Aim: To assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with benign gynecological disorders. Materials & methods: Prospective 2-year follow-up with the 15D HRQoL-instrument of 311 women treated in Helsinki-area hospitals in 2012-2013. Results: The initially impaired HRQoL regarding excretion, discomfort and symptoms, and vitality and sexual activity improved after treatment. However, only sexual activity reached similar levels as in the general population. Treatment of endometriosis, fibroids and polyps resulted in best and that of unspecific pelvic pain and bleeding disorders in worst HRQoL scores. Results were independent of hospital size. Conclusion: The impaired HRQoL dimensions were improved by treatment but HRQoL still remained poorer than in the general female population. Treatment of unspecific pelvic pain and bleeding disorders needs further evaluation.
Keywords: benign; gynecology; health-related quality of life; patient-reported outcomes; women’s health.
Tweetable abstract Benign gynecological conditions markedly impact women’s quality of life including physical, sexual and mental well-being. Two-year follow-up of patients in this new study found quality of life to be partly improved by treatment, but was still lower than in the general female population.