An overview of International AUB/HMB Guidelines

Abstract

Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is estimated to affect approximately 3-30% of women in their reproductive years. There are a number of guidelines from national societies and organisations on this subject. Many aspects of the available guidelines are in agreement with each other, probably due to the use of same published evidence. However, this article demonstrates that there are also major differences on certain subjects. These are likely to be a reflection of variations in clinical practice in different countries, as the differences are difficult explain with emergence of new evidence. Guidelines aim to improve patient care by informing clinical practice, to reduce unwarranted variability and to expedite implementation of effective intervention. The similarities between the guidelines give an opportunity to create international guidelines which may be more influential globally. Such a document would be more widely accepted by the clinicians and women alike, potentially reduce variability of access to the best treatments available and improve the lives of sufferers.