Knowledge and perceptions of uterine fibroids: A descriptive cross-sectional survey among women of childbearing age in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

This research was conducted in the Obstetric and Gynaecological ward of maternity section in General Hospital Kafanchan, Kaduna state on the incidence of uterine fibroid among women of childbearing age (15 – 45years). A non – experimental historical survey study was adopted and a convenient non probability technique was used to select the sample for the study. Past records were the instrument used for data collection. Distributive techniques using frequency tables and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. Uterine fibroid has been a very serious health problem to women of childbearing age for several years, and a major cause of barrenness which could be either via hysterectomy or myomectomy. The study showed a total of 120 patients recorded to have had uterine fibroid within the period of study. Affected age groups were from 30 to 50years in the study, however age 30 to 39years were the age group mostly affected. The average age of those affected was 45years, but statistical analysis showed that age does not really affect prevalence of uterine fibroid; that means uterine fibroid can develop at any age in the life of childbearing women. The main cause is idiopathic but factors such as nulliparous, female hormone, and advancing age from 30 to 40years predisposes women to fibroid. Nevertheless, once women of childbearing age from (15 -45years) are diagnosed with this disease, it should be treated adequately, health education should be given on the disease (uterine fibroid) and it’s possible outcomes; this will help to erase public negative perception on the disease and affected women. The disease can be treated via the use of medication such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, hormone therapy and surgical intervention. Government should establish hospitals and health centres in all communities in the country for patients with this disease for proper screening and treatment.

Background and aimPrevious studies have shown an association between obesity and uterine fibroids (UF). Body roundness index (BRI) is an anthropometric measure associated with obesity. However, the association with UF has not been thoroughly elucidated, and further investigation is required to explore the possible link. Our study investigated the possible link between BRI and UF in women aged 20 to 44 years, with a view to providing effective scientific evidence for health management and disease prevention in this population.MethodsThis cross-sectional study analysis included data from 4043 women of childbearing age from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database 1999–2006.We applied multiple regression analysis to study the association between BRI and UF, subgroup analysis was used to ensure broad applicability and representativeness of conclusions, and finally linear correlation between BRI and UF was explored by smooth curve fitting.ResultsThis study involved 4,043 female participants aged 20–44 years, of whom 331 (8.19%) had fibroids. After controlling for all potential confounders, each additional unit of BRI increased the prevalence of UF by 7% (OR = 1.07,95% CI: 1.01,1.12), Sensitivity analysis by dividing BRI into four groups found a 54% increase in the prevalence of UF within the fourth quartile (Q4) of BRI compared with the first quartile (Q1) of BRI (OR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.08, 2.20).The link between BRI and UF maintained in subgroup analyses. Furthermore, the study showed a linear positive correlation between BRI and the probability of UF prevalence.ConclusionsHigher levels of BRI may be linked to a higher prevalence of UF, according to studies conducted on American women of childbearing age. The study’s conclusions highlight how important BRI is for managing and preventing UF.

Introduction Uterine myomas are benign tumors of uterine smooth muscle cells are composed of smooth muscle tissue, connective tissue and collagen fibroids. In Indonesia myoma uteri was found 2.39% - 11.7% of all gynecological patients treated. The exact cause of uterine myoma is had known for certain until today. Risk factors such as age of menarche, family history, body mass index (BMI), parity and type of contraception can cause uterine myoma. This study aims to determine the factors correlating with the incidence of uterine myomas in women of childbearing age in Poly Gynecology, dr.Mohamad Soewandhi Hospital, Surabaya. Method This research used a case control design. Populations were all women who visit to Poly Gynecology. It used purposive sampling technique. Total sampel were 30 patients with myoma uteri and 30 women of childbearing age. The independent variable was the age of menarche, family history, BMI, parity, type of contraception and the dependent variable was the incidence of uterine myoma. Data were collected by interviews, weight scales, height measurement and medical records. The analysis used Chi Square / Fisher s Exact Test with level of significance of £ 0,05. Result The results showed that age of menarche (p = 0.158) and family history (p = 0.100) had no correlation with myoma uteri. Body Mass Index (p = 0.009), parity (p = 0.00) and type of contraception (p = 0.00) had correlation with myoma uteri. Discussion Every woman more aware about the disease of reproductive age, especially myoma uteri by reducing foods that contain estrogen such as meat and beans.

