When Erica Marsh was a young girl, she often heard whispers of “fibroids” echoing through her family home. Hospital visits to see relatives, and bringing over comfort food to family and friends post-surgery, all seemed linked to this elusive condition. Fast-forward to her adulthood and Erica is now a renowned specialist in biological and social disparities in reproductive health at a prestigious University. Her journey to decipher the mystifying world of fibroids was personal, but it unveiled a greater story – the disproportionate suffering of Black women in the United States due to uterine fibroids.
Fibroids, for those who haven’t had the pleasure (read: pain), are noncancerous tumors that pop up in the womb. They are far from rare, with estimates suggesting that about 70% of uterus-having people will get to know them by the age of 50. But here’s where the real shocker lies – if you’re Black, you’re three times more likely to develop them than your white counterparts.
The mysterious world of fibroids is puzzling enough, but Black women, it seems, get the short end of the stick. Not only are they more likely to have these unwelcome guests, but they also tend to have larger and more numerous fibroids. The side effects range from painful sex to awful cramping, longer periods, and constant bathroom breaks, among other nuisances. Living with symptomatic fibroids can be a real damper on your social life, career, and general well-being.
Now, the million-dollar question – why are Black women disproportionately affected? While the world of medicine hasn’t quite cracked that code yet, there are some intriguing theories on the table. Let’s dive into a few:
It could be in the genes
Around 65 to 70% of people with fibroids have a certain genetic mutation found in the MED12 gene. This gene controls many of our body’s normal processes, including cell growth. It’s still unclear what triggers this mutation, but interestingly, it seems to be more common in Black people.
The hidden dangers in everyday products
Remember your well-meaning aunt warning you about those hair relaxers? Well, it turns out she may have been onto something. Phthalates, chemicals found in some hair relaxers and personal-care products, have been linked to fibroids. And who uses these products more frequently? You guessed it, Black women.
The ‘D’ in deficiency stands for diet
A diet low in fruits and vegetables and high in vitamin D deficiency may contribute to fibroid development. As it happens, one in five Black households resides in a “food desert,” where access to nutrient-rich food is limited, exacerbating vitamin D deficiency and potentially increasing the risk of fibroids.
The early bird doesn’t always get the worm
Girls who hit puberty at 11 years old or younger are more likely to develop fibroids later in life. And guess who hits puberty earlier? African American girls.
Stress: the silent enemy
The everyday stresses of life, compounded by experiences of racism and sexism, may have a role in influencing uterine health.
Living with fibroids is tough, but what makes it harder for Black women is the internalization of pain. They’ve often grown up seeing the women in their lives suffer in silence, normalizing the idea that heavy, painful periods are a part of life. The pressure to “suck it up” and the “strong Black woman” trope may prevent them from seeking help.
Furthermore, Black women often face discrimination and dismissiveness when discussing their symptoms with healthcare providers. This discrimination, coupled with financial or access-related issues, means that Black women often wait significantly longer to seek treatment.
Moreover, too many Black women are told that a hysterectomy is their only treatment option, while in reality, there are other less extreme and effective treatments available. However, if symptoms aren’t taken seriously or treatment is delayed due to factors beyond a patient’s control, it may progress to a point where a less invasive procedure may not be feasible.
Despite these challenges, passionate advocates are pushing for more awareness and solutions. So, if you think fibroids are playing a role in your life, reach out to organizations that offer support, and remember – your health matters, your pain is valid, and you are not alone.
