Investigation on factors related to uterine fibroids in rural women of northern Anhui province

Abstract

Aim: Given the increasing prevalence of hysteromyoma among the Chinese rural women of childbearing age, it is imperative that more attention should be given to researching risk factors that predispose women to this condition so that early preventive measures may be taken. Our study investigates potential risk factors for uterine fibroids such as participants' demographic characteristics (age, ethnicity, education), physiological characteristics (age at menarche, primiparous age), and the occurrence of several different female reproductive diseases (vaginitis, pelvic inflammatory disease). Methods: 2200 rural women of reproductive age were screened from a cross-sectional study carried out in the northern Anhui province. Data were collected by questionnaire surveys, gynecological and laboratory examinations and were subjected to univariate and multivariate analysis to evaluate the risk factors for uterine fibroids. Results: Of the 2200 women, 440 had uterine fibroids. In general, women with endometriosis, ovarian cysts and early menarche were more likely to suffer from hysteromyoma. Factors including higher parity, late age of first childbirth, and a regular menstrual cycle were associated with the reduced risk of uterine fibroids. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that parameters such as earlier age of menarche, early primiparous age, lower parity and a variety of female reproductive diseases were associated with an increased risk of uterine fibroids. These findings may be used to guide the formulation of effective prevention and intervention protocols to improve the reproductive health of rural women.

Association between leisure sedentary behaviour and uterine fibroids in non-menopausal women: a population-based study

“…However, those who had undergone hysterectomy were excluded because we were unable to ascertain whether their hysterectomy was due to UFs, as they were not specifically asked about the reasons for undergoing hysterectomy during the survey. We used the B-ultrasound diagnosis results to define UFs because numerous studies have demonstrated that ultrasound is the primary imaging examination method for UFs, offering high sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing leiomyomas 13 25 26. During B-ultrasound examination, UFs typically appear as well-defined solid, concentric, hypoechoic masses that can cause varying degrees of acoustic shadowing.…”

“…We used the B-ultrasound diagnosis results to define UFs because numerous studies have demonstrated that ultrasound is the primary imaging examination method for UFs, offering high sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing leiomyomas. 13 25 26 During B-ultrasound examination, UFs typically appear as well-defined solid, concentric, hypoechoic masses that can cause varying degrees of acoustic shadowing. However, depending on the level of calcification and/or the amount of fibrous tissue present, UFs may exhibit different echogenicity, usually being hyperechogenic or isoechogenic.…”

“…[9][10][11] However, the risk of UFs can be reduced by a late age at menarche, late age at first birth, parity, oral contraceptives, etc. [12][13][14] Although existing studies have shown that physical activity (PA) can reduce the risk of UFs, 5 6 sedentary time is now recognised as not only as the absence of PA but also as a distinct set of behaviours. The health implications of sedentary behaviour are distinct…”

Influence of nutrition on the course of uterine fibroids

“…В ходе отечественных исследований отмечено, что неблагоприятное влияние на развитие миомы матки вынужденного положения тела, достаточно вероятно -воздействия электромагнитного излучения и психоэмоционального перенапряжения [15,16]. По данным компонентного анализа, возможная комплексная профилактика миомы матки представлена высоким уровнем умственного напряжения во время трудовой деятельности, соблюдением режима труда и отдыха, длительным дневным отдыхом [17,18].…”