Up to 80% of women will develop fibroids by age 50, yet many suffer in silence. Tennis champion Venus Williams is changing that conversation.
Hours before winning her sixth Wimbledon doubles title with her sister Serena in 2016, Venus Williams was lying on the floor of the locker room in intense pain. “I was in so much pain, my sister took matters into her own hands and brought in a doctor to help me get off the floor,” Williams shared with NYU Langone Health. “The doctor came in to give me some pain medication, and I was up on my feet again and able to hold up my side of the court. But that was a turning point for me, when things started to get really bad.”
Williams knew she had uterine fibroids—noncancerous tumors that grow in or around the uterus—but like millions of women, she didn’t connect her symptoms to the condition. For years, doctors assured her that pelvic pain, fatigue, and heavy bleeding were just “normal” side effects of menstruation. The only treatment option she was offered? Hysterectomy—complete removal of her uterus.
“I didn’t associate the fibroids with my symptoms. I had no idea that fibroids had symptoms,” Williams said. “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.”
Now, after finding proper care at NYU Langone’s Center for Fibroid Care and restoring her quality of life, Williams is using her platform to advocate for women’s health—ensuring others don’t wait as long as she did to get help.
The Hidden Epidemic: Just How Common Are Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are one of the most common health conditions affecting women, yet awareness remains shockingly low. Estimates suggest that 70% to 80% of women will develop fibroids by age 50, although many remain undiagnosed because they don’t have symptoms or mistake their symptoms for “normal” period problems.
These benign tumors of the uterine muscle range dramatically in size—from as small as a pea to as large as a football or even bigger—and can grow as single tumors or in clusters. While some women with fibroids experience no symptoms at all, others face significant pain, anemia, bleeding, increased urinary frequency, fertility problems, and pregnancy complications that profoundly impact their quality of life.
Fibroids are the leading cause of hysterectomy in the United States, with nearly 500,000 women undergoing the procedure annually—and fibroids account for approximately half of these surgeries. Yet as Williams’ story demonstrates, hysterectomy is far from the only option.
The Racial Disparity Crisis: Black Women Bear the Brunt
While fibroids affect women across all racial and ethnic groups, Black women are disproportionately impacted. Research consistently shows that Black women are diagnosed with fibroids at roughly three times the rate of white women, develop them earlier in life, and experience more severe symptoms.
A study of young women ages 18-30 found that 26% of Black women already had ultrasound-diagnosed fibroids compared to just 7% of white women—evidence that the disparity emerges decades before fibroids typically become clinically significant. By age 50, the cumulative incidence reaches greater than 80% in Black women compared to 70% in white women.
“Black women are hit hardest by fibroids, diagnosed roughly three times as frequently as white women and with more severe symptoms,” explains Dr. Erica Marsh, chief of the division of reproductive endocrinology and infertility at the University of Michigan’s Center for Reproductive Medicine.
Research from the National Survey on Uterine Fibroids found that African American women consistently reported higher occurrence of severe or very severe symptoms compared to white women. The prevalence of severe symptoms ranged from 8% to 29%, with menstrual pain and cramps (29%) and heavy or prolonged bleeding (28%) being most commonly reported as severe.
Moreover, Black women are 2 to 3 times more likely to undergo hysterectomy for fibroid tumors than other racial groups. While overall hysterectomy rates are similar across races, fibroids are the primary indication for 61% of hysterectomies in Black women compared to just 29% in white women—a stark disparity in surgical outcomes.
Recent research also reveals elevated fibroid diagnosis rates among Asian populations. A 2025 Kaiser Permanente study found that diagnosis rates were 71% higher for South Asian, 47% higher for East Asian, and 29% higher for Southeast Asian patients compared with non-Hispanic white patients.
Recognizing the Symptoms: What’s Normal and What’s Not
“Bleeding heavily for 10 days is not normal at all, but if that’s what your mom or sisters experienced, you might think it is,” says Dr. Marsh. “These misconceptions of ‘normal’ is a big reason many women delay treatment and suffer longer.”
Fibroids can cause a wide range of symptoms depending on their size, number, and location. Common symptoms include:
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding: Soaking through pads or tampons every hour, bleeding lasting more than seven days, or passing large clots
- Pelvic pain and pressure: A feeling of fullness or heaviness in the lower abdomen, chronic pelvic pain
- Bladder and bowel issues: Frequent urination, difficulty emptying the bladder completely, constipation
- Lower back pain: Persistent aching in the lower back or legs
- Pain during sex: Dyspareunia (painful intercourse)
- Anemia: Fatigue, weakness, dizziness due to blood loss
- Fertility challenges: Difficulty getting pregnant or complications during pregnancy
Left untreated, fibroids can lead to serious complications including increased risk of cesarean delivery, breech pregnancy, preterm deliveries, postpartum hemorrhage, miscarriage, and even intrauterine fetal death. Research shows women with fibroids have lower cumulative birth rates (36.9% versus 41%) and more miscarriages (20.4% versus 12.9%) compared to women without fibroids.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms—particularly heavy bleeding that interferes with daily activities, persistent pain, or fertility challenges—it’s time to talk to your healthcare provider. As Williams advises: “For women who aren’t being heard, find a new doctor who listens. Everyone deserves to be heard and to receive the care they need.”
