Advocating for Better Uterine Care: 4 Ways Black Women Can Make a Difference
In the Black community, we navigate conversations and interactions among ourselves with the knowledge that some topics are still taboo, especially when conversations overlap with themes of sexuality, religion, age, and gender identity. Conversations become a winding road of obstacles to avoid rather than a pathway to understanding. Uterine conditions like fibroids, endometriosis, uterine cancer, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) disproportionately affect Black women, and we believe that open dialogue, education and advocacy can be the catalyst for our collective healing when it comes to our health.
When it comes to where this dialogue can begin, we have a few suggestions:
1. Have Open & Honest Conversations
Real conversations about uterine health must begin with honesty, and we have a secret. Honesty can be messy. Discussing a uterine condition may sound like telling someone how long you’ve been bleeding, that sex is painful for you, or that you and your partner have sex regularly but have faced challenges conceiving.
Black women in particular have been conditioned to push through pain, exhaustion, and trauma in the interest of personal and professional success. Sometimes, we’re so busy toughing it out, we don’t realize what we’re facing is abnormal and worth giving extra care to. In reality, this conversation may not happen with a medical provider. Realizing something is atypical might start with sharing how you feel with a family member or friend. Talking openly about uterine health among those you’re closest to can help break down the barriers the ordinarily might prevent you from taking your concerns to a medical provider. When we normalize conversations about menstruation, childbirth, menopause, and anything concerning our bodies, we actively reduce stigma enough to reach for help ourselves or encourage others to seek medical attention.
2. Empowering Younger Generations
Recent research, indicates that girls are menstruating at earlier ages now, especially those belonging to racial minorities and lower socioeconomic statuses. If this is the case, then we should be having age appropriate, honest conversations with young girls about the complexities of their bodies and reproductive health sooner rather than later. We should be equipping with the tools that help them recognize normal and abnormal functions and language that helps them communicate safely with trusted family members and medical providers. Open conversations about menstruation, sexually transmitted infections, and preventative care can help them make informed decisions about their health.
3. Leveraging Our Platforms
Social media, when used ethically and safely, is one of our most powerful tools to raise awareness about uterine conditions and women’s health issues. Sharing personal stories, educating followers about symptoms, and advocating for better healthcare can create a larger ripple effect than we’re even able to measure. In particular, the amplification of Black voices lets others in our community know they aren’t alone and can be the catalyst for earlier diagnosis and better treatment and care.
4. Advocacy and Action
Beyond personal conversations, our participation in advocacy efforts is critical. Supporting organizations like Uterine Care Collaborative that are focused on women's health is a powerful act, but there is also increasing demand to attend community events and interact with policymakers who can take our causes and concerns higher. In this current political climate where research is being defunded, healthcare is becoming even more inaccessible, and community structures are lacking, we need voices and pointed action now more than ever. Ultimately, better uterine care and treatment is a collective responsibility and it starts with us.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for any health concerns.
