Assessing the physical, fertility, and psychosocial burden of uterine fibroids

A Narrative Review

Abstract

Uterine fibroids (UFs) are common benign gynecologic tumors that impose substantial physical and psychosocial burdens on women of reproductive age. This narrative review examined the association between uterine fibroids and mental health outcomes through a review of literature published between 2014 and 2024. Searches of PubMed, CINAHL, Academic Search Premier, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews identified 16 studies that met inclusion criteria. Three overarching themes emerged: physical symptom burden, reproductive and fertility concerns, and psychosocial impacts. Evidence consistently demonstrated associations between fibroid symptom severity and diminished health-related quality of life, anxiety, and depression. Fertility concerns and treatment-related decision-making further contributed to psychological distress. Findings underscore the need for comprehensive, patient-centered approaches that integrate mental health assessment, reproductive counseling, and symptom management to address the multidimensional burden of uterine fibroids.