ACOG updates uterine bleeding recommendations

(HealthDay)—Updated patient management guidelines for the treatment of patients with abnormal uterine bleeding associated with ovulatory dysfunction (AUB-O) have been released in a practice bulletin published in the July issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' Committee on Practice Bulletins-Gynecology drafted the clinical management guidelines to replace those previously published in March 2000.

Among the committee's recommendations are: consideration of utilizing levonorgestrel intrauterine device for treatment of AUB in all age groups; possible medical treatment options for AUB-O with progestin therapy and combined hormonal contraception; possible hysterectomy without cervical preservation in women for whom medical therapy failed or is contraindicated and childbearing is complete; and priority consideration should be given to medical rather than surgical treatment.

"The choice of treatment of AUB-O depends on several factors, including the woman's age, severity of her bleeding, her medical risk factors, her need for contraception, and her desire for future fertility," the authors write.