Incidence of Menstrual Disorders is Not Influenced by Nulliparity

Abstract

Background: Nulliparity is a condition that has been associated with some oncological gynecological diseases. Since religious community is a realistic example of nulliparous women, the present study aims to evidence if nulliparity is a risk factor for developing menstrual disorders and benign gynecological diseases. Materials and Methods: The present observational retrospective study enrolled 442 women divided in Group A (n=216; Catholic nuns) and Group B (n=226; parous women). All eligible women filled in standardized questionnaires, to obtain data on physiological and pathological aspects of menstrual cycle and related gynecological data. Statistical analysis was performed using univariate statistical analyses, Mann-Whitney U test or Fisher exact test. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The results showed that nulliparity is not correlated with a different incidence of menstrual cycle disorders (in term of length or bleeding), or gynecological disorders (ovarian or uterine). Dysmenorrhea is more common in pluriparous women, with a higher use of painkillers in nulliparous women. Conclusion: Therefore, the present study suggests that nulliparity does not represent a risk factor for the development of menstrual irregularity and painful symptomatology, compared with pluriparous women.