Publication:

Prevalence of fibroids: a study in a semiurban area in Telangana, India

Background Uterine fibroids, also known as Leiomyoma, are the most common benign neoplasm in the female genital tract and originate from the myometrium´s smooth muscle. Although the uterine fibroids are diagnosed frequently, the prevalence of it in the local populations is unknown. Therefore, this study was done to observe the prevalence of the fibroids in our geographic area.

Methods 4487 women aged between 18-50 years who came to our gynec OPD out of which 522 were positive for the presence of fibroids, were included into the study.  Ultrasound examination was done for all the patients. During this examination, the uterine dimensions and the structure were assessed. The number of the fibroids were counted and noted. Biopsy sample was taken from the fibroids and sent to pathology lab for further histological examination.

Results Out of the 4487 patients included into the study, 11.6% had fibroids. The predominant age group which was positive the presence of fiberoids was 40-59 years. 59.8% of them were married while 40.2% were either unmarried or divorced or widowed. The body mass index for most of them was within the normal range (60.3%), while some were slightly overweight. The most common cause of the patients to seek medical advice was menstrual disorder (37.7%) which included heavy, irregular or no periods.

Conclusions Fibroids was significantly associated with age, married marital status, overweight, pregnancy, menopause, childbirth and the presence of menorrhagia. Early detection would help in early management and thereby reduce the morbidity.