Dismissive Doctors, White Pants, and Fibroids Awareness: Turning Pain into Purpose
My life changed forever when I was diagnosed with uterine fibroids, but my story begins long before that. Growing up, conversations about women’s health were often taboo, even though my mother had battled the same condition. I was her miracle child, born between two sets of twins lost to fibroids. My mother’s struggle ended with a hysterectomy to stop the heavy bleeding and pain that had taken over her life.
I experienced many troubling symptoms myself—heavy menstrual bleeding, severe pain, and fatigue—but, despite multiple doctor visits, my symptoms were often dismissed entirely. Growing up, I saw so much emphasis placed on having a career, professionalism, image, and education. Talking about issues ‘below the belt’ wasn’t something that happened. Despite my mother having similar issues, I was completely unaware that fibroids were something I might have as well. If anything, I thought I was too young.
Determined to find answers, I continued seeking medical advice until I finally received a diagnosis: uterine fibroids. Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or on the uterus. They can vary in size, from as small as a pea to as large as a melon, and can cause a range of symptoms, including heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, frequent urination, and complications during pregnancy.
This diagnosis marked the start of a challenging journey filled with surgeries, treatments, and emotional upheaval. I underwent several procedures to remove the fibroids. The road to recovery was long, but it also marked the beginning of a new purpose in my life.
Throughout my journey, I remained focused on raising awareness about fibroids. I realized that my story was not unique; many women, especially African American women, were silently suffering from this condition. Studies show that up to 80% of African American women will develop fibroids by the age of 50, compared to 70% of white women. This realization fueled my passion to advocate for better education, research, and support for women with fibroids.
The more I learned, the more I realized we must normalize health issues like these. We have so many names for our periods to describe something so natural as menstruation. We’re not ashamed of blinking our eyes or using our mouths to speak, which are all functions of the body. So why have we culturally decided that reproductive issues like fibroids shouldn’t be discussed?
In response to my personal battle with fibroids and the overwhelming need for awareness and support, I founded The White Dress Project in 2014. The name “The White Dress Project” symbolizes the freedom and confidence many women with fibroids feel lost due to their condition. Before my diagnosis, I was more focused on the management of my symptoms. Don’t wear white pants. How do I line my underwear, avoid buying cloth seats, and ensure I have mattress covers? I never really dealt with the mechanics of what was happening in my body. We tell ourselves all these things to delay care because we have mastered the management of it. As a result, the mission of “The White Dress Project” is to empower women to reclaim their lives and advocate for a future where no woman suffers in silence.
I remember the first time I went to Capitol Hill and a member of Congress asked, ‘Does anyone die from fibroids?’ First off, you can. If there’s not a direct link, there have been so many studies of fibroids and cardiovascular health or dying from surgery. There is so much that can happen after years of dealing with the symptoms, and I want people to understand their story has power. Our scientists and legislators always want data, and our stories ARE data. We won’t get the research dollars if we don’t advocate for ourselves. I want people to understand that their stories matter and what advocating for yourself means.
Advocate for Yourself
Understanding the symptoms of fibroids, such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and frequent urination, can help you articulate your concerns clearly to your doctor. Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, including their frequency, duration, and intensity. This information will be valuable during medical consultations and help your doctor diagnose more accurately. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about the potential causes of your symptoms and the various diagnostic tests that can confirm the presence of fibroids, such as ultrasounds or MRIs.
In terms of what those look like when dealing with infertility or reproductive issues, it’s important to show others that you don’t have to look downtrodden or in pain to be taken seriously. You can still look cute and professional and humanize what it means to deal with fibroids. It’s liberating, and your story matters.
Remember, you are your best advocate, and ensuring you receive the appropriate care and treatment is essential for your health and well-being.
Tanika Gray Valbrun, in addition to being a founder of The White Dress Project, is also a RESOLVE Board member. As an award-winning journalist, educator, Tanika’s career has spanned over two decades. She has significantly contributed to women’s health advocacy through her passion for storytelling and commitment to bringing awareness to critical health issues.
