Fibroids and Urinary Symptoms Study (FUSS)

Area of Science:

• Gynecology
• Urology
• Pelvic Health

Background:

• Uterine fibroids are common benign tumors affecting women of reproductive age.
• Fibroids can cause various symptoms, including pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, and pressure.
• Pelvic floor dysfunction and urinary symptoms are frequently reported by women with fibroids.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize pelvic floor and urinary symptoms in women seeking treatment for uterine fibroids.
• To investigate the relationship between uterine and fibroid size and the severity of pelvic floor symptoms.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 195 women treated for uterine fibroids.
• Participants completed validated questionnaires: Uterine Fibroid Symptom and Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire (UFS-QOL) and Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20).
• Pelvic imaging was performed to assess uterine and fibroid size.

Main Results:

• High prevalence of pelvic floor symptoms reported, including pelvic pain (68%), dyspareunia (37%), and urinary incontinence (31%).
• Commonly reported bothersome symptoms included pelvic pressure/tightness (63%), frequent daytime urination (60%), and nocturia (47%).
• No significant correlation was found between uterine volume or fibroid size and the UFS-QOL or PFDI-20 scores.

Conclusions:

• Women undergoing evaluation for uterine fibroids experience substantial pelvic floor and urinary symptom burden.
• Urinary frequency and pelvic pressure are particularly common complaints.
• Uterine and fibroid size are not associated with the degree of bother from pelvic floor symptoms in this cohort.