I was diagnosed with uterine fibroids at 34. My initial concern arose when I experienced continuous menstrual bleeding for an entire month. My gynecologist, Dr. Adcock, diagnosed me with fibroid tumors. The term “tumor” immediately evoked fear of cancer, but Dr. Adcock assured me that fibroids are almost always benign (noncancerous).
The only treatment option presented to me was a hysterectomy. As a single mother of a 2-year-old, I did not want to have more children and therefore proceeded with the surgery.
Uterine fibroids disproportionately affect African American women, particularly between the ages of 30 and 38, prime childbearing years. While some doctors suggest smoking and caffeine as risk factors, I neither smoke nor consume caffeine.
Further research is crucial to understand the underlying causes of this disparity and to develop less invasive treatment options for this condition.
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