Cervical neoplasia-related factors and decreased prevalence of uterine fibroids among a cohort of African American women

Kristen R. Moore, Jennifer S. Smith, Shannon K. Laughlin-Tommaso, Donna D. Baird

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective To investigate whether the previously reported inverse association between cervical neoplasia and uterine fibroids is corroborated. Design Cross-sectional analysis of enrollment data from an ongoing prospective study of fibroid development. Setting Not applicable. Patient(s) Self-reported data on abnormal Pap smear, colposcopy, and cervical treatment were obtained from 1,008 African American women ages 23-34 with no previous fibroid diagnosis and no reported history of human papillomavirus vaccination. Presence of fibroids was assessed at a standardized ultrasound examination. Intervention(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) The association between the three cervical neoplasia-related variables and the presence of fibroids was evaluated with logistic regression to estimate age-adjusted and multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (aORs). Result(s) Of the analysis sample, 46%, 29%, and 14% reported a prior abnormal Pap smear, colposcopy, and cervical treatment, respectively. Twenty-five percent had fibroids at ultrasound. Those reporting cervical treatment had a 39% (aOR, 0.61; 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.38-0.96]) reduction in fibroid risk. Weak nonsignificant associations were found for abnormal Pap smear and colposcopy. Conclusion(s) Although a protective-type association of cervical neoplasia with uterine fibroids seems counterintuitive, a causal pathway is possible, and the findings are consistent with two prior studies. Further investigation is needed on the relationship between fibroids and cervical neoplasia and human papillomavirus-related mechanisms.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)208-214
Number of pages7
JournalFertility and sterility
Volume101
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2014

Keywords

  • Uterine fibroids
  • abnormal Pap smear
  • cervical neoplasia
  • cervical treatment
  • colposcopy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Reproductive Medicine
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

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