Awareness, burden and treatment of uterine fibroids: a web-based Italian survey

Uterine fibroids (UFs) are the most common benign tumors in women of reproductive age and one of the leading causes of hysterectomy in Italy. This survey aimed to report how Italian women perceive and approach UFs, in order to raise healthcare professionals (HCPs)’, institutions’ and women’s awareness of UFs and their treatment options. 1508 Italian women aged 30–50 years completed a web-based survey, answering a structured questionnaire focused on UF prevalence, symptomatology and impact, management and awareness. UF self-reported prevalence was 28.8%. Most UF-diagnosed women had symptom(s) before diagnosis (79.0%), and more than a half of UF-diagnosed participants were symptomatic post-diagnosis (55.8%). The most common symptoms after diagnosis were heavy menstrual bleeding (73.1%), dysmenorrhea (50.4%) and pelvic pain (36.8%). UFs negatively affected the quality of life of most symptomatic women, as well as sexuality and employment. Private gynecologists were the key reference HCPs for consultation and UF diagnosis. The most common UF treatments for symptomatic women were surgery (49.2%), followed by oral contraceptives (39.3%). Surgery was also performed for 22.9% of asymptomatic participants. UF-diagnosed participants were not involved in therapeutic choices in 37.6% of cases. Women’s knowledge about UFs was mostly superficial (58.7% of all participants), with gynecologists and family/friends as main information sources. Patient-physician communication was rather unsatisfactory, especially about UF therapeutic options and disease impact on sexuality, fertility and lifestyle. This survey highlights that there is still a need to promote patient’s knowledge about UFs and empowerment in treatment decision.