Everything Women Get Wrong About Fibroids

Listen, sis. We need to talk about something that’s impacting Black women at a rate that’s honestly criminal. I’m talking about fibroids. Yeah, those non-cancerous growths in your uterus that nobody in health class ever mentioned.

You might be thinking, “That’s a mom/auntie problem, not me.” But girl, these things can start developing in your 20s. While you’re stressing over finals, your first big-girl job, or a situationship, your body could be dealing with this silently. Let’s get into it.

Wait, 80 Percent? What Are Fibroids & Why Should You Care Now?

First, let’s break it down. Uterine fibroids are muscular tumors that grow in the wall of the uterus. They’re almost always benign, but that doesn’t mean they’re harmless. They can be as small as a seed or as large as a melon. Yeah, a whole melon.

And that 80% stat for Black women? It’s not a maybe. By age 50, up to 80% of Black women will have them, compared to about 70% of white women. But here’s the kicker: we get them earlier, they grow faster, and our symptoms are often way more severe. Let that sink in.

This isn’t just a “heavy period” issue. This is your entire quality of life. Imagine trying to crush a presentation when you’re bleeding through a super-plus tampon and a pad every hour. Or having to cancel dates because the cramping is so bad you can’t stand up straight. Or the bloating making you look 5 months pregnant when you’re just trying to feel cute. It’s real.

The Symptoms You’re Probably Brushing Off

We’re taught to just deal with period pain. Pop an Advil and keep it pushing. But there’s a difference between mild cramps and signs of fibroids. Here’s what to watch for:

• Heavy bleeding that soaks through your protection in under an hour.
• Periods lasting longer than a week.
• Pelvic pressure or pain that isn’t just during your period.
• Needing to pee all. the. time. (Fibroids can press on your bladder.)
• Constipation or backache.
• Pain during sex.
• Anemia from all that blood loss (think constant fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath).

If you’re nodding to more than one of these, it’s time to stop brushing it off. This isn’t “just how your body is.” You deserve to feel good all month, not just the three weeks you’re not bleeding.

What Actually Works: From Doctor Visits to Daily Habits

Okay, so you suspect something’s up. What do you DO? First, you advocate for yourself at the doctor. This is the hardest but most important part. Write down your symptoms and take them with you. If a doctor dismisses you with “lose weight” or “it’s not that bad,” find a new one. Period.

Diagnosis usually starts with a pelvic exam and an ultrasound. They need to see what’s going on in there. From there, treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on the size, location, and your symptoms.

If They Brush You Off	If They Listen & Help
❌ “It’s just stress.” ❌ “Your pain tolerance is low.” ❌ “Come back when you want kids.”	✅ Orders an ultrasound. ✅ Discusses ALL options (meds, procedures). ✅ Asks about YOUR life goals (like preserving fertility).

Treatment can range from birth control to manage bleeding, to medications that shrink fibroids, to non-invasive procedures like Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), to surgery. A hysterectomy (removing the uterus) is an option, but it is NOT your only option, especially if you think you might want kids someday. Ask questions.

The Truth Nobody Tells You: Diet & Lifestyle Matter (A Lot)

Doctors might not have time to get into this, but research is clear: what you eat and how you live can influence inflammation, which fuels fibroid growth. This isn’t about blaming you—it’s about empowering you with things you can control.

Red and processed meats, ham, bacon, and high-fat dairy are linked to higher risk. Why? They can increase inflammation and certain hormones. On the flip side, green veggies, fruit (especially citrus), and fish like salmon and tuna are linked to a lower risk. Think anti-inflammatory foods.

Also, vitamin D. Low vitamin D is linked to a higher risk of developing fibroids. Many of us are deficient, especially with melanated skin. Ask your doctor to check your levels. And manage your stress—I know, easier said than done with tuition and rent due. But chronic stress is inflammatory. Find your thing: walking, journaling, therapy, dancing in your room.

This is the kind of stuff women talk about inside TechMae every single day. No judgment, just real ones keeping it real. The shame, the doctor horror stories, the tips for making it through a workday—we share it all.

Related: This post is a must-read for women on their journey. It helps you process all the feels that come with health stuff.

Start Here: Your Action Plan for This Week

This feels big, so let’s make it small. Don’t get overwhelmed. Pick ONE thing from this list and do it this week.

1. **Track one cycle.** Use your phone notes or a free app. Just start.
2. **Book a wellness visit.** Just a regular check-up. Tell your doctor, “I have concerns about heavy menstrual bleeding and want to discuss it.”
3. **Research one Black female OB/GYN** in your network or area. Sometimes seeing someone who looks like you makes all the difference.
4. **Add one green thing** to your day. A smoothie with spinach, a side salad. Small wins.
5. **Talk to your mom, aunt, or older cousin.** Ask about their reproductive health history. It matters for your story.

You might also love this article – one of our most shared. Because dealing with health stuff is stressful, and financial stress makes everything worse.