Evaluation of the correlation between body mass index and endometriosis among Iranian fertile women

AIMS: The investigations have revealed an inverse correlation between body mass index (BMI) and endometriosis. Endometriosis is a common gynecological disease among women of reproductive age, which is defined as the implantation of endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterus. In this respect, we aimed to study the correlation between endometriosis and BMI in Iranian fertile women. METHODS: In a case-control design, 46 fertile women with endometriosis and 53 matched controls were recruited. All of the patients had a laparoscopy or laparotomy surgery and histologically confirmed endometriosis. The control group was selected from healthy volunteers who referred to gynecologist for tubal ligation or surgery of benign gynecological diseases. The participants were interviewed based on a structured questionnaire which covered inquiries regarding demographics, reproductive and menstrual history. RESULTS: Statistical analysis was performed by categorizing the BMI to four main groups: >30, 25-29.9, 18.5-24.9 and <18.5. The results showed a significant inverse correlation between BMI and endometriosis (p = 0.039). BMI over 30 was observed in 26% of healthy controls versus 13% of endometriosis patients. On the other hand, BMI under 18.5 were detected in 3 individuals, all of them belonged to the endometriosis group. DISCUSSION: Recent investigations have emphasized the role of BMI in endometriosis. The results of this study suggest that lower BMI is associated with an increased risk of endometriosis. As a parameter easily obtained, BMI may be useful for risk assessment of endometriosis.