Uterine Fibroids: Burden and Unmet Medical Need

Abstract

Uterine fibroids affect a wide cross-section of the population, with prevalence, symptom severity, and overall disease burden generally higher among black women, likely due to both genetic and environmental factors. Potential symptoms of uterine fibroids include painful and excessive uterine bleeding, interference with everyday life and self-image, and impaired fertility. Because of the high estimated prevalence and costs associated with treatments, the direct and indirect costs of uterine fibroids are substantial for both the health care system and the individual patient. Special patient populations—such as black women, women seeking to retain fertility, and women with asymptomatic fibroids—have particular treatment needs that require a variety of diagnostic methods and treatment options. Despite the widespread occurrence of uterine fibroids and newer treatment options, little high-quality data are available to formulate evidence-based guidelines that address these unmet patient needs. Specific areas in need of attention include improving diagnostic techniques, increasing patient access to early treatment, and identifying best practices for this diverse patient population.

Uterine fibroids (UFs) are a major public health concern, yet much is unknown about their underlying cause. Though prevalence of UF overall is high, treatment options are limited and may not be widely accessed by patients. To provide an overview of the UF disease state and context for the fibroid-focused articles following within this issue of Seminars in Reproductive Medicine , we summarize main findings for burden of disease, the widely varied experiences in special populations, and the current unmet needs in the UF patient population.

Burden of Disease in the United States

Prevalence, Incidence, and Risk Factors

Uterine fibroids are the most common benign pelvic tumors in women. Because many UFs are asymptomatic, estimating prevalence is difficult. ¹ In a recent systematic review, prevalence estimates range from 4.5 to 68.6%, depending on study population and methodology, ² with prevalence increasing with age until menopause, then declining. ¹ This prevalence is higher than other conditions in women such as hypertension, ³ breast cancer, ⁴ or ovarian cancer. ⁵ There are marked differences by race in both prevalence and incidence ( Fig. 1 ), with age-specific incidence and prevalence of UF higher in black women at all ages. ^{1 2} Using ultrasound screening, the estimated cumulative incidence rate of UF by the age of 50 is significantly higher in black women (80%) compared with white women (nearly 70%). ⁶

Fig. 1.

Incidence of uterine fibroid in ( a ) registry studies from the United States and ( b ) according to race in the Nurses' Health Study. ² BWHS, Black Women's Health Study; CTS, California Teachers Study; NHSII, Nurses' Health Study II. (Image republished with permission of John Wiley and Sons, Inc., from Stewart et al; ² permission conveyed through Copyright Clearance Center, Inc.)

The underlying pathogenesis of UF remains unclear. Several risk factors have been identified, ranging from genetic predisposition to variable lifestyle behaviors. A positive family history is a significant risk factor for developing UF; ^{7 8} however, the specific genetic component(s) of UF risk are not fully understood. New data suggest specific subgroups of genetic alterations; for example, genome-wide association studies and analyses of UF tumors have revealed several genetic and epigenetic factors that are correlated with an increased risk for UF. ^{9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18} Modifiable lifestyle factors that may significantly impact UF incidence include vitamin D deficiency, ^{7 19 20 21 22} exercise and diet, ²³ smoking, ²⁴ obesity, ^{7 23 25} contraceptive use, ²³ and dyslipidemia. ^{25 26 27} There is some evidence that vitamin D supplementation ²⁸ and statin use ²⁹ have some protective effects. Together, these data suggest that several lifestyle factors may collectively contribute to the development of UF; further studies—including clinical trials of weight loss, exercise, and/or dietary modification for the prevention or treatment of symptomatic UF—are warranted.

