Determinants of adenomyosis in women who underwent hysterectomy for benign gynecological conditions: results from a prospective multicentric study in Italy

OBJECTIVE: We conducted a cross-sectional study on the frequency and risk factors for adenomyosis in women who underwent hysterectomy for benign gynecological conditions. STUDY DESIGN: All women who consecutively underwent hysterectomy during the study period for benign gynecological conditions at 18 gynecological departments were eligible for the study. A total of 820 women entered the study. Pathological data were collected prospectically. RESULTS: Adenomyosis was identified in 231 women (28.2%, 95% confidence interval, CI, 24.6-32.5). The frequency of adenomyosis was similar in women with indication for surgery fibroids/menorrhagia (143 cases, 28.5%) or genital prolapse (69 cases, 28.2%). The rate ratio (RR) of adenomyosis was 1.9 (95% CI 1.2-2.8) in women reporting one or more induced abortions, in comparison with those reporting no induced abortion. Women with adenomyosis reported more frequently dysmenorrhoea and chronic pelvic pain, but not dyspareunia. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that adenomyosis is common in women who undergo hysterectomy and that it is more frequent among women reporting induced abortions dysmenorrhoea and chronic pelvic pain.