The Association between Early-Life Exposure to Maternal Smoking and the Risk of Endometriosis in Daughters: Retrospective Study

Background: Endometriosis, a complicated gynaecological illness, is caused by hereditary and environmental factors. Here, we examine whether or not daughters who were exposed to second-hand smoke from their mothers were more likely to develop endometriosis later in life. Methods: Electronic health records were used to examine a cohort of 250 people. Endometriosis cases were documented, as was a mother’s history of smoking throughout pregnancy and while her child was an infant. Relationships were analysed using logistic regression models. Results: Results showed a dose-response association between maternal smoking and endometriosis risk. Thirty endometriosis cases were found in the control group (no exposure). There were 35 cases in the low exposure group, a 78% increase in risk (adjusted OR: 1.78, 95% CI: 1.03-3.07). With 45 cases, the adjusted Odds Ratio (OR) for moderate Exposure was 2.35 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.32-4.18). There were 55 instances, and the risk was 212% higher in the high-exposure group (adjusted OR: 3.12, 95% CI: 1.67-5.81). Higher levels of Exposure in childhood were linked with a higher risk of developing endometriosis later in adulthood. Conclusion: Public health efforts should target decreasing the prevalence of smoking among mothers and improving the quality of life in early childhood because of the link between maternal smoking and endometriosis in their daughters. When calculating a patient’s endometriosis risk, doctors should factor in their exposure history from childhood.