The Importance of Raising Fibroid Awareness

In July several cities—including Houston—celebrated National Fibroid Awareness month. But not every American city has joined the cause of helping women understand the causes and symptoms of fibroids, let alone their treatment options. Now, that’s a big problem, because many women—even those who have been diagnosed with these benign uterine tumors—don’t know that they can cause symptoms. That was the case for Venus Williams, who has recently opened up about her health journey, saying, “I had no idea that fibroids had symptoms. No one ever explained that to me, so I didn’t connect these issues to something that could be treated. I didn’t know I was living with something out of the ordinary, and I think that’s a real problem.”

Tamika Gray Valburn, founder of The White Dress Project, had a similar experience. For years, Tanika suffered with fibroids. Her mom lost two sets of twins because of her own tumors. But even with the family history, Tamika didn't make the connection to her own diagnosis!

In fact, Valburn's fibroids were diagnosed in her late teens. At that point, she'd experienced years of painful symptoms. “You just think it will skip a generation,” she's explained in interviews. “When you’re young, you’re not thinking it will be your story as well.” But, like so many women, Valburn discovered that fibroids do tend to run in families.

Living with Fibroid Symptoms

Because Valburn's fibroid symptoms included heavy bleeding during her menstrual period, she "learn[ed] how to pad myself [to keep from leaking through clothes.] I know the whole formula—what kind of underwear to wear, what kind of tights, what kind of Spanx. I’ve tried and tested everything. It’s become a way of life.” But that wasn't her only symptom. She also experienced bloating, pain, and a heavy emotional burden.

Eventually, Tanika surgically removed 27 fibroids from her uterus. After her recovery, she wanted to help other women. So, in 2014, Tanika earned a Georgia state representative's support in declaring July as Fibroid Awareness Month. The goal? Helping women get the crucial health information they need. After all, as she says, “Many Black women discover they have fibroids later in life, often after enduring years of heavy bleeding, painful menstrual cycles, fertility struggles, and other related issues. We must stop normalizing symptoms that we often contribute to ‘being a woman.” Furthermore, she notes, “Prioritizing awareness and education about fibroids in the Black community is a critical step in breaking down barriers to proper care, advocating for equitable access to healthcare resources, and ultimately improving the well-being of Black women everywhere.”

But she didn’t stop there. Tanika realized that she never bought white clothing, for fear her menstrual blood might leak and create a visible stain. She said, “It’s a simple thing. Like, who cares, why not just wear black? But I love clothes, and the fact that I had to sacrifice wearing white for these benign tumors—I wasn’t feeling it.”

The White Dress Project

Because Valburn's fibroid symptoms included heavy bleeding during her menstrual period, she "learn[ed] how to pad myself [to keep from leaking through clothes.] I know the whole formula—what kind of underwear to wear, what kind of tights, what kind of Spanx. I’ve tried and tested everything. It’s become a way of life.” But that wasn't her only symptom. She also experienced bloating, pain, and a heavy emotional burden.

Eventually, Tanika surgically removed 27 fibroids from her uterus. After her recovery, she wanted to help other women. So, in 2014, Tanika earned a Georgia state representative's support in declaring July as Fibroid Awareness Month. The goal? Helping women get the crucial health information they need. After all, as she says, “Many Black women discover they have fibroids later in life, often after enduring years of heavy bleeding, painful menstrual cycles, fertility struggles, and other related issues. We must stop normalizing symptoms that we often contribute to ‘being a woman.” Furthermore, she notes, “Prioritizing awareness and education about fibroids in the Black community is a critical step in breaking down barriers to proper care, advocating for equitable access to healthcare resources, and ultimately improving the well-being of Black women everywhere.”

But she didn’t stop there. Tanika realized that she never bought white clothing, for fear her menstrual blood might leak and create a visible stain. She said, “It’s a simple thing. Like, who cares, why not just wear black? But I love clothes, and the fact that I had to sacrifice wearing white for these benign tumors—I wasn’t feeling it.”

Sources: The White Dress Project, Healio Primary Care