Correlation between Endometriosis and Selected Allergic and Autoimmune Diseases and Eating Habits.

Background and Objectives: Endometriosis is a hormone-dependent chronic inflammatory disease with serious reproductive and general health consequences. It is viewed as a multifactorial problem, consisting of matters related to altered immunity and genetics. In this study, we determined the correlation between endometriosis and allergic and autoimmune diseases in patients at reproductive age. Materials and Methods: Online surveys distributed through websites related to gynecological problems. The questionnaire was composed of 63 single and multiple-choice questions concerning the course of endometriosis, diet, and allergic and autoimmune diseases. The obtained data were assessed using statistical tests. Results: 501 female patients (mean age 31.1 SD = 6.8) were included in the study. The control group (n = 155) consisted of healthy females, whereas the study group (n = 346) consisted of female patients with endometriosis; each group was subdivided according to allergy status. There were statistically significant differences between groups for the following: positive family history of endometriosis (p = 0.0002), onset of allergic symptoms (p = 0.0003), frequency and duration of abdominal pain (p = 0.00625), and defecation disorders (p = 0.0006). Asthma was less common in the study group (p = 0.00611). The group of patients with endometriosis and allergies had a high median of consumption of red meat (p = 0.0143), fish (p = 0.0016), and dairy products (p = 0.0001). Conclusions: Endometriosis did not affect autoimmune diseases and their courses. Patients with diagnosed endometriosis presented allergy symptoms much earlier than the healthy patients. The consumption of dietary products such as soya products, red meat, and alcohol had an influence on the occurrence of endometriosis.

Impact of Contraception on Uterine Fibroids.

Background and Objectives: Uterine fibroids develop in 25-40% of women of childbearing age; however, there are discrepancies resulting from population and socioeconomic differences. The pathogenesis of fibroids is not clear. The aim of the study was to assess the potential connection between the use of oral contraceptives and the occurrence of uterine fibroids in women of childbearing age. Materials and Methods: In this prospective, survey, case-control study, data were collected from Caucasian female patients (mean age = 30) using a questionnaire concerning the onset, duration and form of hormonal contraception, and medical and obstetrical history. The questionnaires were handed personally to hospitalized patients as well as distributed through Google forms on social media. Results: In a study group (n = 140) of patients using hormonal contraception, 37.8% of them were diagnosed with uterine fibroids, whereas among the patients not using hormonal contraception (n = 206), uterine fibroids were diagnosed in 59.6% of the patients. The most common hormonal contraception was two-component hormonal tablets used by 93.3% of the patients. Taking contraceptives was a uterine fibroids protective factor (OR = 0.4, p = 0.007). In the study group, 5.5% of the patients were pregnant and 60.42% were diagnosed with uterine fibroids (OR = 4.4, p < 0.000001). Conclusion: Contraception was found to be a protective factor for uterine fibroids among the women surveyed. The presented data confirm the theory about the hormonal dependence of uterine fibroids.