The United States is in the midst of a public health crisis at every level, and I am proud that the City of Dallas is showing leadership in addressing the needs of our residents, especially women. We have made available to all feminine hygiene products in the facilities of our city. We are working to bring domestic violence to a lower level. And we’re raising awareness about a common and costly health problem: uterine fibroids.
Fibroids, also known as uterine leiomyomas, are non-cancerous growths that develop in or on the walls of the uterus. Fibroids affect a significant number of women worldwide, with estimates suggesting that up to 70% to 80% of women may develop fibroids by the age of 50, and more than 15 million experience life-altering symptoms. Although fibroids can be asymptomatic, they can cause serious problems as they grow, especially if they are numerous. Fibroids can significantly affect a woman’s physical and emotional well-being.
The Dallas City Council’s proclamation declaring July Uterine Fibroids Awareness Month is a first step in destigmatizing conversations about gynecological health so more women can learn about possible solutions. Fibroid awareness is not a political issue. Women can take proactive steps toward early detection and proper management of fibroids by understanding the prevalence, symptoms, and available treatment options.
It’s hard to talk about uterine fibroids without mentioning the health disparities in this country.
Multiple studies, including one published in the medical journal. Fertility and Sterilityhave shown that black women are more likely to suffer from fibroid symptoms, from heavy bleeding and severe cramping to reproductive dysfunction, including miscarriage, preterm labor and infertility. Black and Hispanic women were not only less likely to have minimally invasive surgerybut they were also less likely to have the surgery performed by a gynecologic surgeon with subspecialty training in minimally invasive techniques.
Because information about fibroids can be ambiguous, many don’t know the source of their symptoms. And the effect fibroids have on a woman’s quality of life and the little-discussed emotional toll on well-being, self-esteem, and overall body positivity can sometimes feel worse than physical suffering.
Routine gynecological checkups and discussions about menstrual health are essential to detect fibroids early. Diagnostic tools such as pelvic exams, ultrasound, MRI, and hysteroscopy can help confirm the presence and size of fibroids.
By raising awareness about fibroids and encouraging open conversations about menstrual health, we can empower women to seek timely care and support. There are multiple treatment options for fibroids, many of which do not require surgery.
Together, we can break the silence surrounding fibroids, ensure better healthcare outcomes, and improve the overall quality of life for women affected by the condition.
Paula Blackmon represents District 9 on the Dallas City Council. She wrote this column for The Dallas Morning News.
We welcome your thoughts in a letter to the editor. See the guidelines and send your letter here. If you have problems with the form, you can email it to letters@dallasnews.com
The City of Dallas Empowers Women: Addressing Uterine Fibroids and Gynecological Health
Feminine hygiene products, domestic violence, and uterine fibroids have gained the attention of the City of Dallas as it takes a leadership role in addressing the needs of residents, particularly women. By making feminine hygiene products available in city facilities, raising awareness about domestic violence, and declaring July as Uterine Fibroids Awareness Month, Dallas is destigmatizing conversations surrounding gynecological health and providing necessary support and resources. This article explores the impact of uterine fibroids on women’s lives, the importance of early detection and proper management, and the disparities faced by different racial and ethnic groups. It also highlights the proactive steps that women can take to seek care and support, as well as the various treatment options available.
Understanding Uterine Fibroids: A Common Health Problem
Fibroids, also known as uterine leiomyomas, are non-cancerous growths that develop in or on the walls of the uterus. They are a widespread health issue affecting a significant number of women worldwide. Statistics reveal the following:
- Estimates suggest that up to 70% to 80% of women may develop fibroids by the age of 50.
- More than 15 million women experience life-altering symptoms due to fibroids.
While some fibroids can be asymptomatic, others can cause severe problems, especially when they grow in large numbers. They can have a significant impact on a woman’s physical and emotional well-being, affecting her quality of life and overall body positivity.
Uterine Fibroids Awareness Month: Breaking the Silence
The Dallas City Council’s proclamation declaring July as Uterine Fibroids Awareness Month is a crucial step towards destigmatizing and initiating conversations about gynecological health. By raising awareness about fibroids, the focus shifts towards understanding the prevalence, symptoms, and available treatment options. It is important to emphasize that fibroid awareness is not a political issue but a matter of healthcare and well-being for women.
Addressing Healthcare Disparities
Health disparities related to uterine fibroids are a significant concern in the United States. Several studies have shown that black women are more likely to suffer from fibroid symptoms compared to women of other races or ethnicities. The disparities extend to the type of treatment received:
- Black and Hispanic women are less likely to have minimally invasive surgery for fibroids.
- These women are also less likely to have the surgery performed by a gynecologic surgeon with subspecialty training in minimally invasive techniques.
These healthcare disparities highlight the need to address the systemic issues affecting access to quality care for different racial and ethnic groups. It is crucial to ensure equitable access to proper diagnosis, treatment, and support for all women affected by uterine fibroids.
Importance of Early Detection and Proper Management
Due to the ambiguous nature of fibroid symptoms, many women are unaware of the source of their discomfort. Routine gynecological checkups and discussions about menstrual health play a vital role in detecting fibroids early. Various diagnostic tools, such as pelvic exams, ultrasound, MRI, and hysteroscopy, can help confirm the presence and size of fibroids. Early detection allows for timely intervention and the exploration of available treatment options.