The Normalized Pain Problem: Why Women Delay Treatment
One of the most troubling aspects of the fibroid crisis is how many women normalize severe symptoms, assuming that suffering is simply part of being a woman. A 2025 study of Black women academics found that participants actively coped by engaging in “superwoman schema,” postponed treatment due to career demands, and normalized pain—delaying care despite symptoms that significantly impeded their professional lives.
“I saw a lot of angst, sadness and fear in women through their journey with uterine fibroids,” Dr. Marsh says. “Many patients showed a significant emotional response to their fibroids but lacked support to help them deal with these issues. We need to rethink our approach to caring for these women and make sure we’re supporting them both emotionally and physically.”
Research shows that half of women with fibroids felt helpless and believed they had no control over their condition. Many shared concerns about appearing less attractive and experienced difficulties with intimacy. The psychological burden is real and often goes unaddressed in clinical settings.
As Dr. Taraneh Shirazian, director of NYU Langone’s Center for Fibroid Care, notes: “Venus’s journey is unfortunately all too common. Even as someone with incredible resources and influence, she suffered in silence and was told her symptoms were just a normal part of being a woman. We want women to know that their symptoms aren’t normal, and they have options.”
Beyond Hysterectomy: Modern Treatment Options
For decades, hysterectomy was considered the definitive—and often only—treatment offered for symptomatic fibroids. But the landscape has transformed dramatically. Today, women have access to a comprehensive toolkit of treatment options that can address symptoms while preserving the uterus and fertility.
Medical Management
Two FDA-approved medications—Oriahnn and Myfembree—have been shown to significantly reduce heavy menstrual bleeding associated with fibroids. These medications work by driving down hormone levels while adding back a small amount of estrogen to minimize menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and mood changes. “The medications are well-tolerated, and I’ve had women who have had great responses in terms of stopping bleeding,” says Dr. Kelsey Kossl, a minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon at NYU Langone’s Center for Fibroid Care. “Reducing bleeding may help improve anemia so subsequent fibroid procedures can be planned safely.”
Other medical options include hormonal contraceptives (pills, vaginal rings, or IUDs), which can help control heavy bleeding, and tranexamic acid, which reduces menstrual blood loss.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
Minimally invasive, uterus-sparing alternatives have revolutionized fibroid management over the past three decades. These options offer effective symptom relief with faster recovery times compared to traditional surgery.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): Procedures like Sonata and Acessa use radiofrequency energy to destroy fibroid tissue while preserving the uterus. Clinical studies show impressive results: 95% of women who received Sonata had lighter periods and 97% were satisfied after 12 months; 82% of Acessa patients had lighter periods and 94% were satisfied.
Transcervical radiofrequency ablation (Sonata) is performed through the vagina and cervix—no incisions required. Recovery typically takes 2-3 days. The Acessa procedure uses very small abdominal incisions, with most women resuming normal activities in 3-5 days.
Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE): UAE works by cutting off the blood supply to fibroids, causing them to shrink. During this outpatient procedure, an interventional radiologist inserts a catheter and injects small particles into the blood vessels supplying the fibroids. This blocks blood flow, causing fibroids to shrink. UAE is safe and effective for multiple fibroids or very large fibroids, with most patients returning to normal activity within 5-10 days.
MR-Guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS/HIFU): Approved by the FDA in 2004, MRgFUS uses high-intensity ultrasound waves to heat and destroy fibroid tissue without any incisions. The procedure is performed with MRI guidance and doesn’t require general anesthesia. This completely non-invasive approach allows for uterine preservation with minimal recovery time.
Surgical Options
Myomectomy: Myomectomy removes fibroids while preserving the uterus, making it the preferred surgical option for women seeking pregnancy. The procedure can be performed laparoscopically (through tiny incisions), robotically, or through the vagina (hysteroscopically) depending on fibroid location and size. “Good candidates for myomectomy are women seeking pregnancy who have only 5 to 10 fibroids, and the largest is about 6 centimeters,” Dr. Shirazian explains. After myomectomy, it’s recommended to wait 3-6 months before attempting conception to ensure proper healing.
