Patterns of and factors potentially influencing the age at first surgery for women with ovarian endometriomas.

AIM

To investigate patterns of and factors that may influence age at the first surgery (AATFS) for ovarian endometrioma.

METHODS

Five hundred and ninety-two consecutive patients with ovarian endometriomas who underwent surgery at the Shanghai OB/GYN Hospital from 2003 to 2004 were interviewed and their charts studied. Twelve variables were examined to assess their effect on AATFS using survival analysis methodology. All diagnoses were confirmed histologically. Twelve factors that potentially influence AATFS were recorded and subjected to univariate and multiple-variable statistical analyses.

RESULTS

A Weibull distribution fitted the AATFS data very well. In addition, age at menarche, body mass index, parity, number of previous induced abortions, rAFS stage (revised classification of the American Fertility Society), presence of adhesions, myomas/adenomyosis, and dysmenorrhea were identified to be associated with AATFS.

CONCLUSION

The AATFS may be determined by a myriad of independent factors, including age at menarche, body mass index, parity, number of pregnancies, rAFS stage, and presence of adhesions, myomas/adenomyosis, and dysmenorrhea. The identification of these and other factors that influence AATFS and delineation of their roles in the pathogenesis of endometriosis may help us devise strategies for better patient care and better allocate health care resources in the future.