BackgroundIn 2009 the Uterine Bleeding and Pain Women's Research Study (UBP-WRS) was conducted interviewing 21,479 women across 8 countries in order to gain patient-based prevalence data on uterine pain and bleeding indications and investigate uterine symptoms and women's treatment experiences. This article shows relevant results of the study for the indication uterine fibroids providing data on self-reported prevalence, symptomatology and management of uterine fibroids.Methods2,500 women (USA: 4,500 women) in each country (Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, South Korea, the UK, the USA) completed an online survey. Women included were in their reproductive age (age group 15-49 years; USA: 18-49 years) and had ever experienced menstrual bleedings. Quotas were applied for age, region, level of education and household income of respondents. Variables have been analyzed descriptively and exploratory statistical tests have been performed.ResultsThe self-reported prevalence of uterine fibroids ranged from 4.5% (UK) to 9.8% (Italy), reaching 9.4% (UK) to 17.8% (Italy) in the age group of 40-49 years. Women with a diagnosis of uterine fibroids reported significantly more often about bleeding symptoms than women without a diagnosis: heavy bleedings (59.8% vs. 37.4%), prolonged bleedings (37.3% vs. 15.6%), bleeding between periods (33.3% vs. 13.5%), frequent periods (28.4% vs. 15.2%), irregular and predictable periods (36.3% vs. 23.9%). Furthermore women with diagnosed uterine fibroids reported significantly more often about the following pain symptoms: pressure on the bladder (32.6% vs. 15.0%), chronic pelvic pain (14.5% vs. 2.9%), painful sexual intercourse (23.5% vs. 9.1%) and pain occurring mid-cycle, after and during menstrual bleeding (31.3%, 16.7%, 59.7%, vs. 17.1%, 6.4%, 52.0%). 53.7% of women reported that their symptoms had a negative impact on their life in the last 12 month, influencing their sexual life (42.9%), performance at work (27.7%) and relationship & family (27.2%).ConclusionsUterine fibroid is a common concern in women at fertile age causing multiple bleeding and pain symptoms which can have a negative impact on different aspects in women's life.

Purpose The symptoms of endometriosis are heterogeneous and overlap with those of other conditions, resulting in misdiagnoses and/or delayed diagnosis and treatment. The Uterine Bleeding and Pain Women's Research Study (UBP-WRS) collected data to elucidate differences in diagnoses and treatment experiences of women, and to assess the impact of endometriosis on their quality of life. Methods The UBP-WRS interviewed women aged 15 to 49 in eight countries using an online methodology. Quotas were applied for the age, region, level of education, and income of respondents. Questions assessed menstruation, diagnoses of endometriosis or other gynecological conditions (e.g., uterine fibroids), symptoms, impact on life, and perceptions of treatments. Results Of the total of 21 749 women, 2.7% reported surgically diagnosed endometriosis, 2.4% reported nonsurgically diagnosed endometriosis, 5.5% had physician-suspected endometriosis, and 6.2% reported symptoms indicative of endometriosis but no diagnosis. Prevalence of the different diagnoses was comparable between countries. Mean age at diagnosis was 28 years and estimated time-to-diagnosis was 6.1 years. Pain symptoms were generally more common and severe in women with diagnosed endometriosis than in those with suspected disease, whereas the reverse was true for their quality-of-life. Of women receiving treatment for diagnosed endometriosis, 60% were satisfied and 40% were dissatisfied with efficacy. However, 29% of women with diagnosed endometriosis were not receiving any treatment. Conclusions Approximately 17% of women in the UBP-WRS reported diagnosed, suspected or symptoms of endometriosis; this is comparable to previously published studies. The UBP-WRS – among the largest surveys of its kind – may help to improve understanding of this enigmatic disease and guide therapeutic practices.