Effect of Uterine Myoma Symptoms on Quality of Life

Uterine fibroid is the most prevalent benign tumour of the reproductive age population and constitutes a major public health cost to the community in terms of out patient attendances and hospital costs for surgery of the disease.

It causes significant morbidity and is the single most common indication for hysterectomy, representing a major personal and public health concern worldwide. This tumour is also a significant cause of pelvic pain, menorrhagia, abnormal uterine bleeding, infertility and pregnancy complications.

The current definitive treatment for Uterine fibroid is hysterectomy which is not desirable in all cases of child bearing age women especially in those who want to retain their fertility or want to delay childbirth.

Some system of priority must therefore be established taking into account the social as well as the medical needs of the patients. The development of a safe, effective, and non-surgical method of treatment for Uterine fibroid would greatly benefit many women, especially those who want to retain their fertility. Women are seeking alternatives to conventional medications and surgery for the treatment of Uterine fibroid.

The impact of symptoms on health-related quality of life in the study population was assessed by using the Uterine Fibroid Symptoms and Quality of Life (UFS-QOL) questionnaire. The questionnaire consists of 8 questions addressing both the frequency and severity of symptoms, and 29 questions on health related QOL. Two distinct scores were calculated for symptom severity and quality of life. Higher symptom scores are indicative of greater symptom severity while higher QOL scores mean a better health- related QOL. Women were asked to complete the UFS-QOL questionnaire at baseline and after complete treatment.

The subjects in the Test Group resulted in decrease in UFS score and an increase in the QOL score.