The problems of nutrition are both of less and over diet. There are causedunbalance of eating pattern. Women of child bearing age with hyperthyroidismwill decreased their body weight even though their appetite still good. The dataof Healthy Ministry at 2007 shown that 30 million of 118 million women of childbearing age are suffer less chronic energy. The result of Riskesdas at 2007shown that prevalence of obesity on women are 23,8%. To know the relationshipbetween hyperthyroid with BMI and to know the ratio of prevalence of Body MassIndex with hyperthyroid and normothyroid. The research used cross sectionaldesign with quantitative analyzed. The sample of research consist two groupof sample. The first group, women of childbearing age with hyperthyroid; andsecond group, women of childbearing age with normothyroid. Each group consistof 50 women of childbearing age. Range of age is 15 – 49 years old. The locationof research is at Magelang Central Java. BMI value of women of child bearingage average 23 with standard deviation 4,07. The lowest and the highest valueof BMI are 16 and 44. Age mean of Women of child bearing age is 34 years oldwith Standard Deviation 5,98. Hyperthyroid relation with BMI (p=0,05; RP=0,30;95% CI: 0,09 0,05; RP = 0,93; 95% CI:0,18<RP<4,67). There is no relationship significantly between hyperthyroid withBMI value. Women of child bearing age with hyperthyroid may suffer abnormalBMI value 0,30 times higher than women of child bearing age with normothyroid.Women of child bearing age with less than 40 years old may suffer abnormal BMIvalue 0,93 times higher than women of child bearing age with more than 40 yearsold.

Alcohol consumption and the risk of new-onset uterine leiomyomas: a nationwide population-based study in 2.5 million Korean women aged 20 to 39 years

Background: An unhealthy body weight is an adverse effect of malnutrition associated with morbidity among women of childbearing age. While there is increasing attention being paid to the body weights of children and adolescents in Nigeria and South Africa, a major surge of unhealthy body weight in women has received less attention in both countries despite its predominance. The purpose of this study was to explore the prevalence of body weights (underweight, normal, overweight, and obese) and individual-level factors among women of childbearing age by urban–rural variations in Nigeria and South Africa. Methods: This study used the 2018 Nigeria Demographic Health Survey data (n = 41,821) and 2016 South Africa Demographic Health Survey (n = 8514). Bivariate, multilevel, and intracluster correlation coefficient analyses were used to determine individual-level factors associated with body weights across urban–rural variations. Results: The prevalence of being overweight or obese among women was 28.2% and 44.9%, respectively, in South Africa and 20.2% and 11.4% in Nigeria. A majority, 6.8%, of underweight women were rural residents in Nigeria compared to 0.8% in South Africa. The odds of being underweight were higher among women in Nigeria who were unemployed, with regional differences and according to breastfeeding status, while higher odds of being underweight were found among women from poorer households, with differences between provinces and according to cigarette smoking status in South Africa. On the other hand, significant odds of being overweight or obese among women in both Nigeria and South Africa were associated with increasing age, higher education, higher wealth index, weight above average, and traditional/modern contraceptive use. Unhealthy body weights were higher among women in clustering areas in Nigeria who were underweight (intracluster correlation coefficient (ICC = 0.0127), overweight (ICC = 0.0289), and obese (ICC = 0.1040). Similarly, women of childbearing age in clustering areas in South Africa had a lower risk of experiencing underweight (ICC = 0.0102), overweight (ICC = 0.0127), and obesity (ICC = 0.0819). Conclusions: These findings offer a deeper understanding of the close connection between body weights variations and individual factors. Addressing unhealthy body weights among women of childbearing age in Nigeria and South Africa is important in preventing disease burdens associated with body weights in promoting Sustainable Development Goal 3. Strategies for developing preventive sensitization interventions are imperative to extend the perspectives of the clustering effect of body weights on a country level when establishing social and behavioral modifications for body weight concerns in both countries.

