Fibroids in African American Women: Incidence, Effects, and Further Insights
In the United States, Black women have a higher prevalence and greater severity of uterine fibroids compared to their white counterparts. Approximately 80% of Black women develop uterine fibroids by age 35 to 49, compared to about 70% of white women in the same age group [2][3].
Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas, are non-cancerous growths that develop in the uterus. About 30% of women with fibroids exhibit clinical symptoms, which can significantly impact quality of life [5]. These symptoms include abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pain, and reproductive complications, and they tend to be more pronounced in Black women.
Black women experience fibroids at an earlier age and tend to have more severe symptoms than white women, contributing to significant disparities in uterine health outcomes between the two groups [1]. This disparity has led to targeted legislative efforts, such as the Uterine Health Legislative Package, led by Black women lawmakers, aiming to improve awareness, research, and treatment options tailored to Black women’s needs [1].
Treatment options for fibroids include medication, noninvasive or minimally invasive procedures, and surgical procedures. Examples of noninvasive or minimally-invasive treatment options include endometrial ablation, hysteroscopic myomectomy, laparoscopic or robotic myomectomy, Lap-RFA, MRI-guided focused ultrasound surgery (FUS), and uterine artery embolization. Traditional surgical procedures include abdominal myomectomy and hysterectomy [4].
It is important to note that Black females may find it more challenging to find a doctor who understands fibroids in people of colour and who will treat the condition appropriately. Those experiencing symptoms should speak with a doctor as soon as possible.
Researchers have suggested that family history, diet and nutrition, vitamin D deficiency, difficulty accessing healthcare, perceptions about periods, and hair relaxer use may play a role in the prevalence and severity of fibroids among Black females [6]. However, there is no firm evidence that explains why fibroids affect Black females more often and more severely than white females.
One concerning aspect is that Black females undergo surgical treatment at a younger age than white females, and a hysterectomy results in the inability to get pregnant [1]. Additionally, an abdominal myomectomy can cause scarring, which may affect fertility, and may require a Caesarean section for delivery if pregnancy occurs.
In summary, uterine fibroids are a common condition that affects Black women more frequently and more severely than white women. It is crucial for Black women to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms and to advocate for appropriate treatment and research.
- Uterine fibroids, also recognized as leiomyomas, are non-cancerous growths in the uterus that impact 80% of Black women by the age of 35-49, contrasting with approximately 70% of white women in the same age group.
- The prevalence and severity of uterine fibroids among Black women can significantly impair their quality of life due to related symptoms like abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pain, and reproductive complications.
- Black women commonly experience fibroids at an earlier age and exhibit more severe symptoms, contributing to disparities in uterine health outcomes.
- Legislative efforts, such as the Uterine Health Legislative Package by Black women lawmakers, aim to improve awareness, research, and treatment options for Black women.
- Treatment options for fibroids encompass medication, noninvasive or minimally invasive procedures, and surgical procedures.
- Noninvasive or minimally-invasive treatments include endometrial ablation, hysteroscopic myomectomy, laparoscopic or robotic myomectomy, Lap-RFA, MRI-guided focused ultrasound surgery (FUS), and uterine artery embolization.
- Traditional surgical procedures consist of abdominal myomectomy and hysterectomy.
- Finding a doctor who fully comprehends and treats fibroids in people of color might be challenging for Black females.
- Seeking early medical attention is crucial for those experiencing symptoms related to fibroids.
- Researchers link family history, diet and nutrition, vitamin D deficiency, difficulty accessing healthcare, perceptions about periods, and hair relaxer use with fibroids among Black females.
- Fibroids can lead to reproductive complications, necessitating surgical treatment at an earlier age for Black females compared to white females.
- A hysterectomy may cause infertility for Black females.
- An abdominal myomectomy may cause scarring, which can affect fertility and may require a Caesarean section for delivery.
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