America is in the midst of a public health crisis at all levels, and I am proud that the city of Dallas is showing leadership in addressing the needs of our residents, especially women. We have made feminine hygiene products available to all in our city facilities. We are working to bring domestic violence to lower levels. And we are bringing awareness to a prevalent and costly health issue: uterine fibroids.
Fibroids, also known as uterine leiomyomas, are non-cancerous growths that develop within or on the walls of the uterus. Fibroids affect a substantial number of women worldwide, with estimates suggesting that up to 70% to 80% of women may develop fibroids by age 50, and more than 15 million suffer from life-altering symptoms. Although fibroids can be asymptomatic, they can cause severe problems as they grow larger, especially if they are numerous. Fibroids can significantly affect a woman’s physical and emotional well-being.
The Dallas City Council’s proclamation declaring July as Uterine Fibroids Awareness Month is a first step toward destigmatizing gynecological health conversations so more women can become informed about possible solutions. Fibroid awareness is not a political issue. Women can take proactive steps toward early detection and appropriate management of fibroids by understanding the prevalence, symptoms and available treatment options.
It’s hard to talk about uterine fibroids without mentioning the health disparities in this country.
Multiple studies, including one published in the medical journal Fertility and Sterility, have shown that Black women are more likely to suffer from fibroid symptoms, from heavy bleeding and severe cramps to reproductive dysfunction, including miscarriage, early labor and infertility. Black and Hispanic women were not only less likely to have minimally invasive surgery, but they were also less likely to have their surgery performed by a gynecologic surgeon with subspeciality training in minimally invasive techniques.
Because information surrounding fibroids can be ambiguous, many do not know the source of their symptoms. And the effect fibroids have on a woman’s quality of life and the under-discussed emotional toll on well-being, self-esteem and overall body positivity can sometimes feel worse than the physical suffering.
Routine gynecological checkups and discussions about menstrual health are essential in detecting fibroids early. Diagnostic tools such as pelvic examinations, ultrasounds, MRI scans and hysteroscopy can help confirm the presence and size of fibroids.
By raising awareness about fibroids and encouraging open conversations about menstrual health, we can empower women to seek timely medical attention and support. There are multiple treatment options for fibroids, many of which do not require surgery.
Together, we can break the silence surrounding fibroids, ensure better health care outcomes and improve the overall quality of life for women affected by this condition.
Paula Blackmon represents District 9 on the Dallas City Council. She wrote this column for The Dallas Morning News.
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