Symptoms and Impact of Symptomatic Disease

Symptoms associated with UF can negatively impact daily living and quality of life (QoL). Symptoms vary by patient, but many women with UF have more than one symptom. Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB), the most common symptom, occurs in about one-third of patients and can result in life-threatening anemia. ³⁰ One retrospective study found that UF was the cause of bleeding in 48% of women discharged from the hospital having a diagnosis of HMB and extremely low hemoglobin levels. ³¹ Along with HMB, UF-associated pain is another frequent problem reported by patients. ³² The size and location of UF impacts pain during menstruation, but not during pre-menstruation or during sexual intercourse. ³² However, fibroid size, often exceeding 10 cm in diameter, can lead to other “direct” or “bulk” symptoms such as abdominal protrusion; pelvic pressure; urinary urgency, frequency, or incontinence; and constipation and/or tenesmus. ^{33 34}

Not surprisingly, UFs are also associated with several adverse reproductive outcomes. They are associated with 10% of infertility cases and are the only identified cause of infertility in 1 to 3% of patients. ³⁵ UFs are also associated with several pregnancy-related complications, spontaneous abortion, preterm delivery, and cesarean delivery ³⁵ —although the extent to which this association is causal rather than confounded by other factors associated with these outcomes, such as black race and older maternal age, is unclear.

The chronic nature of UF symptoms can ultimately have a severe impact on patients' day-to-day activities, making it challenging for patients to maintain emotional and psychological well-being. ^{36 37 38} A common emotional response to UF is the concern of self-image and worth, which can contribute to difficulties in relationships. ^{36 39} Fatigue and missing work due to UF are reported by many women. ^{39 40} Indeed, UFs affect the health and effectiveness of women in a variety of workplace environments, including the military. ⁴¹ Though women of many ethnic backgrounds report work-related symptoms, black women have a higher incidence and more often have severe or very severe work-related symptoms than white women. ^{39 40}

Costs Affect Both Patients and the Health Care System

The annual cost of UF has been estimated to total 34.4 billion USD, which is more than breast cancer, colon cancer, or ovarian cancer, ⁴² though less than cardiovascular disease. ⁴³

The indirect costs of UF due to loss of work—estimated to be 1.6 to 17.2 billion USD annually—were identified as the most expensive annual UF-related cost. ⁴² However, the direct costs are also substantial. UFs are the most common cause of hysterectomy in the United States, contributing to approximately 30 to 50% of all hysterectomies. ^{44 45} Additionally, hysterectomy is the most common surgery for UF management, accounting for approximately 75% of UF-related surgeries. ^{45 46} Like other inpatient and outpatient surgical treatments, hysterectomy, myomectomy, uterine artery embolization (UAE), and endometrial ablation ³⁴ lead to significant direct costs for fibroid-related surgeries, hospital admissions, outpatient visits, and prescriptions. ^{47 48 49} The annual direct cost of UF was recently estimated to be 4.1 to 9.4 billion USD ( Table 1 ). ^{42 47 48 49} Obstetric-related complications alone contributed 4 to 23% of the total annual cost. ⁴² With complications and recurrence common, costs for treatment can last for at least 10 years. ⁵⁰ Indeed, patients with UF incurred significantly higher health care resource utilization and costs than those without UF, both pre- and postdiagnosis, with UF patients having medical costs of an average of $1,435 higher in the total 5-year prediagnosis and $11,188 higher in the total 5-year postdiagnosis. ⁵⁰ These data support the need for research that aims to compare the effectiveness and relative costs of available treatment options for UF.

Table 1. Estimated costs per patient and overall costs of patients with UF in the United States.

	Per patient calculation, USD				Total costs, billions USD
Reference	Soliman et al 47	Borah et al 48	Cain-Nielsen et al 49	Cardozo et al 42	Cardozo et al 42 m
Direct	9,319–9,473 a	na	na	na	4.1–9.4
Direct with surgery	15,878–21,603 b	19,763–25,019 g	15,249–18,653 h	na	na
Medical management	3,704 c	na	na	5,563–8,665 j	3.2–5.1
Surgical	6,201–16,049 d	na	na	4,943–14,850 k	0.83–4.3
Inpatient	3,923–8,218	na	na	na	na
Outpatient	1,243–4,643 e	na	na	na	na
Indirect	2,399–15,549 e	na	na	na	na
Loss of work productivity	2,685–33,172 f	na	na	4,449–30,075	1.6–17.2
Obstetric complications	na	na	na	2,335–57,458 l	0.24–7.8
Total	11,717–25,023 e	na	21,232–22,819 i	na	5.9–34.4

Abbreviations: na, not available; UF, uterine fibroid; USD, U.S. dollars.

