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Impact of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination on menstrual bleeding quantity: an observational cohort study
  • +8
  • Blair Darney,
  • Emily Boniface,
  • Agathe Van Lamsweerde,
  • Leo Han,
  • Kristen Matteson,
  • Sharon Cameron,
  • Victoria Male,
  • Juan Acuna,
  • Eleonora Benhar,
  • Jack Pearson,
  • Alison Edelmann
Blair Darney
Oregon Health & Science University

Corresponding Author:darneyb@ohsu.edu

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Emily Boniface
Oregon Health & Science University
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Agathe Van Lamsweerde
Natural Cycles
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Leo Han
Oregon Health & Science University
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Kristen Matteson
University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School
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Sharon Cameron
NHS Lothian
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Victoria Male
Imperial College London
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Juan Acuna
Florida International University School of Public Health
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Eleonora Benhar
Natural Cycles
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Jack Pearson
Natural Cycles
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Alison Edelmann
Oregon Health & Science University
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Abstract

Objective Assess whether coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination impacts menstrual bleeding quantity. Design Retrospective cohort Setting Five global regions Populations Vaccinated and unvaccinated regularly cycling individuals using the digital fertility-awareness application “Natural Cycles”. Methods We used prospectively collected menstrual cycle data and multivariable longitudinal Poisson GEE models, multivariable multinomial logistic regression models, and calculated the adjusted difference between vaccination groups. All regression models were adjusted for confounders. Outcome measures Mean number of heavy bleeding days (fewer, no change, more) and changes in bleeding quantity (less, no change, more) at three time points (first dose, second dose, and post-exposure menses). Results We included 9,555 individuals (7,401 vaccinated, 2,154 unvaccinated). About 2/3 of individuals reported no change in the number of heavy bleeding days regardless of vaccination status. After adjusting for confounders, there were no significant differences in the number of heavy bleeding days by vaccination status. A larger proportion of vaccinated individuals experienced an increase in total bleeding quantity (34.5% unvaccinated, 38.4% vaccinated; 4.0% [0.7, 7.2%] adjusted difference). This translates to an estimated 40 additional people per 1,000 normally cycling individuals who experience more total bleeding quantity following the first vaccine dose due to vaccination. Differences resolved in the cycle post-exposure. Conclusion A small increase in the probability of more total bleeding quantity occurs following the first COVID-19 vaccine dose which resolved the cycle post-vaccination cycle. Total number of heavy bleeding days did not differ by vaccination status. Our findings can reassure the public that any changes are small and transie
01 Sep 2022Submitted to BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
13 Sep 2022Submission Checks Completed
13 Sep 2022Assigned to Editor
13 Sep 2022Reviewer(s) Assigned
02 Feb 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
06 Feb 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Major
17 Feb 20231st Revision Received
27 Feb 2023Submission Checks Completed
27 Feb 2023Assigned to Editor
27 Feb 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
06 Mar 2023Editorial Decision: Accept