In The News

June 19, 2007:

Baby Boomer Women Hardest Hit by Pelvic Health Conditions, Says New Report 1 in 3 of All U.S. Women Affected.

Washington, D.C. – June 19, 2007 – A new report released today by the National Women’s Health Resource Center (NWHRC) reveals for the first time the high prevalence of pelvic health conditions among women in the United States – at least one-third of all women (about 35 million) will be treated for a pelvic health condition by the age of 60, with the onset of these conditions highest among Baby Boomers.

Researchers estimate that even more women are affected but silently suffer. Their reluctance to consult a physician is attributed to lack of education and stigma associated with the conditions.

“Women learn about periods, pregnancy and menopause but are unprepared for what happens in between. The fact is, pelvic health conditions can happen at any age, particularly after a woman’s had a baby” explained Elizabeth Battaglino Cahill, RN, executive director of the not-for-profit NWHRC.

The D.C.-based health and human services consulting firm, The Lewin Group, looked at four pelvic health conditions: menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding), uterine fibroids, stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) for the report.
At least one-third of all Baby Boomers (13.5 million) are affected by heavy periods and SUI. Forty percent of women over 40 are affected by POP. By age 50, 80 percent of African American and 70 percent of Caucasian women have developed fibroids.