Hysterectomy: Complete removal of the uterus remains an option for women who have completed childbearing and prefer definitive treatment. However, given the expanded treatment toolkit available today, hysterectomy should no longer be presented as the only or first option for symptomatic fibroids.
Finding the Right Treatment: A Personalized Approach
“Our fibroid treatment toolkit has gotten bigger in terms of what we can offer patients,” Dr. Shirazian says. “Our goal is to use one or more of the tools to help you achieve the best outcome.”
The right treatment depends on multiple factors:
- Your symptoms: Heavy bleeding, pain, bulk symptoms, fertility concerns
- Fibroid characteristics: Size, number, and location
- Future pregnancy plans: Some procedures affect fertility more than others
- Your age and overall health
- Your personal preferences and priorities
Research affirms that a “one-size-fits-all” approach is suboptimal—individualized treatment plans are more successful in reducing symptomatic burden. At specialized centers like NYU Langone’s Center for Fibroid Care, patients have access to multidisciplinary teams including gynecologic surgeons, fertility experts, nutritionists, hematologists, and interventional radiologists who collaborate to develop personalized care plans.
When to Seek Help: Don’t Wait Like Venus Did
You should talk to your healthcare provider about fibroids if you experience:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding that soaks through protection hourly or lasts more than 7 days
- Pelvic pain or pressure that doesn’t resolve
- Frequent urination or difficulty emptying your bladder
- Persistent lower back pain
- Pain during sex
- Symptoms of anemia (fatigue, weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath)
- Difficulty getting pregnant or recurrent pregnancy loss
Don’t accept dismissive responses like “it’s normal” or “there’s nothing we can do except hysterectomy.” If your doctor isn’t taking your symptoms seriously or isn’t aware of the full range of treatment options, seek a second opinion—ideally from a specialized fibroid care center.
“It’s so important to understand what a normal menstrual cycle should be—and if it’s not normal, to know that there are things you can do to address it,” Williams emphasizes. “Keep searching for answers until you get them.”
The Path Forward: Advocacy and Awareness
Despite their prevalence and significant impact on women’s health, fibroids remain understudied and underfunded. The National Institutes of Health has implemented initiatives to address gaps in women’s health research, but gynecological conditions like fibroids receive far less attention than sex differences in other chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease.
The root causes of racial disparities in fibroids are numerous and multifaceted, sitting at the intersection of biological factors and social determinants of health. Structural racism, barriers to healthcare, implicit bias among providers, and discriminatory historical practices in obstetrics and gynecology all contribute to disparities in diagnosis, treatment access, and outcomes.
This is why advocates like Venus Williams are so critical. By using her platform to share her story and raise awareness, Williams helps normalize conversations about fibroids, encourages women to recognize problematic symptoms early, and pressures the medical community to take women’s health concerns seriously.
“Venus’s journey reminds us that even women with resources and influence face barriers to proper fibroid care,” Dr. Shirazian notes. “If this can happen to a world-class athlete, imagine what millions of other women are experiencing. We need to do better.”
What You Can Do Right Now
Whether you have fibroids, suspect you might, or simply want to protect your health, here are concrete steps you can take:
1. Track your symptoms: Keep a detailed record of your menstrual cycles, including duration, flow heaviness (how often you change protection), pain levels, and any other symptoms. This documentation is invaluable when discussing concerns with your doctor.
2. Know your family history: Fibroids can run in families. If your mother, sisters, or aunts have had fibroids, share this information with your healthcare provider.
3. Don’t accept “it’s normal” as an answer: If your symptoms significantly impact your quality of life, work, or relationships, they’re not normal—even if they’re common. Push for proper evaluation.
4. Ask about all your options: If a doctor recommends hysterectomy without discussing other options, ask specifically about medical management and minimally invasive procedures. Consider seeking care at a specialized fibroid center.
5. Advocate for yourself: You know your body. If something doesn’t feel right, keep searching for answers. As Williams says: “Everyone deserves to be heard and to receive the care they need. So keep searching for answers until you get them.”
6. Support research and advocacy: The more we understand about fibroids—particularly the biological mechanisms behind racial disparities—the better we can prevent and treat them. Support organizations working to fund fibroid research and improve care access.
The Bottom Line
Uterine fibroids are extraordinarily common, affecting up to 80% of women by age 50, with Black women and women in several Asian ethnic groups experiencing even higher rates and more severe symptoms. Yet awareness remains low, symptoms are often normalized or dismissed, and many women—like Venus Williams—suffer for years before receiving proper care.