BackgroundUterine fibroids are a major cause of hysterectomy and morbidity among women of childbearing age, yet data in Qatar are limited.ObjectivesThis study examines the epidemiology, health-related characteristics, and perceptions of uterine fibroids among women attending primary healthcare facilities in Qatar.MethodsElectronic medical records of 8,014 women diagnosed with fibroids at PHCC (Primary Health Care Corporation) were analyzed. Additionally, complementary phone interviews were conducted with 1,200 women, with 378 respondents enrolled (31.5% response rate).ResultsThe mean age of diagnosed women was 40.5 years (SD = 5.8), with 18.4% being Qatari nationals. The mean BMI was 29.6 (SD = 5.9), and 77% had anemia (hemoglobin < 11 g/dL). Vitamin D insufficiency was prevalent (76%), with 37% classified as deficient (< 20 ng/mL). Among phone interview respondents, 76% were employed, 71.1% were married, and 71.2% were university graduates. Key health-related findings included 21% being childless, 10% having a history of smoking, and 59.4% reporting a family history of fibroids. The most common symptom was abnormal uterine bleeding (69%), and 55.4% had received treatment, primarily surgery (37%) or hormonal therapy (16%). Awareness varied, with 47% unaware of the cause of fibroids, while 78% considered them treatable. A significant association was found between high education level and believing that women with fibroids can conceive. Nationality was significantly associated with perceptions of treatment necessity and fertility impact (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThis study provides key insights into uterine fibroids in Qatar, highlighting the need for targeted awareness campaigns and improved management strategies.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12905-025-04004-7.

Background and Objectives: Uterine fibroids develop in 25–40% of women of childbearing age; however, there are discrepancies resulting from population and socioeconomic differences. The pathogenesis of fibroids is not clear. The aim of the study was to assess the potential connection between the use of oral contraceptives and the occurrence of uterine fibroids in women of childbearing age. Materials and Methods: In this prospective, survey, case–control study, data were collected from Caucasian female patients (mean age = 30) using a questionnaire concerning the onset, duration and form of hormonal contraception, and medical and obstetrical history. The questionnaires were handed personally to hospitalized patients as well as distributed through Google forms on social media. Results: In a study group (n = 140) of patients using hormonal contraception, 37.8% of them were diagnosed with uterine fibroids, whereas among the patients not using hormonal contraception (n = 206), uterine fibroids were diagnosed in 59.6% of the patients. The most common hormonal contraception was two-component hormonal tablets used by 93.3% of the patients. Taking contraceptives was a uterine fibroids protective factor (OR = 0.4, p = 0.007). In the study group, 5.5% of the patients were pregnant and 60.42% were diagnosed with uterine fibroids (OR = 4.4, p < 0.000001). Conclusion: Contraception was found to be a protective factor for uterine fibroids among the women surveyed. The presented data confirm the theory about the hormonal dependence of uterine fibroids.

PurposeThe global prevalence and trends of gynecological diseases (GDs) among women of childbearing age (WCBA) remain unclear and may be underestimated. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of GDs at global, regional, and national levels and assess changes from 1990 to 2021.MethodsData on the annual prevalence of major GDs, including uterine fibroids, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), female infertility, endometriosis, genital prolapse, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and other GDs, were obtained from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2021. The study analyzed women aged 15–49 years across 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2021. Estimated annual percentage changes (EAPC) in the age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR) were calculated to quantify temporal trends, by age and socio-demographic index (SDI).ResultsIn 2021, the global prevalence of GDs among WCBA was estimated at 1.21 billion cases, corresponding to a ASPR of 62,091.73 cases per 100,000 population (95% UI: 62,088.24 to 62,095.23). While the ASPR for GDs remained stable from 1990 to 2021 (EAPC = 0% [95% CI: –0.03 to 0.02]), the number of prevalent cases doubled over the same period. In 2021, the most prevalent GD globally was PMS, followed by uterine fibroids, PCOS, and female infertility. Conditions such as uterine fibroids, PCOS, and female infertility showed a significant upward trend in ASPR over time. Additionally, the ASPR of most GDs generally decreased with rising SDI, except for PCOS, which exhibited an increasing trend with higher SDI. The prevalence of GDs also increased with age, peaking in the 40–44 years age group. However, a shift in the burden of GDs toward younger women was observed, with significant increases in prevalence rates for uterine fibroids, PCOS, female infertility, and PMS in women aged 20–29 years.ConclusionsGDs among WCBA remain a global concern, underscoring the urgent need for targeted interventions, especially for younger populations and in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure. Prioritizing early intervention, addressing environmental risk factors, and removing barriers to healthcare access will mitigate the long-term impact of these conditions on women’s health and overall well-being.

