffering from menstrual symptoms including pain and heavy bleeding that interfered with their daily lives, only 20% sought medical help.5
Why aren’t women seeking treatment for AUB symptoms?
Factors that impede access to care
1. Health literacy6
Women reported confusion regarding the term “normal” when it comes to periods. There was also reported misunderstanding about the role of cervical Pap smears and overall lack of access to appropriate information. For example, some women’s only source of gynecologic condition information was family members who passed down inaccurate guidance.
2. Taboo/normalization6
The historical stigmatism about gynecological health still carries into today, as many women stated they are unable to openly discuss their experiences with menstruation. Embarrassment about exposing their body and/or possible bleeding during a consultation as well as fear of the gynecologic exam (for reasons of pain and/or embarrassment) were other commonly reported barriers. Women also stated they often prioritized other health issues over uterine health.
3. Healthcare provider6
Many women’s first point of contact for AUB treatment is not a gynecologist, but rather, a general practitioner (GP). Women stated feeling uncomfortable speaking with male doctors about uterine health. Women who did discuss their experiences reported feeling that their symptoms were dismissed by their GP. Other women stated that they had previously received an inaccurate diagnosis or inappropriate treatment.
How to improve access to AUB care
Not unexpectedly, knocking down the barriers to care is not a straightforward task. Social and cultural factors dictate that approaches must be carried out on a smaller, local level.
Still, some general findings seem to apply globally, including working harder to destigmatize uterine health and improving education and training for GPs on matters of women’s health. More frequent and open discussion about menstrual cycles is needed so women and any doctor they may visit know what is normal versus abnormal. Awareness campaigns conducted at the local or national levels could help in this respect.
As a healthcare provider, you can proactively ask specific questions about patients’ menstrual bleeding so you can help determine if they are in fact experiencing AUB (or other uterine health issues).
It’s important to note that many women may not mention their symptoms because they believe there’s no point. They believe that heavy bleeding is something they just have to deal with. But we know better—treatments are available! By getting patients to open up about their experiences, you can help them find the relief they deserve.
Get familiar with our minimally invasive treatment options for AUB. Also visit our patient site to see how we’re making it easier to talk about AUB, and encourage your patients to visit as well.