Prevalencia e impacto del sangrado menstrual abundante en España: resultados de una encuesta nacional

Abstract

Background

Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is a common gynecological complaint. Data on its prevalence and impact in Spain are limited.

Material and methods

A voluntary web-based survey was conducted in Spain among women aged 23–49. The survey covered several aspects of menstruation, including the characteristics and impact. The information was gathered using a semi-structured questionnaire sent by email. Results were weighted by age and geographic distribution.

Results

Of the 4478 women invited to participate, 1206 (26.9%) responded, of whom 1169 (96.9%) were menstruating. 32.7% (n = 373) said they experienced “excessive menstrual bleeding” (EMB), which was associated with increased frequency and intensity of menstrual symptoms as well as a higher percentage of women whose menstruation limited them “a lot or quite a lot” (29.1% vs. 15.7% with normal/light bleeding). Sexual intercourse was the domain most affected (59% were limited “a lot or quite a lot”). Except for family life, the impact on the domains analyzed was significantly higher among women with EMB. 67.5% of women with EMB had seen a doctor for this reason; 19.8% were receiving some type of treatment.

Conclusions

In our sample of 1206 women of childbearing age, 6.2% had HMB (EMB + “a lot or quite a lot” of limitations of daily activities). Excessive menstrual bleeding has a major impact on the daily lives of women. Two out of 3 see a doctor for this reason.