Uterine fibroidsare a condition all too common in the Black community.
They may be the sole cause of infertility in two to three percent of women, the OBGYN explains.
Many people get pregnant with fibroids and go on to have healthy pregnancies and births.
Thankfully, there are numerous forms of treatment that can be tailored to a patients specific needs.
A full hysterectomy, where the entire uterus is removed, is another option.
Some may consider adding supplements or certain foods to their diet as well.
Commando top. Hanro underwear.
At first, I was hospitalized and the doctors said they didn’t know what was wrong with me.
But after receiving a sonogram, I was diagnosed.
They remind me that Im a survivor.
Courtesy Foto Beauty Bar
Finally, one ordered a vaginal ultrasound and confirmed it was fibroids.
But also the mood swings, tiredness, and heavy bleeding.
I also think a part of the healing has to do with building community.
Courtesy Foto Beauty Bar
We as Black women have to lean on each other.
This is a serious issue in our community, and Im glad were starting to have more conversations.
I had to double up on pads and tampons.
Photographer: Ashley Nguyen
It was expensive, and leaking onto my clothes was embarrassing.
The bleeding became so bad that I eventually became anemic and suffered from extreme fatigue.
I did trylaparoscopic cryoablationto have a go at shrink them, but it didnt offer any prolonged relief.
During this whole journey there were often times where mentally, I felt really alone.
By the time I hit my late 40s, I decided I had enough.
After my surgery, I was amazed at how much energy I had.
A few weeks post-recovery, I hiked the Virginia Appalachians with a group of other women of color.
I wouldnt have dreamt of doing such a thing if I did not have a hysterectomy.
I had a transvaginal and abdominal ultrasound before I finally got a proper diagnosis.
Cuup bra.
It was like non-stop running water with clots.
I had to take photos [of the bleeding] and show my doctors.
In the end, I had two separate hysteroscopic myomectomy procedures to remove the fibroids.
Self-care now looks like continued acupuncture, pelvic floor therapy, andlotsof rest.
Maxine Grant
36, Brooklyn
In 2012, my OBGYN found a single fibroid during a checkup.
I decided to find a new doctor who could closely monitor its growth via sonograms.
Photographer: Richelle Shinholster
Thankfully, it alleviated most of my symptoms.
I had shorter and lighter periods, but pain and bloating persisted.
It was the best decision Ive made in my life.
One of the fibroids even began inducing contractions it was the worst pain I had ever experienced.
Thats when I got a myomectomy to remove 11 masses.
While I was relieved, I would be lying if I said the recovery process was easy.
Araks bra and underwear.
I couldnt sleep or walk properly for weeks.
So many people are suffering in silence, which is why I started my own non-profitJurnni.
Multiple people would ask me, “How far along are you?”
Araks bra and underwear.
because my belly was so distended from the masses in my uterus.
I soon rushed myself to the doctor in a panic to find out what was wrong.
The first gynecologist I saw was horrible.
Photographer: Peter Hurley
He also explained that my abdominal pain and severe menstrual bleeding would be curtailed once I had surgery.
I opted for an open myomectomy in 2014 and again in 2021.
Nineteen fibroids were removed on the second go.
I also advocate for myself more in medical controls.
We deserve better than this.
I had all of the key symptoms, and thought I contracted a UTI.
Photographer: Peter Hurley
Getting the diagnosis was stressful and honestly depressing.
Self-care has been hard for me throughout this journey, because I don’t feel or look like myself.
I have also started recording and documenting my thoughts when I feel overwhelmed.
Photographer: Scarlet Raven
But one thing I think people may not realize is how much it can affect your self-esteem.
It’s so emotionally and physically draining in ways I never expected.
Some days I just stay home sad because I’m exhausted and angry.
Photographer: Scarlet Raven
I really hope for more education around this topic, so women can know more about our menstrual cycles.
Its not meant to be painful if they are, something is off.
Prior to that, I had been bleeding for almost nine months.
Commando top. Hanro underwear.
I ended up opting for surgery to shave some of the uterine fibroids down.
Thankfully, the procedure did provide me with some relief.
I used to feel imprisoned by my body, but now Im working on feeling and being free.
Now I go outside to the library, coffee shop, and walking trails.
For any other Black women out there who are experiencing symptoms, know that youre not alone.
When you visit a doctor, be sure to ask questions and extra testing.
My first two physicians didnt listen to me, and it almost cost me my life.
Anonymous
44,New York
I have had heavy menstrual cycles since my teenage years.
I suffered from excruciating menstrual cramps three to five days every month.
Photographer: Quenton Ross
I missed out on school, extracurricular activities, and social events because of my heavy cycle.
As a result, my OBGYN suggested my partner and I tryIVFto get pregnant.
I’ve had two myomectomies, nine years apart, and last year I did a uterine fibroid embolization.
Michelle Chung
39,Toronto
I was 15 years old when I first discovered my fibroids.
The diagnosis explained why my periods were so heavy and why I was clotting so much.
I havent gotten [medical] treatment for mine, but Ive made several lifestyle changes.
Photographer: Mary Craven Dawkins
Every morning, Monday to Friday, I hit the gym as my me time.
For anyone noticing similar symptoms, keep in mind that uterine fibroids affect women differently.
Its your body and nobody knows your body like you do.
Photographer: Mary Craven Dawkins
Araks bra and underwear.
In 2019, my doctor removed 21 fibroids, and I immediately felt like a brand new woman.
The diagnosis completely changed the way I look at self-care.
I now take vitamin D supplements and have eliminated dairy and red meat from my diet.
I also work out several times a week.
If it wasnt for mine I would probably still have fibroids today.
Cami Beck
46, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
I found out about my fibroids in 2018.
I was passing big blood clots and wearing a pad and tampon at the same time.
With the diagnosis, I got a better understanding of my symptoms and why they were happening.
Jenelle Hamilton
Los Angeles
I discovered I had one fibroid over 10 years ago.
Little did I know that it would cause years of pain, discomfort, and misery.
I had a demanding job and a busy social schedule.
Photographer: Rasheed Ingram
I tried everything, and they definitely helped, but could not completely solve the issue.
Danielle Gray
29,Michigan
My journey started in March of this year.
One Sunday, I decided to take an hour drive to the closest IKEA with my mom.
Photographer: Chris Oggy
Before we got on the road, I used the restroom to change my sanitary items.
The ride was fine and everything felt normal until we got out of the car.
As soon as I stood up, I knew I had a leak.
The next day, I called my OBGYNs office to make an appointment for an ultrasound.
Thats when I found out I had uterine fibroids that were taking up half of my uterus.
Due to the extreme blood loss, I had extreme fatigue.
I couldnt get through the day without taking a nap.
My primary care physician put me on iron supplements, and thankfully, that helped tremendously.
I decided to go with the myomectomies.
I had my first procedure in April and the following in early June.
Aside from medical procedures, mindfulness has been a key part of my healing journey.
To be in the moment and to do things that make me feel good is so important.
They told me, “Not to worry, everyone has them.”
In the meantime, I have started seeing an acupuncturist to help relieve some of the symptoms.
In terms of self-care, I am treating myself like a Tamagatchi seriously.
I am really strict about my sleep.
I take my vitamins, I eat really healthy and carefully, and I drink my water.
I am trying to take over what I can control.
Although uterine fibroids are so common, its shocking that Western medicine knows so little.
It is a huge problem and so many other women have horror stories.
Even when it comes to treatment options, they aren’t great.
Everyone cares about what you do with your uterus, except when it actually comes down to your health.
Luckily, the masses didnt affect my ability to get pregnant, but the fibroids caused lots of pain.
Last year, I decided to undergo a myomectomy, six months after having my son.
Post-surgery, my self-care routine didnt shift much.
I still prioritized hanging out with friends and enjoying life as much as possible.
But I was surprised at my strength during recovery, considering I had numerous fibroids removed.
There needs to be more education around this condition whether you have fibroids or not.
There are so many women with a bulging belly, and people just assume theyre pregnant dont assume.
