Reproductive Health

The female reproductive system is a sensitive, yet strong system that consists of the ovaries, vagina, cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes. This set of organs contributes to the reproduction process, specifically pregnancy and ovulation.

Additionally, the reproduction system plays a role in balancing the production and interaction of hormones. Fertility is contingent upon a healthy and well-balanced reproductive system. Therefore, it is important that women seek to be intentional about ensuring that they not only take the time to participate in regular checkups and preventative health care but also take the time to be informed about their bodies and what is necessary to ensure that one is able to produce a family.

African American Women & Infertility

Infertility among African-American women is not only a silent and hidden problem in the African-American Community, but one that continues to be on the rise. There are many reasons why African-American women fail to seek out infertility care. The following are few examples:

Cost of Infertility Services
Access to Infertility Services
Lack of Education and Awareness
Shame and Fear
Lack of Health Care
Lack of Support
Culture

Many black women struggle with the pain and distress of uterine fibroids, which sometimes leads them to the road of obtaining infertility services and oftentimes seeking out procedures such as hysterectomies and others as well.

Fibroids and African American Women

Fibroids are very common in African American Women. One study shows that fibroids are three times more common in African American Women than in white women. Fibroids are growths that develop on the smooth muscle layer of the uterus.

There are many signs and symptoms of fibroids such as abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain and pressure, painful and abnormal menstrual cycles, pain during or after sexual intercourse and more.

There are many treatments for fibroids such as Birth Control Pills, Anti-inflammatory medications, Lupron, Ablation, Uterine Artery Embolization, Myomectomy, and Hysterectomy.

Individuals suspecting they might have fibroids or seeking treatment options should not put it off but have further detailed discussions with their doctor who will help decide what treatment is best.

Infertility

A female is diagnosed as infertile after trying to get pregnant after more than one year with no success or having multiple miscarriages.

There are different types of Infertility:

Primary Infertility: Inability to get pregnant after one year of unprotected sex
Secondary Infertility: When one has previously had children, but no success getting pregnant again.
Unexplained Infertility: Doctors have been unable to identify a reason as to why one can't get pregnant
Male Factor: There is a problem with able reproductive system, i.e. sperm count, motility, shape and/or concentration

“Research shows that among the 7.3 million women in the United States, approximately 11.5% of African American women experience a variety of infertility problems compared to 7% of white women.”

-Dr. Desiree McCarthy-Keith, a Reproductive Endocrinologist at Georgia Reproductive Specialists

Miscarriages

African American women are no stranger to miscarriages.

A miscarriage is defined as a pregnancy that ends before the 20th week. Miscarriages, the most common type of pregnancy loss, usually occur in the first trimester often because of various reasons such as the fetus is not developing properly, chromosome abnormality, hormonal problems, infections, lifestyle (smoking, diet, excessive caffeine), pollution, maternal age, maternal trauma, stress and more. There are many types of miscarriages such as blighted ovum, pre-term delivery from cervical insufficiency, second-trimester miscarriage, molar pregnancy, missed miscarriage, first-trimester miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy and chemical pregnancy.

Regardless of the type, miscarriages leave women with many unanswered questions regarding their emotional recovery and trying to conceive again. It can take many days, weeks and sometimes months for a woman to recover and heal as miscarriages are emotionally difficult situations.