^aRange of averages reported across all patients regardless of treatment, per patient per year.

^bCost totaled for 1 year postsurgery, among patients who underwent surgery.

^cUtah Medicaid database for patients on medical management only, from diagnosis to procedure or menopause.

^dCost per patient per hospitalization.

^ePer patient in the year following diagnosis.

^fLower estimate is costs due to work loss from diagnosis to menopause compared with a healthy woman; upper range is estimated as loss of productivity in 1 year following hysterectomy.

^gOne-year all-cause costs for women who received magnetic resonance image–guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS), myomectomy, and uterine artery embolization (UAE).

^hMean costs for myomectomy, MRgFUS, and UAE.

ⁱMean costs for myomectomy, MRgFUS, and UAE, as well as productivity costs.

^jIncludes medications, inpatient admission, and outpatient visits.

^kEstimates from hysterectomy, myomectomy, UAE, endometrial ablation.

^lRanges estimated from spontaneous abortions, cesarean delivery, and preterm delivery costs.

^mCalculated by multiplying the number of women aged 25 to 64 in the United States in 2010 (63,930,821) by the percent of women who sought treatment for symptomatic fibroid tumors annually (0.92%) by published per-patient cost ranges.

Special Populations

Black Women

The burden of disease attributable to UF is substantially higher for black women than for other racial or ethnic groups. The incidence of UF in the United States is up to three times greater among black women compared with white women. ^{6 51} Black women develop UF at a younger age, on average around 5.3 years younger than white women. ⁵²

Black women also have larger and greater numbers of UFs than white women and are more likely to report severe disease than white women of similar socioeconomic status. ^{40 52 53} This in turn contributes to a higher risk of complications with surgical treatment. ⁵⁴

Furthermore, analyses from women ≥45 years of age demonstrated that tumors from older white women grew much more slowly than those from older black women (2 vs. 15% growth rate), and the UF in white women, but not those in black women, demonstrated a significant decline in growth rate with age. ⁵⁵

Regardless of race, having a family history of UF is a risk factor, ^{7 8} suggesting that UF susceptibility has a genetic basis. However, no genome-wide association study has recruited enough black women to determine whether genomic loci exist for UF specifically in black women that could explain the increased incidence and symptom severity in this group. In contrast, studies testing for genomic loci associated with increased incidence of other diseases, such as prostate cancer and nondiabetic end-stage renal disease, have been performed in black populations, with several candidate loci identified. ⁵⁶ Interestingly, certain lifestyle factors may contribute to this higher incidence of UF among black women in the United States, as this group is known to consume smaller amounts of dairy, fruits, vegetables, and vitamins; ^{23 57} have a higher prevalence of obesity; ²³ and have higher rates of vitamin D deficiency. ⁵⁸ A negative correlation also was observed between serum vitamin D levels and total UF volume, which was significant for black women but not for white women. ²² Hair relaxers, used by millions of black women, have also been linked to an increased risk of UF. ⁵⁹

The disparity of UF incidence and severity among races can lead to differences in treatment outcomes. For example, women of African origin living in Europe have more severe symptoms of UF, with surgical interventions at younger ages. ³⁴ For women who experience symptoms at a younger age and have more severe disease, surgical treatments may have a bigger impact on reproductive outcomes, including age at menopause. ^{60 61} Black women may also experience higher rates of recurrence than white women following surgical treatment; recurrence can be as high as 59% within 5 years. ³⁴ Race may also affect response to pharmacologic treatment. ⁶² Despite having higher disease burden, black women may have more difficulty accessing appropriate care and in some cases may have a flawed understanding of the disease. ^{63 64}

