BACKGROUND Women in the US have access to various hormonal contraceptive methods that can regulate menstruation. This study examined the attitudes and perceptions of reproductive-aged women toward contraceptive methods, including how menstrual regulation and suppression preferences influenced contraceptive choice. METHODS Data collection used a mixed-methods approach, including 6 focus groups (n = 61), individual interviews (n = 18), and a web-based survey (n = 547). RESULTS Participants described contraceptive method preferences that allowed monthly bleeding and daily control, expressing concerns about long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) because of decreased user involvement. Some participants noted LARC improved their menstrual control. Many participants felt menstruation was healthy, whereas suppression was abnormal and resulted in negative health outcomes. Though participants indicated LARC as beneficial (M = 4.99 ± 1.66), convenient (M = 5.43 ± 1.68), and healthy (M = 4.62 ± 1.69), they chose combined oral contraceptives due to convenience. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest women need more information about menstrual regulation and suppression before selecting a contraceptive method, specifically in relation to LARC versus combined oral contraception. Framing menstrual suppression as healthy and natural may improve perceptions of long-term health consequences related to LARC. Providers should discuss menstrual suppression safety to ensure selection of contraceptive options aligning with women's preferences and needs.

中文翻译：

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月经的神话：月经调节和抑制如何影响避孕选择。

背景技术美国女性可以使用各种可以调节月经的激素避孕方法。这项研究调查了育龄妇女对避孕方法的态度和看法，包括月经调节和抑制偏好如何影响避孕方法的选择。方法 数据收集采用混合方法，包括 6 个焦点小组 (n = 61)、个人访谈 (n = 18) 和网络调查 (n = 547)。结果 参与者描述了允许每月出血和每日控制的避孕方法偏好，并对长效可逆避孕（LARC）表示担忧，因为用户参与度降低。一些参与者指出 LARC 改善了她们的月经控制。许多参与者认为月经是健康的，而月经抑制是不正常的，会导致负面的健康结果。尽管参与者表示 LARC 有益（M = 4.99 ± 1.66）、方便（M = 5.43 ± 1.68）和健康（M = 4.62 ± 1.69），但由于方便，他们选择了复方口服避孕药。结论 研究结果表明，女性在选择避孕方法之前需要更多有关月经调节和抑制的信息，特别是 LARC 与复方口服避孕药的相关信息。将月经抑制视为健康和自然可能会改善人们对 LARC 相关长期健康后果的看法。提供者应讨论月经抑制的安全性，以确保选择符合女性偏好和需求的避孕方案。