Are obesity, diabetes, and hypertension risk factors for cervical polyps?

Objective: To investigate whether diabetes, hypertension, and obesity can be considered risk factors for cervical polyps. Material and Methods: The hospital-based case-control study was carried out. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 307 consecutive patients with cervical polyps. A control group consisting of 3 women per case-matched by the same age, same parity, same menopausal status and the same presenting symptoms. These groups were compared with respect of diabetes, hypertension and obesity prevalence. Results: The study included a total of 212 patients eligible for analysis in cervical polyp group, and a matched control group consisting of 636 women without cervical polyp. Women with cervical polyp had higher body mass index than the controls, but the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.72). The prevalence of obesity was significantly higher in the cervical polyp group than the controls (p=0.016). A statistically significant correlation was found between obesity and cervical polyps (OR: 1.351, CI: 1.062-1,718). There was no significant difference between the groups with respect to the prevalence of diabetes (p=0.795) and hypertension (p=0.703). Conclusion: Obesity appears to be a risk factor for cervical polyps. Obese women should receive special attention for potential coexistence of cervical polyps as part of their gynecological evaluation. This study supports the importance of weight management for the preventive plan of cervical polyps.