Women with Infertility Pursuing Treatment Options

For patients who seek treatment, the decision must incorporate fertility wishes. Many women experiencing infertility or recurrent miscarriage are found to have UF, though these may be unrelated to reproductive dysfunction. ⁶⁵ A complete fertility or recurrent miscarriage evaluation should be conducted on both partners before addressing UF as a putative cause. Though procedural removal of UF can be performed in women who wish to retain fertility, there remains uncertainty about the impact of procedural treatment, ⁶⁶ and outcomes on fertility may depend on the location of the UF. Subserosal UFs—which project to the outside of the uterus—appear to not affect fertility. ⁶⁵ Submucosal UFs—which project into the uterine cavity—are most important because data suggest that removal can improve fertility outcomes. ⁶⁷ Finally, intramural UFs—which grow within the muscular uterine wall—decrease fertility, though removal of intramural UF does not seem to improve fertility and data remain controversial. ^{68 69}

Procedural treatments range from surgical (e.g., hysterectomy, myomectomy) to “minimally invasive,” such as UAE and magnetic resonance image–guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS). Though a small randomized study found that fertility was less improved with UAE compared with myomectomy, ⁷⁰ additional research is needed to support this low-level evidence. ⁷¹ MRgFUS is a less invasive procedural treatment option for women with UF; one preliminary study of pregnancies in 51 women who previously underwent MRgFUS treatment for UF reported a 41% rate of successful (live birth) pregnancies. ⁷² Myomectomy of submucosal UF has been reported capable of increasing fertility rates in nonrandomized trials, ⁶⁶ but based on a systematic review there is insufficient evidence to evaluate the role of myomectomy on fertility improvement. ⁶⁸ More research is needed to determine the benefit of surgical intervention on other classes of UF. Despite the potential for increasing fertility, none of these treatments result in long-term efficacy, as additional interventions are equally common following UAE, MRgFUS, and myomectomy. ⁷³ There are several major challenges to determining the effect of procedural treatments on reproductive outcomes. First, many women being treated for UF who are interested in future fertility are “older” in terms of fecundity (meaning both fewer overall pregnancies and a longer time to pregnancy), and at risk for pregnancy complications, including miscarriage. The combination of low numbers of pregnancies and higher risk for complications results in relatively small numbers of measurable outcomes; so, studies with very large numbers of participants are needed for meaningful analysis. ⁷⁴

Pharmacologic treatment in women with UF who desire to retain fertility can also be complicated. Though oral contraceptives and intrauterine devices (IUDs) can decrease bleeding, there is a limited understanding of their efficacy in treating UF; further, they do not have FDA approval to treat UF; so, their use remains controversial. ^{75 76} Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) are approved by the FDA for short-term, preoperative use. However, UFs regrow rapidly following cessation of treatment. ³⁰ Aromatase inhibitors also are used; yet, uncertainty remains about their effectiveness. ⁷⁴ Several selective progesterone receptor modulators (SPRMs) have been developed ⁷⁷ that have demonstrated an ability to rapidly reduce menstrual bleeding and fibroid volume, with minimal effects on estrogen levels. ⁷⁸ Ulipristal acetate (UPA) is a SPRM approved in Europe and Canada for preoperative treatment of moderate-to-severe symptoms of UF in women of reproductive age, and also in Europe for intermittent treatment of moderate-to-severe symptoms of UF. ⁷⁸ SPRMs offer potential for longer-term medical treatment, potentially allowing patients to avoid surgical intervention and/or preserve fertility. ^{77 78} One important consideration about any pharmacologic treatment is that any treatment targeting estrogen or progesterone action is likely to either have a contraceptive effect or to be contraindicated for use during pregnancy. This is likely to be true as well for any treatments targeting abnormal collagen deposition in UF. This means medical treatments will likely need to be stopped for some period of time prior to attempting pregnancy, with a potential risk of recurrence of UF.

Women with Asymptomatic Uterine Fibroids

About 50 to 75% of UF cases remain asymptomatic. ⁴⁵ Small or asymptomatic UF can be identified—often incidentally—upon pelvic imaging. ³⁰ It remains unclear if earlier treatment would reduce risk of developing symptoms, adverse reproductive outcomes, and/or the need for future invasive procedures. ⁴⁵ Because it is established that UF can regress as well as grow, ⁵⁵ understanding how to trigger the regression program would be an innovative treatment option. Research of women with asymptomatic UF is warranted to more completely understand the natural history of UF and determine if treatment can prevent progression to symptomatic disease.

