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Prevalência e correlatos menstruais de patologias uterinas detectadas por ultrassonografia em estudantes universitárias em idade reprodutiva

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Objective: Uterine pathologies contribute to gynecological morbidity but remain understudied in young populations in sub-Saharan Africa. This study investigated the prevalence of uterine pathologies and examined their associations with menstrual characteristics, lifestyle factors, and uterine morphometry among reproductive-aged students. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 236 female students aged 15–49 years from Nnamdi Azikiwe University. Data on menstrual history and lifestyle factors were collected using a questionnaire, while pelvic ultrasonography was used to assess uterine pathologies and morphometry. Associations were evaluated using Fisher’s exact test and Mann–Whitney U test, with statistical significance set at p<0.05. Results: The prevalence of any uterine pathology was 9.3%, with fibroids being the most common (5.1%) and adenomyosis rare (1.3%). No significant associations were observed between uterine pathology and menstrual cycle regularity, cycle length, menstrual pain, or overall symptom burden (p>0.05). Among lifestyle factors, low physical activity was significantly associated with higher prevalence of uterine pathology (13.7% vs 3.9%, p=0.012). Participants with uterine pathology demonstrated significantly greater uterine volume (p=0.027) and cervical anteroposterior diameter (p=0.014), while other morphometric parameters showed no significant differences. Conclusions: Uterine pathologies were relatively uncommon and not associated with menstrual characteristics in this young population, suggesting that such conditions may remain clinically silent in early reproductive life. The association with low physical activity highlights a potential modifiable factor, while morphometric differences indicate early structural changes detectable by ultrasound. Further longitudinal studies are needed to clarify the natural history and determinants of uterine pathology in young women.

Source: Revista Internacional de Salud Materno Fetal

Authors: Igwilo, Kenechukwu Chukwudi, Emegoakor, Adaobi Chiazor, Obi, Ndubuisi Paris, Edochie, Arinze Joseph, Anoliefo, Kingsley Okechukwu, Nwankwo, Esther Chinwekele, Uke, Kelechi Morris, Chiweta, Kekeocha Martins, Akubukor, Franklyne Chinenye, Okafor, Izuchukwu Azuka

Institutions: Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Delta State University, Delta State University, Wexham Park Hospital, Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School

Language: English

Topic: Uterine Myomas and Treatments

Subfield: Obstetrics and Gynecology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7220301915

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