Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding: Association with Bilateral Tubal Ligation

Background: Abnormal uterine bleeding is one of the most frequent gynecological problems. DUB can occur at any time between menarche and menopause in ovulatory or anovulatory cycles. An increase risk of developing menstrual abnormalities following tubal ligation has been a subject of debate for decades. Aims: To find an association between Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) and prior Bilateral tubal ligation (BTL). Material and Methods: Cross sectional study done at Pramukh Swami Medical College, Shree Krishna Hospital, Karamsad from December 2011 to December 2012. 150 patients between the ages of 30 to 50 with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) were studied. Exclusion criteria included intrauterine device (IUD), evidence of pregnancy, leiomyoma or ovarian pathology on sonography, uterine size of greater than 10 cm, medical disorders and hormonal therapy. All patients were worked up for underlying cause of AUB, assessed for BTL and divided in two groups. Group A of 80 patients with previous history of BTL and Group B of 70 patients had without previous history of BTL. Statistical test used: Percentage, Chi-square test Statistical analysis was performed using the IBM SPSS (Statistical package for the Social Sciences v15.0) and Microsoft Excel 2007 software. Results: In group A, 67 patients (83.7%) had DUB as compared to 26 (37.1%) in group B and this difference is statistically significant (p<0.05) Conclusion: In women undergoing diagnostic work up for AUB the likelihood of DUB being the underlying cause is greater if they have prior BTL.