Uterine fibroids cause significant fear and ill-health and can compromise career performance, according to a recently published survey.
Fibroids affect 80 per cent of women by the age of 50
The results of the survey involving nearly 1,000 women in the USA were published this month in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Journal of Women’s Health. The findings shed new light on the impact, prevalence and treatment concerns related to fibroids, which affect up to 80 per cent of women by the age of 50.
Fears around Hysterectomy
The survey assessed diagnosis, information-seeking behaviour, attitudes about fertility, impact on work and treatment preferences among women living with uterine fibroids for an average of nearly nine years. The researchers found that women delayed seeking treatment for an average of 3.6 years, with 32 per cent of women waiting more than five years. Most women reported fears associated with their fibroids, including being afraid that the fibroids will grow and that they will need a hysterectomy, as well as fears regarding relationships, sexual function, body image, loss of control and hopelessness. Almost two-thirds of women were concerned about missed days from work due to their symptoms, and 24 per cent of employed respondents felt that their symptoms prevented them from reaching their career potential. The vast majority said they would prefer a minimally invasive treatment option that preserves the uterus.
“We conducted this survey to better understand the experience and needs of women with fibroids,” says Dr Elizabeth A. Stewart, lead author and gynaecologic surgeon. “Many people are unaware that the vast majority of women will experience uterine fibroids in their lifetime and that this condition can cause significant morbidity for those who are symptomatic.”
A majority of survey respondents (51 per cent) noted the importance of having a fibroid treatment option that allows them to keep their uterus and 84 per cent stated that they would prefer a treatment option that does not involve any invasive surgery of any kind.
When presented with treatment descriptions, the majority of women (60 per cent) rated focused ultrasound as their top treatment choice. Focused ultrasound treatment uses high-intensity sound waves to heat and destroy uterine fibroid cells while leaving surrounding tissue intact. It is an outpatient procedure that involves no incisions and enables many women to return to normal activity in one or two days.
