Alana's Story: Faith & Fibroids

34-year-old Alana knows firsthand the challenges of living with fibroids. Diagnosed in 2014, her experience with the condition spans a decade of ups and downs that she is still learning to manage and live with.

Symptoms like heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, and general discomfort led Alana to seek medical attention, and eventually, a formal diagnosis of fibroids left her feeling overwhelmed. “When I first received my diagnosis, I was nervous because I knew very little about fibroids, how to live with the condition, and whether it was treatable,” she reflects. Although nearly a quarter of Black women between 18 and 30 have fibroids according to University of Michigan, the silence is deafening when it comes to actually navigating the condition.

The cause of fibroids is not known, but research suggests a combination of genetics and hormones. Even less is known about why fibroids affect Black women more frequently and more aggressively. “My fibroids were so far gone that they had to be treated with surgery," Alana explains. To date, she has undergone five surgeries, the last one being an open myomectomy, a surgical procedure that removes fibroids from the uterus through an incision in the lower abdomen. Now, she focuses on managing her condition through diet and exercise.

One of the most significant challenges Alana has faced is the possibility of infertility due to fibroids—receiving this news in December 2022 was devastating. “It was just really hard hearing that news and knowing that there’s a possibility that conceiving a child may not be in the cards for me,” she shares. A 2021 study suggests that fibroids may be the sole cause of infertility in 2-3% of women, which may not seem like a large number, but it is significant enough to matter, especially for Black women who are three times more likely to be diagnosed with fibroids than white counterparts.

The emotional toll of a diagnosis like fibroids and grappling with the fallout such as potential infertility is the experience of many Black women with uterine health conditions, and in many ways, given the link between the link between physical and mental health, perpetuates some of the symptoms experienced.

Fibroids are a multilayer condition that require multilayer treatment. We know from research that surgical intervention can be helpful, but addressing the symptoms doesn’t end there. For Alana, the continued journey looks like going for walks to stay active, maintaining a balanced diet, meditation for stress and anxiety, and much prayer.

Alana is surrounded by a loving family and connected to a network of people who uplift her. She has also joined fibroid support groups online that consist of other women with the same condition. “I’m learning so much that I didn’t know about the condition from support groups,” she notes. “They have been extremely helpful in helping me find ways to manage the condition and explore alternative treatments.” 

For newly diagnosed women or those who may be struggling, Alana's message is one of solidarity—you are not alone. “There are so many women fighting this battle right alongside you,” she says. “I would encourage you to find support groups, do your own research, and seek professional help to find the best treatment options.”

Alana's hope for the future is simple: a clean bill of health and a body prepared for pregnancy. “Motherhood is something I've always wanted, and I still believe that I will experience this," she declares in faith. 

Among the biggest takeaways from Alana’s journey is the need for improved communication and patient-centered care within the medical community. “I just want us to be heard,” Alana emphasizes. “We, as women, know when something is wrong with our bodies, and I want doctors to listen to us the first time and every treatment option available to be presented to us.” The ultimate goal is for Black women to have options when it comes to the treatment of medical conditions like fibroids. Black women deserve the opportunity to be diagnosed in a timely manner, to do our own research, and to have a say in how we are treated and cared for.