Why Black Women Are Disproportionately Impacted By Uterine Fibroids

Introduction to Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths in and around the uterus, and they are far more common than some women might think. A systematic review estimated that 70% to 80% of women will develop uterine fibroids in their lifetime — but Black women experience them at disproportionate rates to other races, according to past research. Fibroids are almost always noncancerous, and many people do not ever develop symptoms or need treatment, according to a review published August 2022 in Endocrine Reviews.

Prevalence and Severity of Uterine Fibroids in Black Women

Black women are three times more likely to experience uterine fibroids than women of other races. Black women also have an increased chance of having larger and multiple tumors with more severe symptoms, and are more likely to develop them earlier in life compared with women of other races. Research published in Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology found that nearly 1 in 4 Black women between ages 18 and 30 have fibroids compared with roughly 6 percent of white women. These findings also showed that by age 35, 60 percent of Black women will have fibroids, compared with 40 percent of white women of the same age.

Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids

For those who do get symptoms, they may experience things like:

1. Heavy menstrual bleeding and potentially anemia
2. Pelvic pain or discomfort
3. Pain during sex
4. Lower back pain
5. Increased urinary frequency
   Some women may also experience complications during pregnancy and labor — or in rare cases, infertility.

Factors Contributing to Uterine Fibroids in Black Women

Although it isn’t entirely clear why Black women develop fibroids at a higher rate compared with other races, research has uncovered a few factors that may contribute. Those include:

Higher Levels of Chronic Stress

An accumulating body of research suggests that racism contributes to chronic stress, or allostatic load, which refers to the cumulative burden of chronic stress and life events. Chronic psychological stress was found to be associated with a risk of uterine fibroids, according to a meta-analysis of observational studies.

Exposure to Harmful Chemicals

Black women may also have an increased risk of fibroids because they disproportionately experience environmental and occupational exposures, including organic pollutants and air pollution.

Treatment Options for Uterine Fibroids

If a woman with the condition opts for treatment, there are medications that can shrink fibroids or relieve heavy menstrual bleeding, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be used to help relieve pain. If medications aren’t enough, minimally invasive surgery may be used to remove the fibroids or there are procedures that can destroy the fibroids without surgery. In extreme cases, a hysterectomy can be recommended — but that should be the treatment of last resort.

Disparities in Treatment for Black Women

There is evidence that Black women may not always be offered the same treatment options compared with white women. A study published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine that looked at management of acute pain in the ER found that Black patients were 40 percent less likely to be given medication for acute pain compared with white patients. Black women are less likely to receive minimally invasive treatment for uterine fibroids and are at least twice as likely to have a hysterectomy due to fibroids compared with white women.

Steps Towards Receiving Quality Medical Care

In most cases, uterine fibroids can be treated. However, it’s essential to find the right doctor who will help you better understand your options. Here are some tips:

1. Understand your insurance and medical coverage. Become knowledgeable about what your insurance covers and which gynecologists are available in your network.
2. Do your homework. Research to identify the right gynecologist for you, and be sure to ask the questions that matter most to you.
3. Look for a connection. Select a provider who listens to your needs and has your best interests at heart.

Conclusion

Uterine fibroids are a common condition that can have severe symptoms and complications, especially for Black women. While the exact causes of uterine fibroids are still not fully understood, research has identified several factors that contribute to the disproportionate rates of fibroids in Black women. By understanding these factors and taking steps to receive quality medical care, women of color can work towards a successful and healthy recovery.

FAQs

Q: What are uterine fibroids?
A: Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths in and around the uterus.
Q: How common are uterine fibroids in Black women?
A: Black women are three times more likely to experience uterine fibroids than women of other races.
Q: What are the symptoms of uterine fibroids?
A: Symptoms may include heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain or discomfort, pain during sex, lower back pain, and increased urinary frequency.
Q: What are the treatment options for uterine fibroids?
A: Treatment options include medications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), minimally invasive surgery, and procedures that can destroy the fibroids without surgery.
Q: Why are Black women less likely to receive minimally invasive treatment for uterine fibroids?
A: There is evidence that Black women may not always be offered the same treatment options compared with white women, due to disparities in healthcare.