Empowering Women: Seeking Timely Care and Support
By raising awareness about fibroids and encouraging open conversations about menstrual health, women can be empowered to seek timely care and support. It is essential to provide accurate information, resources, and a supportive environment to help women make informed decisions about their health. Women should be aware of the multiple treatment options available, many of which do not require surgery. Each woman’s situation is unique, and understanding the different options allows for personalized care and improved healthcare outcomes.
An Additional Perspective: Broadening the Conversation
While the City of Dallas’s initiatives are commendable, it is important to broaden the conversation around uterine fibroids and gynecological health. Here are some additional aspects to consider:
- The impact of uterine fibroids on mental health and overall well-being.
- The experiences of women from different socioeconomic backgrounds and geographic locations.
- The role of education and awareness programs in empowering women to advocate for their own health.
- The importance of research and ongoing studies to develop better treatment options and address healthcare disparities.
Conclusion
Uterine fibroids are a common health problem affecting millions of women worldwide. The City of Dallas’s efforts to address gynecological health, including making feminine hygiene products available, raising awareness about domestic violence, and declaring Uterine Fibroids Awareness Month, play a crucial role in destigmatizing conversations surrounding these issues. By understanding the prevalence, symptoms, and available treatment options, women can take proactive steps towards early detection and proper management of fibroids. It is important to ensure equitable access to quality care for all women, regardless of their race or ethnicity, and empower them to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
We welcome your thoughts in a letter to the editor. See the guidelines and send your letter here. If you have problems with the form, you can email it to letters@dallasnews.com
summary
The City of Dallas is taking a proactive approach in addressing the needs of its residents, particularly women, by focusing on uterine fibroids and gynecological health. By making feminine hygiene products available, raising awareness about domestic violence, and declaring Uterine Fibroids Awareness Month, Dallas is destigmatizing conversations surrounding these issues. Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that affect a significant number of women worldwide, and awareness about them is crucial for early detection and proper management. However, healthcare disparities, particularly among different racial and ethnic groups, highlight the need for equitable access to quality care. By empowering women to seek timely care and support, the City of Dallas aims to improve healthcare outcomes and overall quality of life for those affected by uterine fibroids. The conversation around gynecological health and fibroid awareness should continue to expand, encompassing mental health, diverse perspectives, education, and ongoing research for better treatment options and addressing disparities.
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The United States is in the midst of a public health crisis at every level, and I am proud that the City of Dallas is showing leadership in addressing the needs of our residents, especially women. We have made available to all feminine hygiene products in the facilities of our city. We are working to bring domestic violence to a lower level. And we’re raising awareness about a common and costly health problem: uterine fibroids.
Fibroids, also known as uterine leiomyomas, are non-cancerous growths that develop in or on the walls of the uterus. Fibroids affect a significant number of women worldwide, with estimates suggesting that up to 70% to 80% of women may develop fibroids by the age of 50, and more than 15 million experience life-altering symptoms. Although fibroids can be asymptomatic, they can cause serious problems as they grow, especially if they are numerous. Fibroids can significantly affect a woman’s physical and emotional well-being.
The Dallas City Council’s proclamation declaring July Uterine Fibroids Awareness Month is a first step in destigmatizing conversations about gynecological health so more women can learn about possible solutions. Fibroid awareness is not a political issue. Women can take proactive steps toward early detection and proper management of fibroids by understanding the prevalence, symptoms, and available treatment options.
It’s hard to talk about uterine fibroids without mentioning the health disparities in this country.
Multiple studies, including one published in the medical journal. Fertility and Sterilityhave shown that black women are more likely to suffer from fibroid symptoms, from heavy bleeding and severe cramping to reproductive dysfunction, including miscarriage, preterm labor and infertility. Black and Hispanic women were not only less likely to have minimally invasive surgerybut they were also less likely to have the surgery performed by a gynecologic surgeon with subspecialty training in minimally invasive techniques.
Because information about fibroids can be ambiguous, many don’t know the source of their symptoms. And the effect fibroids have on a woman’s quality of life and the little-discussed emotional toll on well-being, self-esteem, and overall body positivity can sometimes feel worse than physical suffering.
Routine gynecological checkups and discussions about menstrual health are essential to detect fibroids early. Diagnostic tools such as pelvic exams, ultrasound, MRI, and hysteroscopy can help confirm the presence and size of fibroids.
By raising awareness about fibroids and encouraging open conversations about menstrual health, we can empower women to seek timely care and support. There are multiple treatment options for fibroids, many of which do not require surgery.
Together, we can break the silence surrounding fibroids, ensure better healthcare outcomes, and improve the overall quality of life for women affected by the condition.
Paula Blackmon represents District 9 on the Dallas City Council. She wrote this column for The Dallas Morning News.
We welcome your thoughts in a letter to the editor. See the guidelines and send your letter here. If you have problems with the form, you can email it to letters@dallasnews.com
https://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/commentary/2023/07/08/councilwoman-dallas-is-leading-the-charge-in-advocacy-for-womens-health/?outputType=amp
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