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Publication Information

PubMed ID
Public Release Type
Journal
Publication Year
2010
Affiliation
New England Research Institutes, Watertown, MA.
Authors
Link CL, McKinlay JB, Pulliam SJ
Studies
Citation
Link CL, Pulliam SJ, McKinlay JB. Hysterectomies and Urologic Symptoms: Results from the Boston Area Community Health (BACH) Survey. Female Pelvic Med Reconstr Surg 2010 Jan;16(1):37-47.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To describe the characteristics of women who have had a hysterectomy and to assess the association of a past hysterectomy on current urologic symptoms. METHODS: The Boston Area Community Health (BACH) survey is a random sample of Boston, Massachusetts residents aged 30-79 years using a stratified two-stage cluster design (3202 women; 1067 Black, 1111 Hispanic, 1024 White). Urologic symptoms, hysterectomy, co-morbidities, lifestyle factors, and medical indications for a hysterectomy were by self-report. Socioeconomic status was measured as a combination of education and income. RESULTS: Hysterectomies were reported by 587 women and 1782 women reported one or more urologic symptoms. Minorities and those of lower socioeconomic status are more likely to have had a hysterectomy, even after adjusting for age and potential medical indications for a hysterectomy. Hispanic women were least likely to report fibroids, polycystic ovarian syndrome, or genitourinary cancers, but they were more likely to have had a hysterectomy if they reported these conditions than Black or White women. Women with a hysterectomy were more likely to report lower urinary tract symptoms, painful bladder syndrome, urinary frequency, urgency, and overactive bladder after adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, body mass index, depression, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, smoking history, alcohol use, and physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: Minorities and those of lower socioeconomic status are more likely to report having a hysterectomy and urologic symptoms (including painful bladder syndrome) may be an unintended consequence of a hysterectomy.