- Dysmenorrhea (Painful periods)
- Abnormal or heavy menstrual flow
- Pain during or after sex
- Pain during bowel movements or urination
- Excessive bleeding
- Fatigue
- Anxiety or Depression
- Abdominal bloating and nausea
- Infertility
Black women and endometriosis
Historically, Black women have a horrid history with medical professionals and the field of obstetrics/gynecology (please look up J. Marion Sims, cause chile). Endometriosis is difficult to diagnose and can take about 8 to 12 years from the onset of symptoms to get a diagnosis. It also may not occur in a vacuum, meaning you can also have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), Uterine Fibroids, and other health conditions that can play a role in getting an accurate diagnosis. I am a fellow Cyster (PCOS), so I am always on the lookout for Endometriosis and Uterine Fibroids. The American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology reported that approximately 40% of Black women with endometriosis were initially told they had Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. Endometriosis is also one of the leading causes of infertility for Black women.
Treatment options
Treatment options vary and are case-specific. A woman’s medical history, the severity of endometriosis, and fertility, amongst other things, are taken into consideration. While most of the treatment options are geared towards managing the pain using contraceptives/hormone therapy and pain medication, surgical treatment is also an option to remove endometrial growths and a hysterectomy to remove the uterus or ovaries.
Closing
As Rona continues to snatch edges and Endometriosis Awareness Month approaches, remember you know your body better than anyone. So, you are your best advocate! Please be sure to consult with a medical professional, preferably an Obstetrician/Gynecologist (OB-GYN) or Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant for more information, a diagnosis, or treatment. Be on the lookout for more information from “SPEAK UP!” interns. If you are or know of any Black college-aged and enrolled women interested in advocating against tobacco cessation on HBCU campuses, please visit Save a Girl, Save a World (SAGSAW) for more information.
Aravia Patterson, MPH, is a 26-year-old intern with SAGSAW/SPEAK Up! She is currently a Ph.D. Student at the University of Louisville studying Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences.