For generations, women, particularly women of color, have suffered in silence with uterine fibroids, enduring debilitating symptoms like heavy bleeding and pain, often being told their condition was “normal.” Today, that silence is breaking, and medical advancements are offering new hope.

Michelle O’Neal, a Chicago woman who recently ended a 30-year battle with fibroids, highlights the change. O’Neal often required blood transfusions due to anemia caused by fibroids.. Her health journey began when her daughter became involved with her at a Chicago-based GYN, Dr. Kayla Nixon Marshall.

The standard treatment for fibroids was once a hysterectomy. Now, medical intervention focuses on less invasive options.

Dr. Nixon Marshall emphasizes the shift toward Uterine-preserving options, such as the robotic hysterectomy, which allows patients to often go home the same day. Other minimally invasive procedures include uterine fibroid embolization and Sonata, which shrinks the fibroids and is done in an outpatient setting.

The consensus is clear: if fibroids are causing significant symptoms like heavy bleeding leading to anemia, intervention is warranted. O’Neal, now exercising and planning vacations, sums up the feeling: “I have a new life. I have so much freedom.”

Our mission at Fibroid Fighters is to empower women with information about symptoms and treatment options so they have a voice in their care.

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