title: A national survey of gynecologists on current practice patterns for management of abnormal uterine bleeding in South Korea.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate practice patterns of gynecologists in the management of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) in South Korea.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between February 24 and March 12, 2014, a cross-sectional survey was performed through face-to-face interviews with 100 gynecologists selected through quota sampling reflecting regions and hospital types. Through the use of a questionnaire, the level of awareness and practice patterns regarding diagnosis and management of AUB were evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among 100 respondents, 60 reported that they had not previously heard of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) classification system. The standardization of AUB terminology was reported to be necessary or very necessary by 70 respondents. Pelvic ultrasonography would be used for diagnosis by 99 physicians. The most common first-line AUB treatment was combined oral contraceptives: 55 respondents would use them for heavy menstrual bleeding, 56 for intermenstrual bleeding, and 56 for polycystic ovary syndrome. Combined oral contraceptives were the preferred follow-up medication: 30 would use them for heavy menstrual bleeding, 24 for intermenstrual bleeding, and 52 for polycystic ovary syndrome.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Despite implementation of the FIGO AUB classification system and guidelines, awareness and use among gynecologists in South Korea remains low.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Research Institute of Medical Science, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
authors.forename: Ji Young
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
authors.forename: Dong-Yun
authors.initials: DY
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Uijeongbu St. Mary's Hospital, Catholic University of Korea, Uijeongbu-si, South Korea.
authors.forename: Jae Yen
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Song
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Soonchunhyang University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
authors.forename: Eun Sil
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea.
authors.forename: Kyungah
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Jeong
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea. Electronic address: dooseok.choi@samsung.com.
authors.forename: DooSeok
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Choi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006176:Gynecology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007390:International Agencies; D008297:Male; D008595:Menorrhagia / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D008796:Metrorrhagia / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D056910:Republic of Korea; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D009626:Terminology as Topic
keywords: Abnormal uterine bleeding; Clinician survey; Management