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. 2025 Jun 15;17(6):e86088.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.86088. eCollection 2025 Jun.

Morbidity Pattern in Young Unmarried Women Attending Gynecology Clinics at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Mohammed A AlAteeq  1   2 , Razan Al Kahtani  3 , Shumukh AlDawsari  3 , Sana Balghonaim  3 , Zina AlMasri  3 , Haneen Altuwaijri  3
Affiliations

Morbidity Pattern in Young Unmarried Women Attending Gynecology Clinics at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Mohammed A AlAteeq et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Background: Gynecological morbidities, particularly menstrual disorders, are a leading cause of healthcare consultations among young, unmarried women globally. However, comprehensive data on their prevalence and treatment-seeking behaviors in this demographic, especially in Saudi Arabia, are limited. This study aimed to characterize the pattern of gynecological morbidities among young unmarried women attending clinics at King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Methods: A cross-sectional study analyzed medical records of 195 unmarried women aged 14-25 years presenting with gynecological issues at KAMC between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2022. Data collected included demographics, BMI, comorbidities, gynecological and surgical history, chronic medications, presenting complaints, complaint duration, diagnoses, and management plans.

Results: Of the 195, 110 participants (56.41%) had at least one medical condition. The most frequent complaint was of irregular menstrual cycle, reported by 51 patients (26.2%). Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) was diagnosed in 76 patients (39%), followed by ovarian masses. The most frequent management plan involved further investigations in 68 cases (34.9%), followed by oral contraceptive pill prescriptions. A significant association was found between the BMI category and PCOS diagnosis.

Conclusion: This study provides insight into gynecological health disparities among young unmarried women in Saudi Arabia. The findings highlight the high prevalence of comorbidities and PCOS within this cohort. Understanding these patterns can inform policy changes and resource allocation, ultimately improving gynecological healthcare delivery and outcomes for young unmarried women in Saudi Arabia.

Keywords: adolescents; dysmenorrhea; menstrual disorders; reproductive health; women health.

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Conflict of interest statement

Human subjects: Informed consent for treatment and open access publication was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Institutional Review Board (IRB), King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), Riyadh issued approval IRB/21209/23. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

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