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Hi black women. Please be sure you’re getting checked for fibroids and uterine cysts. 80% of black women will get them during their lifetime and they can lead to very difficult health consequences and complications.
I have them and they make my life hell every single month around my period to the point I can’t move or get out of bed at all for the whole week. I’ve had friends/family members with life threatening complications because of them. Please make sure you get checked for them!!!!
Here’s some more information for those that don’t know!! https://bwhi.org/2019/04/03/its-not-normal-black-women-stop-suffering-from-fibroids/
Black women are 2-3 times more likely to have fibroids (compared to white women).
If you’re constantly having EXTREMELY long/painful periods that interfere with your daily activities and life that’s a clear sign you might have fibroids.
When I first started getting extremely painful periods that prevented me from moving I was 15 (my period came on when I was 12). The doctor was dismissive put me on birth control which did not help with the pain and gave me terrible side effects so I stopped taking it.
The next time you get a checkup demand a pelvic ultrasound. I’ve expressed concerns about fibroids to many doctors and they will likely dismiss your pain and avoid giving you an ultrasound. Do not let them dismiss you. This CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE!!!
If you have extreme pelvic pain DEMAND A PELVIC ULTRASOUND!!!! Do not let them tell you no!! They CAN and WILL give it to you!! You likely have uterine cysts or fibroids!!!
Not only are black women more likely to get them but they’re likely to be LARGER. This is not to scare you but you need to be aware because doctors are NOT going to tell you. Here is a picture for reference and some signs you might be suffering from fibroids/cysts.
It can be very hard and scary to advocate for yourself to doctors. Try to go with someone who will support you and stand up for you if you can. If a doctor refuses to give you the treatment you need, demand that they give you a DOCUMENT OF REFUSAL!!!!
I’m sorry if the language I used in this thread was dismissive to non-binary, trans or gender nonconforming people!!! Your health and your life matter and you deserve to live a pain-free life. My intention is never to negate anyone’s experience. I hope this helps!!
It’s really infuriating and disheartening reading y’all’s stories because they’re the exact same as mine. Going to the doctor repeatedly because your period is unbearable and they prescribe you ibuprofen and birth control when that doesn’t help at all (for most people).
Having people constantly dismissing your pain and saying you’re just being dramatic and overreacting when really you could be suffering from something that is life threatening.
This thread also reminded me of this video. There are studies that show many doctor’s really do not believe black people can feel pain. We have to fight for each other and advocate for ourselves. Your life matters and I hope this helps!!! Love you. 
