EVALUATION OF THE IMPACT OF UTERINE LEIOMYOMAS ON QUALITY OF LIFE AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH OUTCOMES: AN EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS

Uterine leiomyomas, or fibroids, are benign tumors prevalent (GONÇALVES et al., 2013) in women of reproductive age, affecting between 20% and 80% of this population. Incidence rates vary across ethnic groups (KATON et al., 2023) (KATON et al., 2023), being higher in African-American women compared to other ethnicities, suggesting the influence of genetic, environmental, and socioeconomic factors. Diagnosis is often made through ultrasound and MRI (MCLUCAS, 2008) (MCLUCAS, 2008), but many cases remain asymptomatic until significant symptoms affect quality of life, such as pelvic pain, excessive bleeding, and reproductive complications. This study aims to examine the epidemiology of leiomyomas, their impacts on the physical, mental, and reproductive health of patients, as well as the most effective management and treatment approaches, contributing to a more personalized and informed clinical care.