A new approach to measuring menstrual pattern change after sterilization

• Published in: American journal of obstetrics and gynecology Vol. 147; no. 7; p. 830
• Main Authors: Fortney, J A, Cole, L P, Kennedy, K I
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.12.1983
• Subjects: Adult; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Interview, Psychological; Menstruation; Menstruation Disturbances - etiology; Sterilization, Tubal - adverse effects; Sterilization, Tubal - methods; Clips; Menstruation; Age Factors; Data Collection; Family Planning; Menstrual Cycle > changes; Research Methodology; Tubal Ligation; Bleeding; Reproduction; Female Sterilization; Data Analysis; Sterilization, Sexual; Parity; Dysmenorrhea
• ISSN: 0002-9378
• DOI: 10.1016/0002-9378(83)90049-2

Methodologic problems with previous research on menstrual changes after sterilization have resulted in conflicting results. This research overcomes these problems by restricting the categories of patients and by minimizing recall difficulties. When the methodologic approach is improved, the result is that the majority of women experience no change, and among those who do, changes in one direction are counterbalanced by changes in the other direction. Three cycles preceding sterilization were compared with three cycles 12 months after the operation for four menstrual parameters. The parameters were examined separately and simultaneously by means of an index of menstrual pattern changes. Rings and spring-loaded clips were associated with less change than other methods of occlusion. The most important variable was the patient's menstrual pattern at the time of admission. Women defined as having abnormal patterns were three times more likely to experience change than women with normal cycles, and many of the former experienced change in the direction of normality.