Unmet Needs

Improved Diagnostic Techniques

There is a lack of consensus on what and how to report imaging findings with the currently available diagnostic tools. For example, the Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) subclassification system for UF ⁷⁹ is not routinely reported in imaging reports; yet, FIGO subclassification is an important factor influencing safety and efficacy of some treatment options. ⁴⁵ Women with UF may also have additional reproductive pathologies—such as ovulatory disorders, adenomyosis, and endometriosis—that require consideration before treatment is initiated. ⁴⁵ Additionally, as reported by the FDA in a special communication, approximately 1 in every 350 women undergoing hysterectomy or myomectomy for UF was found to also have uterine sarcoma, ⁸⁰ though recent estimates are lower, especially for younger premenopausal women. ^{81 82} The lack of a reliable method to ascertain whether a woman diagnosed with UF may have uterine sarcoma can result in mistreatment, as some types of surgical intervention for UF may spread cancer within the abdomen and pelvis, worsening prognosis. ⁸⁰ Research using diffusion-weighted and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging to address this issue is ongoing. ^{83 84}

More Effective, Fertility-Preserving, Well-Tolerated Treatments

Current UF treatments do not optimize future fertility and are associated with additional medical complications and/or recurrence. Beyond the direct and indirect costs associated with reintervention after recurrence, repeated myomectomies significantly increase risk of complications beyond UF, such as pelvic adhesions. ^{34 85} With so few available therapies, it is not surprising that a recent systematic network meta-analysis stated that regardless of a woman's plans for future surgery, there is “insufficient evidence to recommend any medical treatment in the management of UF.” ⁸⁶ To optimize treatments, research focused on comparative effectiveness is essential.

Enhanced Patient Education/Empowerment

The limited treatment options can reduce treatment-seeking behavior. For many women, lack of awareness regarding UF and normal menstruation may lead to living with the condition chronically without seeking care. ⁸⁷ One recent study estimated that women waited an average of 3.6 years before seeking treatment for UF-related symptoms. ³⁹

It remains unclear why some women with UF-related symptoms do not seek treatment. In a recent survey of women with UF, half expressed feelings of helplessness and believed that they had no control over their UF, and several women felt a lack of substantial support for their related emotional issues. ³⁶ While the study was limited to a certain geographical area, it is possible that many women believe that treatment will not be effective, or they simply have limited access to care.

Expanded Access to Treatment

For patients who desire procedural treatment, access can be difficult for those in rural areas due to the requirement for specialized skills or equipment for performance. ^{88 89} In addition, treatment can be cost-prohibitive, due to substantial direct and indirect costs. ^{42 47} Some treatment options are deemed experimental by insurers following approval by the FDA because of lack of data from large randomized trials. ⁹⁰

Identification of Best Practices

The tremendously diverse patient population imposes challenges for health care providers' ability to implement a “best practice” approach to UF treatment. Though guidelines for the management and treatment of UF have been published by various organizations—including ACOG (American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists), SOGC (Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada), and AAGL (American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists) ^{91 92 93} —treatment guidelines may be limited by a paucity of recommendations based on good and consistent scientific evidence. Thus, identification and implementation of best practices for effective management and treatment of UF are greatly needed. ⁷⁴ Further development of treatment guidelines that incorporate high-quality evidence from clinical trials may avoid overtreatment with hysterectomy by using a multidisciplinary approach including regular UF evaluations. This may facilitate the increased use of less invasive options over hysterectomy for symptomatic UF.

Conclusion

Uterine fibroids affect a large segment of the population and can negatively impact daily living and QoL of those affected, resulting in severe occupational and economic costs. Black women in particular have a substantially higher disease burden. UF, as well as treatments for it, can cause either temporary or permanent infertility. Thus, surgical and pharmacologic treatments that preserve or regain fertility are being pursued, though with limited success. Techniques to improve diagnosis and associated diseases, to improve fertility-preserving treatments, and to increase patient access and action are the current unmet needs in this population.