Our Research

The Fibroid Foundation is committed to contributing to research aimed at

  • Understanding the experience and needs of women diagnosed with uterine fibroids
  • Generating data to support women in making informed treatment decisions
  • Providing more effective treatment options.

The Fibroid Foundation has partnered with leading researchers on several important projects described below. Our involvement in these projects has been focused on making sure that the research is targeting research questions that are meaningful and patient-centered. We work to ensure that studies include appropriately diverse populations to accurately represent women who live uterine fibroids. We also assist with study design and planning to limit the burden of study participation and make sure the unique health needs of patients with uterine fibroids have been considered.

Woman doctor providing a medical consultation to her female patient in an office setting

Compare-UF

COMPARE-UF was a nationwide study to help women and their healthcare providers better understand the effects of different treatment options for fibroids including symptom relief, fertility, and the need for additional fibroid treatment. Sateria Veneble from the Fibroid Foundation served on the Steering Committee during study planning. She remained engaged as a member of the Stakeholder Advisory Group responsible for ensuring that the study included a representative patient population, selected meaningful research objectives and remained patient centered.

Fibroid Foundation Virtual Community Engagement Project

Women with uterine fibroids were recruited via The Fibroid Foundation social media platforms to participate in structured interviews examining women’s experiences and perceptions related to their medical care.  The interviews explored how interactions with providers impacted treatment decisions and ways that patients and healthcare providers could improve the process of decision making.  The information from the interviews was analyzed and has provided important insights into ethnic and racial factors that influence care.

Group of women on a virtual video meeting
Option Grid™ tool which shows what each fibroid treatment offers the patient

Implementing a Tool to Support Uterine Fibroid Treatment Options

Option Grid™ is a patient decision aid that summarizes the pros and cons of various uterine fibroid treatments. The Fibroid Foundation contributed to the development of the tool, ensuring the content was comprehensive, clear, and relatable. This study is being conducted to assess how medical practices can incorporate the use of this aid into their practice to best benefit patients. The factors that promote and prevent use of the aids will be identified to assist clinics in adjusting their workflows to make the best tools available to patients.