Male perception about the inconveniences associated with monthly bleeding for their partner – an international survey

Abstract

Objective: To assess men’s perceptions about monthly bleeding and associated inconveniences for their partner, as well as men’s attitudes regarding the desired menstruation frequency for their partner and knowledge about hormonal contraceptives.

Methods: A 15 min quantitative online survey was conducted among 5044 men aged 18–45 years, who had been in a relationship for more than 6 months, across 13 European countries (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland). Responses were compared to those obtained in a similar study among European women.

Results: Most men perceived that their partner considered her menstrual flow as moderate, lasting an average of 5.2 d, slightly longer than previously reported by women. Almost all men reported that their partners experience menstruation-related symptoms. However, prevalence of mood-related symptoms was perceived to be more frequent and physical symptoms less frequent, relative to women’s self-reported symptoms. Given the option, 71% of men would choose longer intervals between their partner’s periods. Maintaining the couple’s sex life, social life and relationship quality were key factors cited in their preference. Overall, 42% of respondents stated that women taking hormonal contraceptives needed to have monthly periods.

Conclusions: Men’s perception regarding their partner’s periods was generally consistent with that previously reported by women. Most men would prefer less frequent bleeding episodes for their partners. Although, the present data suggest that couples are discussing periods, knowledge about contraception could be improved. Health care professionals should intensify counselling to better inform both partners about their contraceptive options.

摘要

目的：为了解男性对其伴侣的月经和经期带来的不便, 以及男性期望的伴侣月经频率和对激素避孕方法的了解。方法：对欧洲13个国家（奥地利、比利时、捷克共和国、法国、德国、匈牙利、意大利、拉脱维亚、荷兰、波兰、葡萄牙、西班牙和瑞士）的5044名18 ∼ 45岁、交往6个月以上的男性进行了15分钟的在线问卷调查。研究人员将调查结果与欧洲女性的类似研究结果进行了比较。结果：大多数男性认为他们的伴侣的月经量适中, 平均持续时间为5.2天, 略长于女性之前的报告。几乎所有的男性都报告说, 他们的伴侣都会出现与月经相关的症状。然而, 与女性自我报告的症状相比, 情绪相关症状的发生率更高, 而身体症状的发生率更低。在这种情况下, 71%的男性更愿意伴侣的月经周期间隔更长的时间。维持夫妻的性生活、社会生活和关系质量是其偏好的关键因素。总体而言, 42%的受访者表示, 服用激素避孕药的妇女每月有一次月经。结论：男子对其伴侣月经的看法与之前欧洲女性调查报告结果一致。大多数男性倾向于减少伴侣出血的次数。尽管目前的数据表明, 对于月经周期, 避孕的相关知识仍可以进一步改善。卫生保健专业人员应加强咨询, 使双方更好地选择避孕方式。

Keywords:

• Contraception
• knowledge
• male
• menstruation
• menstrual symptoms
• preferences

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to acknowledge Dr. Sophie Walker (Scinopsis Ltd., Brighton, UK) for writing and editorial assistance with this manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

IL has a financial relationship (lecturer, member of advisory boards and/or consultant) with Gedeon Richter, HRA Pharma, MSD, Nordic Pharma and Teva. PL has a financial relationship (member of advisory boards, lecturer, and/or consultant) with Bayer, Effik, MSD, Smith & Nephew, and Teva. RN has a financial relationship (lecturer, member of advisory boards and/or consultant) with Bayer HealthCare, Endoceutics, Gedeon Richter, HRA Pharma, MSD, Novo Nordisk, Pfizer, Shionogi and Teva. AP is a member of the European board of Teva/Theramex without personal gain. CF is member of the European scientific advisory board of Exelgyn and Teva, and has been a lecturer for Bayer HealthCare, Exelgyn and Teva. GH has a financial relationship (lecturer, member of advisory boards and/or consultant) with Abbot, Allergan, Angelini, Gilvasan, Meda and Teva. NC-B is a member of the European board of Teva/Theramex and the French board of Gedeon Richter/Finox and has been a lecturer for IPSEN.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by Teva Pharmaceutical Industries.