FREQUENCY OF UTERINE FIBROIDS AND ITS RISK FACTORS IN REPRODUCTIVE AGE DETECTED THROUGH ULTRASOUND

Abstract

Background: Fibroids are common benign tumors affecting 20–40% of women during reproductive years, usually classified by location as sub-serosal, intramural, sub-mucosal, or cervical. Heavy menstrual bleeding is the most frequent symptom, often leading to anemia and discomfort, though many cases are diagnosed incidentally on ultrasound. This study aims to assess the frequency of uterine fibroids and their risk factors among women of reproductive age at Maqsood Medical Complex, Peshawar. Documented risk factors include younger age at menarche, premenopausal status, and irregular menstrual cycles, consistent with the hormonal hypothesis. Objectives is to determine the frequency and risk factors leading to fibroid in women of reproductive age outpatient department of Maqsood medical complex Peshawar.

methodology:

study setting: Cross sectional study.

Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Maqsood medical complex Peshawar.

 Duration of study: Six months from March, 2025 to august, 2025.

 Results: A cross-sectional study of 173 women at Maqsood Medical Complex, Peshawar, found fibroids most prevalent among women aged 37–48 years and married women. Irregular cycles, physical inactivity, family history, and hypertension were identified as risk factors. Ultrasound showed uterine enlargement (52.6%) and heterogeneous echotexture (41.6%), with infertility observed in 19.7% of patients.

Conclusion:  Leiomyomas, another name for uterine fibroids, are among the most                           prevalent benign tumors that women experience during their reproductive years. In clinical groups, the disease prevalence ranges from 20 to 77 percent. The symptoms are severe monthly blood loss, pelvic pain, anemia, infertility, and pregnancy-related problems. Ultrasonography has proven useful for tracking and early fibroids detection.