She may be walking around with numerous fibroids.
I wasn’t officially diagnosed with uterine fibroids until January of 2019, when I was 25.
I’ve since been informed that I have a new set of fibroids that are growing.
I might start a hormone treatment, but I am a bit hesitant.
I try juicing at home, and avoiding processed foods.
I also became anemic overnight, which has been a huge challenge for me.
When I met with my OBGYN, I expressed my concerns and requested that I be checked.
I have not started fibroid treatment yet, since my body is still in recovery from the egg freezing.
But regardless, I am proud of my body for pushing through the toughest of times.
Out of nowhere, I started experiencing severe pain.
I couldnt sit down or stand up comfortably.
The diagnosis really shed light on the pain I was experiencing in my daily life.
I was lethargic and drained.
After the diagnosis, I immediately rushed to see my Black gynecologist to discuss my options.
Ultimately, I received an abdominal myomectomy which is similar to a C-section.
When you are bloated, exhausted, and in constant pain it is hard to feel like yourself.
For the women who are just starting this journey, its so important to know youre not alone.
Talk to the women in your life that you trust many are likely experiencing the same thing.
I knew something wasnt right and told my doctor how I was feeling.
After an ultrasound, she told me the news.
It definitely explained the cramping I experienced, even when I wasnt on my period.
It eventually got to a point where the amount and sizes of the fibroids were affecting my fertility.
Things have gotten better after getting a myomectomy back in 2018.
I still experience some symptoms but not as severe as it once was.
I recently cut down on my sugar intake and have incorporated more anti-inflammatory foods into my diet.
Ive noticed its helped with cramping and feeling bloated and puffy.
With this in mind, Im currently trying a holistic approach.
I started eating better by focusing on proper nutrition and cutting out a lot from my diet.
With no current partner and confusion about my career, the diagnosis overwhelmed me.
The fibroids also transformed how I looked.
It’s like the severity of this is overlooked.
For me, it cleared up why I dealt with painful periods for much of my adult life.
I wish that in addition to sex education, we taught our young girls about hormones and their bodies.
I also see to it to schedule annual appointments with my gynecologist.
Something else we should be discussing is what scar treatment looks like for Black women with uterine fibroids.
A scan showed I have a fibroid pushing against my uterus.
I knew something was wrong, but this confirmed what I was feeling was actually happening to my body.
Right now, Im not sure if it has affected my fertility, but having fibroids can be debilitating.
I found out I had four visible fibroids, with the largest measuring 6.5 cm.
It has been a life filled with pain, chances of embarrassment, and the possibility of no children.
At first, the treatment options I was given were always surgeries.
I’ve had a total of 10 for all my reproductive issues with four focused solely on fibroids.
Currently, I have three fibroids; one is embedded in the inner lining of my uterus.
It is a core part of giving myself temporary relief.
In terms of self-care, giving myself grace has made all the difference.
Even I went through a span of time suffering in silence.
But now, I am strong enough to share my story.
44, New York
I discovered I had fibroids in 2019 during a routine check.
Motherhood aside, the masses make sex painful.
And even if I wanted surgery, having crappy insurance doesn’t help with the cost.
With this condition being so common, Im shocked that theres not more conversation around it.
I really believe there needs to be more awareness for both womenandmen.
Also, how do we prepare younger women and educate them on how to take care of their bodies?
They should at least be aware of whats going on and what can happen in the future.
I would RSVP to events based on where they fell in my menstrual cycle.
Vacationing on my period was inconceivable.
I felt that I was missing out on life, experiences, and opportunities.
I felt I was under attack by my own body.
I wish I had made the decision sooner.
Post-surgery, there is no greater form of self-care than the freedom Ive afforded myself.
It created a stressful life for me to the point where I rarely functioned outside of my home.
I eventually opted for a combination surgery,Acessaand laparoscopic myomectomy.
But through this, I’ve learned to advocate for myself at the doctor’s office.
Interviews have been edited and condensed for clarity.
*Current studies are not inclusive of the gender spectrum.
We use the term women to align with available data, which focuses on cis women.
