OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationships between attitudes towards menstruation, health, and behavioral characteristics. METHODS: The 136 women who completed questionnaires varied in their sexual activity, sexual orientation, and use of hormonal contraception. RESULTS: Women's estimated cycle length was accurate when compared to observed cycle length (F (3,156) = .05; P = .98). Smokers had decreased durations of flow (P < .01). Depo-Provera users were less likely to view menstruation as natural compared to abstinent, sexually active heterosexuals or those using traditional oral contraception (F (5,141) = 2.43; P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: Hormonal contraception use, but not sexual orientation, was associated with attitudes about menstruation.
OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationships between attitudes towards menstruation, health, and behavioral characteristics. METHODS: The 136 women who completed questionnaires varied in their sexual activity, sexual orientation, and use of hormonal contraception. RESULTS:Women's estimated cycle length was accurate when compared to observed cycle length (F (3,156) = .05; P = .98). Smokers had decreased durations of flow (P < .01). Depo-Provera users were less likely to view menstruation as natural compared to abstinent, sexually active heterosexuals or those using traditional oral contraception (F (5,141) = 2.43; P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: Hormonal contraception use, but not sexual orientation, was associated with attitudes about menstruation.