Fibroids

Why African American Women are 3 Times More Likely to Develop Fibroids

Increasing public awareness about uterine fibroids, especially the racial disparity of this condition, is more important now than ever before. Studies have shown that despite severe symptoms from uterine fibroids, African American women reported taking an average of four years to seek treatment.

While there is no specific scientific evidence showing why African American women are more likely to develop uterine fibroids, there are a number of theories.

Because African American girls are more likely to start their period at a younger age, one such theory is that they are more susceptible to fibroid development later in life. Daughters are also three times as likely to have fibroids if their mother experienced them, outlining another susceptibility issue.

Seeking Treatment For Uterine Fibroids in Dallas

Since African American women are not only three times more likely to develop uterine fibroids but are also more likely to have larger and more densely populated fibroid tumors, the type of treatment can be different. While African American women diagnosed with fibroids are twice as likely to have a hysterectomy as Caucasian women, it’s important that those diagnosed with uterine fibroids are given comprehensive treatment options.

Treatments for Uterine Fibroids

Non-invasive: including watchful waiting if you don’t experience symptoms, hormone treatments that may treat some symptoms, or an ultrasound procedure.
Less invasive: include uterine fibroid embolization, or endometrial ablation, which removes the lining of the uterine.
Surgical: include a myomectomy in which the fibroids are surgically removed, or a hysterectomy where the entire uterus is removed. The more invasive a surgery, the more room there is for complications.

Discuss with a fibroid specialist the symptoms you’re experiencing to help decide on the best approach to treatment for you.