CERVICAL POLYP AS RISK FACTOR FOR HYSTEROSCOPICALLY DIAGNOSED ENDOMETRIAL POLYPS

A case-control study was conducted searching through 590 diagnostic hy steroscopies in order to identify potential risk factors for endometri al polyps. Case (hysteroscopically positive for endometrial polyps) an d control groups were compared for age, parity, cervical polyp, menopa usal 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 t o 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 menopaus e (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 sti ll associated with increased risk of endometrial polyps. We conclude t hat age and cervical polyp are strong, independent risk factors for en dometrial polyps.