Women don't rely on periods as indicator of pregnancy, good health, or fertility.

2002 DEC 19 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Nearly two-thirds of women do not rely on their monthly periods to let them know if they are pregnant, able to have children, or are healthy, according to results of a new nationwide survey sponsored by the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals (ARHP), an education association representing leading healthcare providers, researchers and educators in the field.

The survey examined women's attitudes and experiences regarding monthly menstruation, including the use of contraceptives to control the frequency of menstruation.

The survey revealed that more than one in four women have had to cancel professional or social commitments, physical or athletic activities, or time with friends and family because of their monthly periods or related problems, such as menstrual cramps or PMS. Additionally, the survey found, if given a choice, 65% of the women questioned would prefer to menstruate less often or not at all.

"Our findings shed new light on women's attitudes towards having a monthly period," said Felicia Stewart, MD, chair of ARHP and codirector, Center for Reproductive Health Research and Policy, University of California, San Francisco. "Despite the notion that monthly periods are a reassurance for women, we now have evidence that this may not be true for all women. For many women, including those with menstrual-related problems, reducing the frequency of their periods may be a convenient and appealing option."

Women can delay or control the frequency of their periods and reduce menstrual-related symptoms by extending the number of consecutive days of active birth control pills they take. Oral contraceptives include a week of placebo pills, which cause a ...