GUIDE/TOOLKIT
Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas) are tumors made of smooth muscle and fibrous connective tissue that arise from the uterus and are one of the most common gynecological conditions nationwide.
Fibroids can develop in any girl or woman after the onset of her menstrual cycle. Although fibroids are most commonly diagnosed in individuals in their 30s and 40s, they can occur in adolescents and postmenopausal women, particularly those using hormone therapy. Fibroids tend to increase during the reproductive years and then shrink after menopause. These growths are non-malignant and are not associated with an increased risk of uterine cancer, but they can result in mild to severe side effects and can affect one’s quality of life.
The toolkit provides easy-to-understand information on gynecological health, guidance on uterine fibroid diagnosis and treatment, and tips for interacting with your health care provider. The toolkit aims to facilitate productive conversations between patients and health care providers so people with uterine fibroids can get the care they need.
You can access the entire Uterine Fibroids Toolkit above or download these individual toolkit pieces:
For more information, see the Uterine Fibroids Toolkit’s Glossary, Quick Links, and References.
The toolkit is a project of SWHR’s Uterine Fibroids Program, which convenes a diverse group of researchers, health care providers, patients, and health care thought leaders working to educate and engage society about the burden of fibroids, which significantly impact the lives of the women.
To bring attention to these research and care gaps and help support individuals impacted by uterine health conditions, SWHR has added uterine health to the Women’s Health Equity Initiative campaign this fall.
SWHR joined Representatives Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), and Robin Kelly (D-IL), along with representatives from the Fibroid Foundation and The White Dress Project, on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, July 12, 2023.
This guest blog by Laura Marrone and Pratik Shukla, MD, assistant professor of radiology at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School explores uterine fibroid embolization as a way to treat uterine fibroids.
Every July, individuals around the world raise awareness for uterine fibroids, which affect an estimated 26 million women of reproductive age in the United States. SWHR is dedicated to raising awareness about the effects of uterine fibroids on women’s livelihoods.
This document is intended to serve as an educational and informative resource and is not intended or implied to serve as a substitute for medical or professional advice. The Society for Women’s Health Research does not make medical, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations, nor does it endorse or promote specific screening or diagnostic tests. Patients and consumers should confirm information and consult a professional health care provider to determine individual needs. The Society will not be liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages arising therefrom.
This material was created by the Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR) and is intended to serve as a public educational and informative resource. This material may be cited or shared on external channels, websites, and blogs, with attribution given to SWHR, or printed and displayed in its original formatted version. SWHR encourages the sharing and reposting of its content in order to spread awareness around women’s health issues. For specific questions about sharing SWHR content, please reach out to communications@swhr.org.
SWHR thanks AbbVie, Myovant | Pfizer, and Roche for their support of this educational work.