Introduction

Talking about periods has always been a faux pas – no one wants to discuss menstruation openly or how our periods affect the female body. It is no surprise that common gynecological conditions are unknown publicly today. Unfortunately, the lack of education and discussion on these conditions causes girls and women to suffer silently. Fibroids, for example, is a common medical condition but is rarely discussed. This blog post will provide fibroid awareness. 

What are Fibroids

Fibroids are noncancerous tumors that grow within and around the uterus. Fibroids are the most common pelvic tumors in women; uterine fibroids have a broad range of prevalence estimates ranging between 4.5% and 68.6% in the United States population.

 Additionally, black women are two to three times more likely than white women to have uterine fibroids coupled with higher rates of comorbidities such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.

 Fibroids can be found in girls and women of reproductive age – and can be a recurrent issue throughout their life. By age 50, nearly two-thirds of women experience uterine fibroids ranging from pea to football sized – some grow even bigger.

Fibroid Symptoms

 Symptoms vary from person to person, but around 1 in 3 with fibroids experience symptoms that may include: heavy or painful periods, abdominal or lower back pain, frequent urination, constipation, or pain during sex.

 However, women can also be asymptomatic and not show any signs or symptoms of fibroids.  

Disparities With Fibroids and Black Women

Black women have a higher rate of developing fibroids and tend to have more severe cases. Black women are diagnosed with fibroids roughly three times as frequently as white women develop them earlier in life and experience larger and numerous fibroids that cause more severe symptoms.

 Research on fibroids is ongoing, yet there is still not enough research to determine the cause of developing fibroids. Even more, there is not enough research to detail why black women experience fibroids at a higher and more severe rate. 

In fact, compared with white females, black females undergo surgical treatment at a younger age, receive more invasive treatment from doctors, and have higher rates of recurrence after treatment. 

The disparities Black women face with fibroids are drastic and unknown. There are theories as to why black women suffer more from fibroids. Lifestyle choices such as diet contribute to fibroid growth. Black American women tend to have a higher rate of obesity than women of other races. 

Developing Fibroids

Next, research suggests a link between specific hair care and fibroids; fibroid development was more likely in participants who used hair relaxers more frequently, used hair relaxers long-term, and experienced more burns on the scalp.

 A study of more than 23,000 African-American women found an increased risk of fibroids among those who long and more frequently use- and most burns – hair relaxers; black women have traditionally been getting hair relaxers for years.

 Although there is no solid evidence that you will develop fibroids if you get hair relaxers, there is a significant correlation between the two. 

Treatment

Treatment options for fibroids vary per person; doctors may recommend: birth control, diet, lifestyle changes, or no treatment at all. Women not experiencing symptoms or whose fibroids are not causing issues may not need treatment.

 Moreover, surgery is necessary for some women to find relief from their fibroids – surgery options vary case by case – minimally invasive surgery to remove fibroids is common, but unfortunately, hysterectomies are too. 

Statistically, black women experience higher rates of open hysterectomy for uterine fibroid treatment, with more major and minor postoperative complications, and have decreased likelihood of receiving minimally invasive hysterectomies than white women. 

Conclusion

In summary, fibroids are another reason more discussion and research on the female reproductive system is important. What is essential now is that girls and women visit the doctor regularly. Discuss any symptoms or concerns openly and truthfully. 

If you have reservations about doctors or how to have that conversation, check out Four Best Tips To Consider When Seeking Medical Care. Here you will find tips when seeking any healthcare service or provider. If you or someone you know suffers from fibroids and is looking for support resources, please join the Black Women Feel Pain Too support group.