Black OB/GYN And Clinic Founder Sheds Light On Uterine Fibroid Disparity

Black women are 80% more likely than white women to develop uterine fibroids by age 50.

According to a statistic from the National Institutes of Health, by the age of 50, Black women are 80% more likely than white women to develop uterine fibroids.

Dr. Kameelah Phillips, a Board-Certified obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) and founder of Calla Women’s Health center, spoke to CBS News and explained that doctors don’t know exactly why fibroids happen to women. Moreover, while there may be a genetic component, Dr. Phillips also admitted that healthcare professionals are not sure why a disparity exists with Black women.

For Black women seeking answers, Dr. Phillips said, “Doctor-patient relationships aren’t always a perfect match. So if you feel that you’re not being seen or heard, it’s time to get another opinion.” As a professional, Dr. Phillips said that she regularly encourages her patients to get a second opinion. “I often encourage patients: ‘We’re talking about fibroids but now I’m going to send you to another doctor because I want you to hear an alternative opinion,'” so that patients can “choose what’s best for them.”

She further urged Black women to show up to doctor’s office visits with a list of questions and to get an ultrasound if they feel like something is going on in their pelvis.

When asked about symptoms, Dr. Phillips provided that painful periods, fertility issues, a noticeable bulge, or heavy bleeding during or outside of a woman’s menstrual cycle are common signs that a woman might have uterine fibroids. She urged women experiencing these symptoms to consult with an OB-GYN as early as possible. More severe symptoms may require surgical treatment, but Dr. Phillips shared that medical management might make it possible not to remove uterine fibroids.

Besides genetics, other factors that may impact a woman’s likeliness to develop uterine fibroids include obesity, consumption of red meat, estrogen exposure, and vitamin D levels. Overall, Dr. Phillips noted that a combination of influences from genes and the environment may influence fibroid development in persons assigned as females at birth.

The Cleveland Clinic defines uterine fibroids as noncancerous growths in the uterus that can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure and pain, and other symptoms.