Why Knowing How to Detect Fibroids Matters

Recently, U.S. Rep. Shontel Brown introduced the U-FIGHT (The Uterine Fibroid Intervention and Gynecological Health and Treatment) Act to help improve national methods of how to detect fibroids. If approved, the legislation would let our Secretary of Health and Human Services award grants and create awareness and research projects designed to increase early fibroid detection and treatment interventions.

Rep. Brown says that she is inspired to create change because, for her, having fibroids “was like having an uninvited guest take over your body, month after month, for years.” In fact, her fibroid symptoms harmed her mental health. Ultimately, she opted to surgically remove her uterus (hysterectomy) in order to find relief. But, today, she realizes that many women could avoid this invasive procedure, if they were only made aware of how to detect fibroids at an earlier stage. She hopes that this legislation will be an important step in advancing this goal.

The Importance of Learning How to Detect Fibroids Early

According to Brown, greater fibroid awareness could help close the fibroid treatment gap that exists between women of color and those of other races. She explains, “A lot of women, a lot of Black women, when there is so much pain, they think that this is just part of being a woman, a normal part of your period. Too many women delay medical care or are denied full treatment and care because they don’t know that the symptoms they’re suffering through aren’t normal.”

However, with increased awareness of fibroid symptoms and treatment options, Borwn believes that women might feel more comfortable discussing issues like heavy bleeding with their doctors. Ideally, this would also reduce the rate of avoidable hysterectomies in this country, while empowering women to make more informed treatment choices. Finally, she says, “While not all fibroids require treatment, detection and intervention can reduce symptoms and complications, particularly among women of color, who are impacted by them at a higher rate.”

Today, we stand with Rep. Brown and the other 50 House of Representatives members who support this bill. We also offer appreciation for its endorsing organizations such as The White Dress Project, The Fibroid Foundation, Black Health Matters, Ohio Physicians for Reproductive Rights, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Birthing Beautiful Communities, The Center for Black Health & Equity, University Hospitals, Cleveland Clinic, and MetroHealth and others. And, to help further the goals of Rep. Brown's bill, we encourage you to request a consultation. with our fibroid experts in Georgia. When you come in, we can provide information on minimally invasive Uterine Fibroid Embolization, and review your candidacy for this treatment option.