Uterine Fibroids: The Facts Black Women Need to Know About Prevalence, Treatment, and Fertility

Uterine fibroids are an extremely common concern, especially within the Black community. At Harlem Gyn, we believe in providing clear, evidence-based information to empower our patients. Let’s cut through the myths and focus on the facts regarding prevalence, symptoms, treatment, and fertility. Understanding Uterine FibroidsWhat Are They? Simply put, fibroids are knots of muscle tissue in the uterus that have grown larger over time. They can range in size from a marble to a golf ball or even a baseball. The exact cause of their formation is still unknown.The High Prevalence in Black Women Fibroids are highly prevalent in Black individuals, regardless of location (Harlem, Africa, or elsewhere). Textbooks indicate that 50% to 60% of Black women will develop fibroids before age 51 or before menopause.

A tender moment as loving hands gently cradle a pregnant belly, symbolizing family unity and anticipation.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

• Asymptomatic: Many women have fibroids and never experience any symptoms at all.

• Symptomatic: When symptoms do occur, the main signs are:

  • Changes in menstrual bleeding, typically periods becoming heavier or more painful.

  • In some cases, rapid growth or location of a fibroid can make a person appear pregnant when they are not.

If you are experiencing symptoms, a simple ultrasound can confirm the presence of fibroids. Debunking the Myths: Can They Just Disappear?We understand the desire to find a simple solution, and many patients tell us they have seen information online claiming that fibroids can disappear with special diets, supplements, or items like molasses. The Reality: The truth is that getting rid of fibroids is not possible without medication or surgery. The only way to make a fibroid "disappear disappear" is to surgically remove it. Your Treatment Options Fibroids can be managed through different modes of treatment:

• Shrinking: Medications or a procedure called embolization (which blocks or reduces blood supply to the fibroids) can significantly shrink them.

• Removal: For complete removal, surgery is the definitive option.

Fibroids and FertilityIf you are trying to conceive, it’s natural to worry about how fibroids might affect your chances. Infertility Ranking: Fibroids do not rank very high as a primary cause of infertility. In medical practice, a provider will first investigate other common factors like ovulation issues, tubal blockage, or the partner's sperm quality. Pregnancy can often occur even with fibroids present. Fibroids During Pregnancy: If a woman becomes pregnant with fibroids, the medical literature advises against touching the fibroids until after the pregnancy is over. Attempting removal during pregnancy can precipitate a miscarriage or cause significant bleeding.