Reproductive Health Characteristics of Urban South Korean Women

Abstract

Aims: To characterize the reproductive health of urban South Korean women of reproductive age. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey on menstrual patterns, sexual behavior, utilization of contraception, and perception of gynecological diseases was administered to 500 women from 15 to 39 years of age in five major cities of South Korea. Results: Among the respondents, 76.8 and 25% experienced dysmenorrhea and abnormal uterine bleeding, respectively. Two-thirds of the respondents with dysmenorrhea used analgesics. After analgesics, herbal medicine was the next most commonly used treatment. The mean age of first sexual intercourse was 24.3 years, and 68.8% of the sexually active women used contraception. The most commonly used contraceptive method was the condom (79.7%), and many women (up to 62.2%) demonstrated a distorted understanding of oral contraceptives. Although many women were aware of general gynecological diseases such as cervical cancer (77%), endometriosis (64.4%), and leiomyoma (62.6%), only 22.2% of the respondents had visited a clinic for a gynecological examination, and among those who had visited a clinic, the main reason for the visit was pregnancy (44.1%). Conclusion: The results of this survey provide insight into and allow us to characterize the reproductive health status of urban South Korean women.

Gene Expression Patterns of Insulin-Like Growth Factor 2 in Human Uterine Fibroid Tissues: A Genetic Study with Clinical Correlations

“…Fibroids, occurring in almost a quarter of women in reproductive age, become more common with advancing age [2]. They are also more commonly seen in nulliparity; the risk decreases with the number of successful pregnancies and becomes very low in women with several children [3].…”

Recent trends in contraceptive use among Korean adolescents: Results from a nationwide survey from year 2013 to 2015

“…However, while experience with oral contraceptives was common in the US, with a similar rate of use as withdrawal, the rate of use appeared to be apparently lower in Korea (15.0% vs. 9.2% in 2015). This difference may be a result of the negative attitudes among Korean women towards the use of hormonal contraceptives related to concerns about weight gain, permanent infertility and being considered promiscuous [12]. The accessibility of hormonal contraception may also be lower for Korean female adolescents because sexual activity in adolescents is frowned upon, and because some types require prescriptions.…”

Necessity of Education for Oral Contraceptive Use in Korea: Results from the Fourth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2009

“…Second, there exists poor understanding of and a cultural prejudice against OCs in Korea. The frequency of OC use is lower in Korea than in Western countries [18]. Some investigators have demonstrated that Asian women have a cultural bias against OC use.…”

“…Based on the result that Korea OC nonusers are comprised of more women who fear the side effects of OCs, it is inferred that Korean OC nonusers are more likely to be health conscious than OC users. In particular, 62.2% of Korean women reported incorrect information about the benefits and risks of OCs [18]. Incorrect information puts a barrier to women who desire contraception by causing an overestimation of the risks of OCs.…”