Prevalence of Fibroids Among Women

Some women can underestimate uterine fibroids before a diagnosis as it can possibly leave no symptoms. But because of its dire health risks, early detection is crucial. Fibroids’ prevalence among women is estimated at 4.5% to 68.6% depending on age, premenopausal state, hypertension, and diet. These are only some of the factors that can contribute to its prevalence, based on research. 25-50% of women who are diagnosed with the condition have symptoms like heavy menses, abnormal uterine bleeding, and the excessive need to urinate. The health risks that come with a diagnosis increase the danger it poses to women’s health.

Impact of Fibroids on Women’s Health

Living with uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas, has several physical and mental health risks for women. Fibroids can cause infertility by obstructing the fallopian tubes, also causing changes to the endometrial cavity and altering endometrial development. However, a study revealed that these risks depend on where the fibroids are located. Risks also depend on the fibroids’ size and amount found in or around the uterus. 

Beyond the risks a woman’s body endures while living with fibroids, the diagnosis can also be mentally detrimental to women. Uterine fibroid diagnoses can increase anxiety levels that lead to depression and self-harm in women, according to Fertil Steril. These aspects and how women cope with their diagnosis reemphasize the need for more open discussion regarding fibroids. This will help the general public understand how it affects women in more ways than one. 

Social Stigma and Discrimination

Lots of factors play into why women are not comfortable talking about their symptoms and journey with fibroids. One particular reason is the social stigma and discrimination hindering the normalization of such discussions publicly. For context, African-American women are more likely to be diagnosed with fibroids due to a higher risk. They also are said to have an earlier age of onset and more severe symptoms. This has led scientists to hypothesize that race contributes to the diagnosis of fibroids, which affects 20-30% of women globally. Moreover, these women still experience racial disparities in accessing treatment for leiomyomas

Status Quo: Public Awareness and Education About Fibroids

The lack of public awareness and materials to educate women globally on fibroids raises concerns that need to be addressed. First, is the staggering lack of research on the impact of fibroids on different minority groups–Black, Asian, and Latinx women. In a recounted experience by Fatou Wurie for Al Jazeera, she expressed this firsthand from Sub-Saharan Africa, where she originates. Wurie emphasized the lack of hard data for women who were diagnosed with fibroids. This drove her to learn more about the symptoms through journals written by academics from the United States.

Second, is the delayed reporting of symptoms and seeking medical care for women with fibroids. Since they believe what they are experiencing is ‘normal’, women do not report their symptoms to get a diagnosis. This greatly risks their safety and well-being. As women, we need to normalize open discussions and educational material on leiomyomas, their prevalence, and health risks. 

Strategies for Advocacy

To address the lack of information on uterine fibroids and their health risks, we should advocate for open discussions. You can also take steps to support the women around you who may be living with fibroids, including the following. 

Provide Emotional Support

Simply lending an ear to someone who has health struggles is a big form of support. Provide mental and emotional support to women with leiomyomas to help them cope with the stress. This can also help with anxiety and negative emotions following their diagnosis and journey. 

Educate Yourself

Learn more facts, explore available resources, and read more studies on uterine fibroids. Being more aware of the condition can help reduce the discrimination against women diagnosed with fibroids. It also helps you become more empathetic and understanding towards their experience. 

Contribute to Research for Fibroid Diagnosis 

Small steps to start creating safer spaces for women to discuss their health issues contribute a fair amount of change. Contributing to research on uterine fibroids, diagnosis methods, treatment, and health risks can be a shift in the status quo. 

Organizations such as The Fibroid Foundation under the leadership of Sateria Venable break new ground for fibroid research. They aim to provide more education and resources on fibroid treatment– a stellar example of advocacy for uterine fibroids. 

The Fibroid Foundation is committed to conducting more research on the needs of women diagnosed with leiomyomas. Their research generates data to help women make more informed treatment decisions and provides options for treatment. They ensure its studies include diverse populations to accurately represent various women diagnosed with uterine fibroids, considering their unique experiences. The Fibroid Foundation’s advocacy to provide comprehensive solutions and build awareness for uterine fibroids makes waves for equity in healthcare.

While uterine fibroids are non-cancerous, in no way are they harmless to women who are diagnosed with them. Some women endure severe pain during their periods while having to risk the possibility of infertility. This can affect a woman’s daily activities as they struggle with the pain and stress of dealing with fibroids. Psychologically, increased levels of anxiety can lead to depression and self-harm. Both the physical and mental health aspects of women are at risk when they suffer from a fibroid diagnosis. This is why we emphasize the need for more education and public awareness about fibroids. More knowledge and data on its adverse health risks and associated diagnoses process can help save lives. A safer space for open discussions, more research, and understanding different experiences can be a great form of support. 

Q1- What Are Uterine Fibroids? 

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths in or around the uterus, common in women’s productive years. The asymptomatic nature of uterine fibroids in women can lead to the condition being underestimated. Most women believe the symptoms are ‘normal’, so they do not see the need to report for a diagnosis. Uterine fibroids are common in women, estimated at 4.5% to 68.6% likelihood depending on age among others. Its dire health risks are the very reason why women must be vigilant and aware of its prevalence. Early detection can help women find solutions to fibroids and stave off their detrimental effects.

Q2- What Are The Physical and Mental Health Effects of Fibroids? 

Uterine fibroids have several physical and mental health risks for women. They can cause infertility by obstructing the fallopian tubes and causing changes to the endometrial cavity. This alters the endometrial development and puts women’s health at risk. These risks depend on the location of the fibroids, their size, and amount. 

Mentally, living with fibroids can be mentally detrimental to women. The experience can increase anxiety levels and may lead to depression and self-harm.

Q3- How Can We Advocate for and Support Women With Fibroids?

The first big step that needs to be taken is to increase available educational resources on fibroids. Conducting and contributing to research would provide more references for the unique needs of women with fibroids and required treatments. We can always support women around us who may be living with fibroids by providing them with emotional support. This can help them with stress, anxiety, and negative emotions following their diagnosis. Additionally, you can always educate yourself and raise awareness for the condition to reduce discrimination against women with fibroids.