Impact of Uterine Fibroid Symptoms on Functional Work Impairment Among Employed Women Working in Healthcare in the United States (August 2025)-Impact of Uterine Fibroid Symptoms on Functional Work Impairment Among Employed Women Working in Healthcare in the United States

Impact of Uterine Fibroid Symptoms on Functional Work Impairment Among Employed Women Working in Healthcare in the United States

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This study by Sell et al. (2025) assessed the impact of uterine fibroids (UF) symptoms on work productivity among employed women in the U.S. healthcare sector. Uterine fibroids are common noncancerous tumors affecting up to 70% of women before age 50, with higher prevalence in African American women. Symptoms include heavy menstrual bleeding, pain, and bladder or bowel dysfunction, which often impair daily activities, including work.<br /><br />The cross-sectional survey included 67 women (mean age 43 years) working in healthcare who reported a UF diagnosis or UF-related symptoms. Using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire specific for UF (WPAI:UF), results showed a mean overall work impairment of 33% in the prior week, primarily due to presenteeism (31% impairment while at work) rather than absenteeism (6% missed work time). The estimated economic loss in productivity was $387 per week per affected employee. Activity impairment outside work was 37%. Notably, 16% of respondents had symptoms consistent with UF but no diagnosis, and these undiagnosed women reported higher presenteeism and work impairment than diagnosed women, suggesting diagnosis awareness may mitigate work impact.<br /><br />Most respondents experienced multiple symptoms (heavy bleeding, painful periods, large blood clots), but 39% had not tried any treatment. Healthcare utilization included visits to primary care and gynecologists, with some using urgent care or emergency services. Commute times to work averaged 23 minutes, comparable to the general population, and pharmacy visits averaged 12.6 minutes.<br /><br />The study highlights that uterine fibroids substantially reduce work productivity via impairment during working hours, not just absenteeism. Despite high symptom burden, UF remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. Employers often overlook women-specific chronic conditions like UF when designing health and wellness programs, despite women making up a large portion of the workforce, especially in healthcare.<br /><br />Limitations include small sample size, participation from only two employers, and high dropout rates, which limit generalizability. Nonetheless, findings emphasize the need for employers to recognize UF's impact, incorporate women’s health education, offer workplace accommodations (e.g., flexible hours, telework), and enhance access to appropriate care to improve female employee health, productivity, and retention.

Keywords

uterine fibroids

work productivity

women's health

healthcare employees

presenteeism

absenteeism

economic impact

symptom burden

diagnosis awareness

workplace accommodations