The good news: today’s treatment landscape offers more options than ever before. From FDA-approved medications to minimally invasive procedures that preserve the uterus to fertility-sparing surgeries, women no longer face hysterectomy as the only solution. The key is finding a healthcare provider who takes your symptoms seriously, stays current on treatment innovations, and works with you to develop a personalized plan aligned with your goals.
If Williams’ story teaches us anything, it’s this: you don’t have to suffer in silence, your symptoms aren’t “just normal,” and having access to resources doesn’t guarantee good care unless you advocate for yourself relentlessly. Whether you’re a tennis champion or simply a woman trying to live your life without debilitating symptoms, you deserve to be heard—and you deserve treatment that works.
The conversation about fibroids is changing, thanks to advocates like Williams speaking out. But awareness only helps if it translates to action. If you’re experiencing symptoms, start that conversation with your healthcare provider today. Your quality of life matters. Your health matters. And you deserve answers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can fibroids turn into cancer?
Uterine fibroids are benign (noncancerous) tumors. While a very rare type of cancer called leiomyosarcoma can occur in the uterus, these cancers don’t develop from existing fibroids. The presence of fibroids doesn’t increase your risk of developing uterine cancer. However, if you have unusual symptoms like rapid uterine growth, pain, or bleeding after menopause, see your doctor promptly for evaluation.
Will fibroids go away on their own?
Fibroids are hormone-sensitive and often shrink after menopause when estrogen levels decline. However, if you’re experiencing significant symptoms during your reproductive years, waiting until menopause (which could be decades away) isn’t a reasonable treatment plan. Many women find their symptoms improve significantly with treatment, allowing them to maintain their quality of life rather than suffering for years.
Can I get pregnant if I have fibroids?
Many women with fibroids conceive and have healthy pregnancies. However, certain fibroids—particularly those that distort the uterine cavity—can interfere with fertility and increase pregnancy complications. If you’re trying to conceive and have fibroids, talk to a reproductive endocrinologist who can evaluate whether treatment would improve your chances. Some treatments like myomectomy can restore fertility, while others (like UAE or certain ablation procedures) may affect your ability to conceive.
Why do Black women get fibroids more often and with worse symptoms?
The reasons are complex and not fully understood. Research suggests a combination of biological factors (including genetic variants, vitamin D deficiency, and differences in hormone metabolism) and social determinants of health (including exposure to stress, environmental toxins, and structural racism in healthcare). Black women also face barriers to timely diagnosis and treatment, often experiencing dismissal of their symptoms by healthcare providers. More research is urgently needed to understand and address these disparities.
How quickly do fibroids grow?
Growth rates vary significantly. Some fibroids remain stable for years; others grow rapidly. Factors affecting growth include hormonal fluctuations, age, pregnancy, and individual biology. This is why regular monitoring is important if you have known fibroids—so your healthcare provider can track any changes and adjust your treatment plan if needed.
Will my insurance cover fibroid treatment?
Most insurance plans cover medically necessary fibroid treatments, but coverage for specific procedures varies. Hysterectomy and myomectomy are typically covered. Many minimally invasive procedures like UAE and radiofrequency ablation are also covered, though you may need prior authorization. Check with your insurance provider about your specific coverage, including any out-of-pocket costs, before proceeding with treatment.
Can lifestyle changes help with fibroids?
While lifestyle changes alone won’t eliminate fibroids, some research suggests certain factors may influence fibroid development and symptoms. Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, reducing alcohol consumption, managing stress, and ensuring adequate vitamin D levels may be beneficial. However, these should complement—not replace—medical treatment for symptomatic fibroids. Don’t let anyone suggest you can cure significant fibroids through diet alone.
Sources
- NYU Langone Health: Venus Williams Shares Her Journey with Uterine Fibroids
- PMC: The Burden of Uterine Fibroids for African-American Women
- Sage Journals: The Uterus Keeps the Score: Black Women Academics’ Insights
- Michigan Medicine: Understanding Racial Disparities for Women with Uterine Fibroids
- Kaiser Permanente: Uterine Fibroid Incidence Differs by Race, Ethnicity
- PMC: The Health Disparities of Uterine Fibroids for African American Women
- PMC: Racial Differences in Fibroid Prevalence in Asymptomatic Young Women
- ScienceDirect: Racial Disparities in Uterine Fibroids and Endometriosis
- American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology: The Fibroid Crisis in Black Women
- PMC: Uterine Fibroid Diagnosis by Race and Ethnicity
- NYU Langone: Newer, Minimally Invasive Fibroid Treatments
- PubMed: Minimally Invasive and Ablative Therapies for Symptomatic Uterine Fibroids
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- PMC: Surgery and Minimally Invasive Treatments for Uterine Fibroids
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