Uterine fibroids are very common, but many women do not realize they have them until their symptoms begin to affect their quality of life. Issues like heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, frequent urination, bloating, and anemia are often brushed off as being “normal” during their periods.
Many women suffer quietly, thinking their only option for relief involves surgery. The truth is that most women do not know there is a much less invasive option called uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) that spares their uterus and is very effective for most women. No one should have to live with symptoms that interfere with work, family, or their daily life.
Raising awareness is especially important for women of color because Black women are more likely to develop fibroids and usually at a younger age. They are also more likely to have larger fibroids and more severe symptoms and are much more at risk for needing treatment than women of other racial groups.
All women should understand uterine fibroids and be able to recognize their signs and symptoms. They should also be fully informed of all possible treatment options, including UFE, which may help women seek care sooner and avoid years of unnecessary suffering.
Uterine fibroids are the leading reason that women undergo a hysterectomy in the United States, when approximately 90% of them were not medically necessary.
Atlanta Fibroid Center founder Dr. John Lipman was recently quoted in an article talking about uterine fibroids, their impact on women of color, and discussing the benefits of uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). The article emphasizes why educating women is so important, explains how fibroids can affect quality of life, and discusses how minimally invasive treatment may help many women find lasting relief without a hysterectomy.
Read the full article on Southwest Voices: Uterine Fibroids Are Much More Common in Women of Color. Uterine Fibroid Embolization Can Help.
(The article was originally published by NewsUSA and Southwest Voices.)
Think Your Symptoms Could Be Fibroids?
If you have very heavy periods, pelvic pressure or pain, frequent urination, bloating, pain during sex, or anemia caused by heavy bleeding, it is time to speak with a fibroid specialist like Dr. John Lipman at the Atlanta Fibroid Center.
Getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step toward finding relief and learning about all of your treatment options. To learn more about uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), take our UFE quiz and schedule a consultation with the experts at Atlanta Fibroid Center.