In honor of Fibroid Awareness Month, we want to share Erica White’s journey with uterine fibroids, a common noncancerous tumor. Research on fibroids is limited, but studies indicate that they may affect 40-80% of all women. Black women have a threefold greater incidence and risk of fibroids, and an earlier age of onset compared to White women. Fibroids can cause symptoms that include heavy menstrual bleeding, bloating, back pain, frequent urination, vaginal discharge, and pain during sex. Erica’s symptoms began with heavy periods and gradually worsened. Now, she wants to share her story to help other women avoid the painful reality of uterine fibroids.

Erica White takes care of herself. She makes a point to exercise and get preventative check-ups, including her annual well-woman exam. Previous exams indicated she had small asymptomatic fibroids, so her doctor didn’t recommend treatment. Then the painful, heavy periods started. “I remember thinking, ‘Oh, it must be stress. It'll be fine,’ so I just went on with my work day.” Like many women in her position, she kept pushing through until she couldn’t ignore it any longer. “It got to the point where I was having my period constantly. One day at work, I was alarmed at how much blood I was losing.”  Finally, her assistant told her, “You should see a doctor.”

Her OB-GYN performed an ultrasound, which revealed three uterine fibroids. “One was the size of a cantaloupe!”  The treatment options included surgical removal, but there was a chance of recurrence. The other option was a hysterectomy.  Though devastating, she was glad to finally know the cause of her suffering. After two other doctors confirmed the fibroid diagnosis, it was time for Erica to make a difficult choice.

A total hysterectomy was an overwhelming life decision for Erica. “I was 41. While I've never had the urge to have children, that's different than a doctor saying you can’t have kids.” Ultimately, her doctor recommended a total hysterectomy. She sought counseling to help her process her options and make a choice. “I just remember the emotional journey to find peace with my decision before the surgery.”

“Before the surgery, I literally had my period for 8 months straight. I felt fatigued and faint because I waslosing so much blood.” Even so, Erica had to advocate for herself so that doctors would take her pain seriously. She switched to an empathetic gynecologist who made her feel comfortable and cared for. It made all the difference. The surgery went well, and Erica was able to recover at home with the support of her friends and family.

Pushing through pain, endless periods, and fatigue taught Erica a vital lesson—if something is out of the ordinary, don't just push through—ask questions, demand answers, fight for your health. “I'd tell women that it's important to advocate for ourselves. As you go on this emotional journey, reach out to that support system when you need it.”

Little is known about the cause of fibroids, or why Black women have a greater risk of developing them. But there are some risk factors to know:

●      Obesity and a higher body mass index (BMI).

●      Family history of fibroids.

●      Not having children.

●      Early onset of menstruation (getting your period at a young age).

●      Late age for menopause.

 If you are experiencing heavy periods or think you might be at risk for fibroids, take action and advocate for yourself.