Education & Awareness: Understanding Fibroids

At Her Fibroid Journey, our mission is to educate, empower, and support women navigating the challenges of fibroids. Fibroids, also called uterine fibroids, are non-cancerous growths that develop in or on the uterus. They can vary in size, number, and location. Some fibroids may be small and symptom-free, while others can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain or pressure, fatigue, urinary issues, or fertility challenges. Understanding fibroids is the first step toward managing symptoms, making informed decisions, and advocating for your health.

Common Fibroid Treatments

Women have several options for managing fibroids, depending on their symptoms, age, and reproductive goals:

Myomectomy: A surgical procedure that removes fibroids while preserving the uterus. Often chosen by women who want to maintain fertility. Recovery varies but typically allows a return to normal activities after several weeks.
Hysterectomy: A surgical procedure to remove the uterus, which completely eliminates fibroids but ends the possibility of pregnancy. Recommended for severe symptoms or when other treatments have not been effective.
Minimally invasive procedures and medications: Some women may benefit from uterine artery embolization, hormonal therapies, or other interventions to reduce fibroid size and control symptoms without major surgery.

Racial Disparities and Early Onset

Fibroids disproportionately affect Black women, who are more likely to develop fibroids at a younger age and often have larger or multiple fibroids compared to women of other races. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), up to 70–80% of Black women will develop fibroids by age 50, and they often experience symptoms earlier in life. These disparities highlight the importance of awareness, early screening, and culturally competent care.

Why Education Matters

Education empowers women to:

Understand what fibroids are and how they affect the body
Make informed decisions about treatment and management options
Recognize the physical and emotional impact of fibroids
Advocate for themselves during medical consultations
Learn and practice coping strategies to manage symptoms and stress
Connect with a community of women who share similar experiences

At Her Fibroid Journey, we provide:

Evidence-based resources on fibroid symptoms, treatments, and recovery
Practical tips for coping with physical and emotional challenges
Guidance for discussing fibroids and treatment options with healthcare providers
A safe, supportive community for sharing stories and experiences

By learning about uterine fibroids, understanding treatment options, and connecting with a supportive network, women—especially those at higher risk—can reduce isolation, gain clarity, and take proactive steps to care for their health.

Fibroid Education & Research Articles

1. Burden, Prevalence, and Treatment of Uterine Fibroids – U.S. Survey (NIH / PMC)
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6247381/

2. Nature Reviews: Uterine Fibroids (Scientific overview + disparities)
https://www.nature.com/articles/nrdp201643

3. Mayo Clinic Press – Fibroids More Common and Severe in Black Women
https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/women-health/uterine-fibroids-are-more-common-and-severe-in-black-women-but-there-are-treatment-options/

4. National Geographic – Most Women Have Fibroids, Doctors Don’t Know Why
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/uterine-fibroids-pain-bleeding-infertility

5. Understanding Racial Disparities in Uterine Fibroids (University of Michigan IHPI)
https://ihpi.umich.edu/news-events/news/understanding-racial-disparities-women-uterine-fibroids

6. NIH – Gynecologic Conditions: Uterine Fibroids (Health disparities report)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/n/nap27757/ch5/

7. CDC – Uterine Fibroids Overview (Basic facts)
https://www.cdc.gov/women/uterine-fibroids/index.html

8. Office on Women’s Health (HHS) – Uterine Fibroids Education
https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/uterine-fibroids

9. Cleveland Clinic – Fibroids Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9130-uterine-fibroids

10. Johns Hopkins Medicine – Understanding Fibroids
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/uterine-fibroids