Menstrual problems in university students: an electronic mail survey.

Objective: To establish the prevalence of menstrual-related problems among university students.

Materials And Methods: A questionnaire regarding gynecological, bleeding and family history was sent by electronic mail (e-mail) to all female students attending University College London (UCL).

Results: A total of 767 students aged 18-39 years replied; 71% had a regular menstrual cycle.

Is primary postpartum haemorrhage a good predictor of inherited bleeding disorders?

A study was conducted to evaluate the value of screening for inherited bleeding disorders in women with primary postpartum haemorrhage (PPH). Over a 2-year period, women identified to have PPH (defined as >500 mL blood loss for spontaneous vaginal delivery, >700 mL for instrumental deliveries and >1000 mL for caesarean sections within 24 h of delivery) were invited to participate in this study testing for a possible underlying bleeding disorder at 3-9 months post-delivery. Women known to have an inherited bleeding disorder were excluded.

Screening for factor XI deficiency amongst pregnant women of Ashkenazi Jewish origin.

A pilot study was conducted over a 6-month period to evaluate antenatal screening for factor XI (FXI) deficiency amongst Ashkenazi Jewish women booking for their pregnancy in a single obstetric unit. Fifty-four women of Ashkenazi Jewish origin were recruited during their visit for the routine first trimester ultrasound scan. They completed a questionnaire about their personal bleeding symptoms and had blood taken for FXI levels (FXI:C).