DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2019.v07i04.060

Pages: 1672-1677

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a major global public health concern, affecting an estimated 71 million individuals worldwide. Besides its well-established hepatic consequences, HCV infection is increasingly associated with a broad range of extrahepatic manifestations, including gynecological disorders that may significantly impair women's reproductive health and overall quality of life. Aim: This study aims to investigate the correlation between chronic HCV infection and gynecological manifestations in reproductive-age women attending IQ City Medical College, Durgapur, West Bengal, India. Methodology: A cross-sectional, hospital-based clinical study was conducted over eight months (January–August 2018) among 575 seropositive HCV female patients aged 18–45 years. Detailed clinical history, laboratory investigations, pelvic ultrasonography, and menstrual and reproductive assessments were performed. Statistical analysis involved chi-square tests, frequency distribution, and multivariate logistic regression to determine associations between HCV infection and specific gynecological manifestations. Results: Menstrual irregularities (31.3%), infertility (20.8%), pelvic pain (16.5%), and ovarian cysts (13.9%) were the most common manifestations. Significant associations were found between higher viral load, prolonged infection duration, and menstrual dysfunction (p<0.05). Among the study population, 38% exhibited at least one gynecological abnormality. Conclusion: Chronic HCV infection is significantly associated with various gynecological manifestations, suggesting a possible immunological and endocrine link. Early screening of reproductive-age women with HCV is crucial to prevent long-term complications.