Uterine fibroids and their role in sexual disorders in women - a mini-review and opinion on an important but marginalized problem.

OBJECTIVE

To review the impact of uterine fibroids on women's sexual health and to highlight this often underreported aspect of clinical care.

METHODS

A narrative review of the literature on uterine fibroids and female sexual dysfunction.

RESULTS

Uterine fibroids are the most common benign uterine tumors, significantly impacting women's sexual health, yet this issue remains underreported in clinical practice. Symptomatic patients often suffer from heavy menstrual bleeding and progressive anemia, which reduces their overall quality of life and sexual desire. Factors such as severe dyspareunia, pelvic pressure and psychological distress-including fear of pain and low self-esteem-further contribute to impaired arousal and orgasm. Although surgical interventions such as myomectomy and hysterectomy often improve sexual function by alleviating physical symptoms, outcomes can vary depending on the surgical technique and potential nerve damage.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinicians should use validated tools to assess sexual health in women with uterine fibroids, which would lead to more comprehensive, patient-centered care.