Cervical Polyp as Risk Factor for Hysteroscopically Diagnosed Endometrial Polyps

Abstract

A case-control study was conducted searching through 590 diagnostic hysteroscopies in order to identify potential risk factors for endometrial polyps. Case (hysteroscopically positive for endometrial polyps) and control groups were compared for age, parity, cervical polyp, menopausal status, smoking and current use of contraceptive pills. A higher prevalence of endometrial polyps was found among women with a cervical polyp (26.9%) compared to those without a cervical polyp (7.1%, chi(2) = 27.52, p < 0.001). Increased risk of endometrial polyp was found to be associated with age (odds ratio = 1.75 every 10 years, p < 0.001), cervical polyp (odds ratio = 4.83, 95% CI = 2.43-9.52), and menopause (odds ratio = 2.03, 95% CI = 1.12-3.69). After multivariate analysis, only age (adjusted odds ratio = 1.90, p = 0.001) and cervical polyp (adjusted odds ratio = 5.42, p < 0.001) were independent variables still associated with increased risk of endometrial polyps. We conclude that age and cervical polyp are strong, independent risk factors for endometrial polyps.