Black History Month is a time to reflect not only on the history, achievements, and contributions of the Black community but also to address critical health inequities and challenges that continue to affect Black women today.
One of the most common and often overlooked of those challenges is uterine fibroids. Research shows that Black women are diagnosed with fibroids up to three times more often than white women, tend to develop them at younger ages, and frequently experience more severe symptoms.
For many Black women, fibroids are not just a medical condition; they are part of a larger story about being unheard, misdiagnosed, or believing that pain and heavy bleeding are normal. Dr. John Lipman has dedicated his career to raising awareness about fibroid health for all women, but especially within the Black female community.
Understanding the Disparity
Statistics reveal a troubling pattern of health inequity. Nearly twenty-five percent of Black women between ages 18 and 30 have fibroids compared to only around 6% of Caucasian women, and this number rises to almost 60% by the time they reach the age of 35. Beyond these higher incidence rates, Black women are also two to three times more likely to experience recurring fibroids or have complications.
Beyond the higher diagnosis rates, Black women often experience fibroids that are larger, more numerous, and more disruptive to their daily lives. Studies also show that Black women are more likely to live with symptoms for years before seeking treatment, allowing fibroids to grow and symptoms to worsen.
There are also inequalities in care and in their treatment experience. Studies show that Black women often wait longer before seeking treatment, tend to have more severe symptoms, and are often not informed about minimally invasive treatment options.
The delay in their diagnosis and limited access to specialists often create a situation where, by the time care is offered, the fibroids are large or numerous, so their OB/GYN offers surgical options first. This results in higher hysterectomy rates among young Black women.
Raising Awareness During Black History Month
Black History Month provides an excellent opportunity for us to talk about health disparities that have existed for generations. Many women grew up in families where, to their mothers or grandmothers, heavy bleeding and painful periods were considered normal, making it less likely that symptoms were recognized as a medical issue.
The Atlanta Fibroid Center is committed to breaking this cycle through education, awareness, and providing the quality of care that every woman deserves. By helping women understand what fibroid symptoms look like and what treatment options are available, more women can seek help earlier and avoid unnecessary surgery.
Dr. Lipman founded The Fibroid Coalition, a nonprofit organization to advocate for women’s health and support policies and legislation that expand education, patient choice, and access to uterus-preserving fibroid care. Through this work, he continues to raise awareness about fibroids and ensure women have a stronger voice in the decisions that affect their health.
Empowering Women Through Education and Access
During Black History Month and beyond, Atlanta Fibroid Center® is committed to:
- Educating women of color about fibroid symptoms, when to seek care, and all of their treatment options.
- Providing access to UFE, a minimally invasive, uterus-sparing alternative to hysterectomy
- Supporting community education and outreach that helps close gaps in fibroid care
- Advocating for equitable access to advanced fibroid treatments
Too many women suffer in silence, believing heavy bleeding or severe pain is something they must live with. The goals of the Atlanta Fibroid Center are to make sure every woman knows that relief is possible without surgery and that compassionate care exists.
About Uterine Fibroid Embolization
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive procedure that shrinks fibroids without surgery, general anesthesia, or removal of the uterus. The 45-minute outpatient procedure allows most patients to return to normal activities within 4-5 days and helps preserve fertility. Atlanta Fibroid Center has performed over 10,000 UFE procedures with a 90% success rate.
Learn More About Fibroids
Set up a consultation with the Atlanta Fibroid Center today to find out more about minimally invasive treatment options that offer an alternative to surgical hysterectomy.
The Atlanta Fibroid Center is located in Smyrna, Georgia, and serves women throughout the Atlanta metro area and beyond, offering compassionate, individualized care that focuses on patient needs, eliminating symptoms, preserving fertility, and improving quality of life.