Vaginal haemorrhages outside pregnancy in women of childbearing age are a major public health problem in both developed and developing countries. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency and causes of vaginal haemorrhage outside pregnancy. This is a descriptive study conducted in the city of Mbuji-Mayi at Bonzola General Hospital, registered from 01 to 31 December 2017; the data were collected transversally. The following observations were made during the study period; 174 women of childbearing age were registered. After analyzing the data, the incidence of vaginal haemorrhage in women of childbearing age was 15.8% and the main causes were: cervical cancer: 32.7% and uterine myoma 22.5%.

WNT and mTOR pathways in the G-protein coupled receptor 10 (GPR10) transgenic mouse model of uterine fibroids

Predictors of response for elagolix with add-back therapy in women with heavy menstrual bleeding associated with uterine fibroids

Uterine leiomyoma (UL), common benign tumors in women of child-bearing age, are believed to be caused mainly by Qi stagnation and blood stasis, according to a theory of traditional Chinese medicine. Curcumae Rhizoma and Sparganii Rhizoma (CRSR) is a classical herb pair that activates blood circulation to dissipate blood stasis. The purpose of this study was to explore the prevention and treatment effects of CRSR component compatibility on UL in rats. We randomly assigned adult female non-pregnant rats into three groups: a normal control (NC) group, a UL model group, and a CRSR treatment group. We administered to the UL and CRSR groups oral gavage diethylstilbestrol and injected them with progesterone (P) to establish UL for 5 weeks. The CRSR group received a CRSR medicinal solution after daily modeling. The uterus morphology of the UL group showed significantly more swelling than did that of the NC group, and we found no significant abnormalities in the morphology of the CRSR group. The pathological changes associated with UL were relieved in the CRSR group. CRSR improved the related parameters of the uterus and ovarian coefficients, significantly reducing the concentrations of P in the serum and the concentrations of estradiol, P, estrogen receptor, and P receptor in the uterus and ovary. In addition, CRSR significantly improved the abnormal blood conditions of UL, shown by decreases in plasma viscosity, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate equation K value, and erythrocyte aggregation index. Therefore, CRSR component compatibility may prevent and cure UL through the above ways.

A uterine fibroid is the most common, non-cancerous tumor in women of childbearing age and the second most common reason women of childbearing age undergo surgery. Metrorrhagiais one of the most common menstrual disorder associated with uterine fibroid and it is caused to excessive menstrual bleeding with or without intermenstrual bleeding. In Ayurveda, texts have described mamsajagranthi which perfectly correlates with benign neoplasm on modern lines. Here the study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of virechanakarmafor uterine fibroid with mild adenomyosis and other complications. 36 years old female multigravida patient, was diagnosed with uterine fibroid on the basis of clinical features and USG findings. This study was planned to find out Ayurvedic management of Uterine fibroid with samshodhanakarma. Therefore, after taking written informed consent patient was treated with virechanakarma with Trivrutavaleha with Thripalakwatha. The result of this study was found after this therapy, all major complaints like irregular excessive menstrual bleeding, the lower-abdominal pain completely reduced, and weight also got reduced and also reduced the size of the fibroid in vertically as well as horizontally. It can be concluded that uterine fibroid can be efficiently and effectively managed with Virechana Karma and the complication be prevented.

Uterine leiomyomas are the most common benign uterine tumors in the women of reproductive age. Previous studies have suggested that uterine leiomyomas are monoclonal tumors derived from a single neoplastic myometrial cell. However, the neoplastic transformation of myometrium to leiomyomas remains to be elucidated. The classical cadherins are a gene family of integral membrane glycoproteins that mediate calcium-dependent cell-cell adhesion in a homophilic manner. These cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) have been shown to play pivotal roles in tumorigenesis. Catenins are intracellular proteins that link the cytoplasmic domains of the cadherins to the cytoskeletons to promote the biological functions of these CAMs. In this study, we compared the expression of E-, N-, and P-cadherins and alpha-, beta-, and gamma-catenins in the uterine leiomyomas and the counterparts of normal myometrium of the same patients by using semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot analysis. Of these, E-cadherin (E-cad) was not detected in both uterine leiomyomas and myometrium, P-cadherin (P-cad) was similarly expressed in these two tissues, but N-cadherin (N-cad) mRNA and protein expression levels in uterine leiomyomas were significantly greater than those observed in the myometrium. Catenins were not differentially expressed in uterine myometrium and leiomyomas. The overexpression of N-cad in uterine leiomyomas suggests that this CAM may play a central role in the development of uterine leiomyomas.