Gynaecological correlates of hysterectomy in Danish women

The aim has been to assess the gynaecological characteristics of importance for hysterectomy performed for benign diseases.

In a prevalence study, 2301 Danish women aged 30, 40, 50, or 60 years, were selected at random in 1982, and self-report questionnaires were collected from 77%. Information about gynaecological and obstetric history, social background, weight and dieting history, and various lifestyles were recorded. Weight and height were measured. In an incidence study, the cohort was followed during 1982-1990 via central registers to assess the incidence of hysterectomy. Logistic and Cox regression were used to analyse data.

In the prevalence study, 85% of the hysterectomies were performed for benign conditions. Early menarche (< or = 11 years old) and short-term use of oral contraceptives (OC) (1-4 years) were independent correlates of these hysterectomies by multivariate analyses, whereas multiparity (> or = 4 childbirths) was confounded by education and weight-related factors. Long-term use of OC was associated with lower prevalence of hysterectomy. In the incidence study, short-term use of OC and ever use of progestogen-only minipills were independent risk factors for hysterectomy performed recently for benign diseases in women under 50 in the multivariate analyses. Abortions did not reach significance, and neither multiparity, long-term use of OC, nor early menarche were important.

The most important gynaecological characteristics related to premenopausal hysterectomy performed for benign diseases are hormonal contraceptives. These findings imply that the decision-making process concerning hysterectomy might depend on women's choice of contraception and compliance with OC as medical treatment.