Gynecologic Morbidity Is High for Egyptian Women In a Pair of Rural Villages

Abstract

509 ever-married non-pregnant women aged 14-60 years living in one of two villages in rural Giza Egypt over the period November 1989 - July 1990 were interviewed and physically examined in a study conducted to procure information which could be used to create more effective programs for diagnosing and reducing the prevalence of womens reproductive health problems in developing nations. 45% had borne at least five children and some had delivered up to thirteen with 90% of the 41% who had been pregnant in the preceding two years having delivered a live birth. 43% of the married women were using a contraceptive method with 24% relying upon the IUD and 14% the pill. Physical examinations found 83% of women to be experiencing a vaginal or cervical discharge. 44% were diagnosed as having vaginitis 10% cervicitis 9% chlamydia and 1% syphilis. 52% had at least one reproductive tract infection 14% had an urinary tract infection 63% were anemic 56% had genital prolapse and 18% were hypertensive. Only 3% were free of all types of morbidity considered in the study. Reproductive tract infection among these women was associated with uterine and vaginal prolapse IUD use sexual exposure and poor personal hygiene.