• Venus Williams has recently spoken out about her struggle with uterine fibroids, which severely affected her health and her professional tennis performance.

  • For many years, her significant symptoms were overlooked by medical professionals despite her status as a top-tier athlete.

  • Fibroids are benign growths in the uterus that can cause excessive menstrual bleeding, pain in the pelvic area, and complications with fertility.

  • Health experts advise that patients advocate for themselves and consider getting second opinions if their medical issues are not being adequately addressed.

Venus Williams, an acclaimed tennis player, has recently disclosed her long-term fight with uterine fibroids.

At 45 years old, Williams revealed that this condition has been affecting her health, her tennis career, and her general quality of life for almost three decades.

In a discussion on NBC News Now, the champion of seven Grand Slam titles detailed her symptoms which included severe cramps, heavy bleeding, nausea, and ongoing anemia, turning her monthly cycle into a relentless struggle.

“I found myself clinging to the toilet, just waiting for it to be over,” she recounted.

Williams was aware of her fibroids but did not comprehend their severity or size, and her complaints were consistently ignored by her doctors.

“Even with the extreme bleeding that was unimaginable… my doctors claimed it was normal,” she stated.

Her symptoms escalated during the Wimbledon tournament in 2016, leading to her collapsing in the locker room, which resulted in Serena Williams calling for medical assistance. “I was just lying there on the floor of the locker room, unable to move,” Venus recalled.

It wasn’t until she sought help from the NYU Langone’s Center for Fibroid Care that she received effective treatment for her condition.

“No one should have to endure this. You don’t have to live like this,” she expressed.

This section explains what fibroids are, their symptoms, and why they may be overlooked by healthcare providers.

Understanding Fibroids

The exact origins of fibroids remain unclear, but they are believed to be influenced by hormonal and genetic factors.

“Fibroids are benign tumors made up of muscle and fibrous tissue within the uterus,” explained Dr. Esohe Faith Ohuoba, a board-certified OB-GYN from Memorial Hermann Medical Group Kingwood and Memorial Hermann Convenient Care Center in Summer Creek, Humble, TX.

“Their size can vary drastically, from as small as a seed to as large as a melon,” she said during an interview with Healthline.

Dr. Ohuoba noted that approximately 70% of women are likely to develop fibroids by the time they reach 50, with a higher prevalence among women of color, particularly Black women, where it increases to 80%.

“Black women not only have a higher risk of developing fibroids but also tend to experience them at a younger age, usually in their 20s and 30s,” she added.

While many fibroids don’t cause symptoms, those that do can lead to prolonged or heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain or pressure, bloating, frequent urination, and discomfort during intercourse.

“Fibroids can sometimes affect fertility or pregnancy, and the chronic nature of these symptoms can disrupt work, personal relationships, emotional health, and overall life quality,” explained Dr. Arielle Bayer, a reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist at CCRM Fertility in New York City.

Challenges in Diagnosing Fibroid Pain

Fibroids have historically been a challenging condition to identify in clinical settings because their symptoms can be similar to other reproductive health issues.

The symptoms of fibroids can be severe, as Venus Williams’ experience highlights. Dismissal of these symptoms in clinical settings is common, particularly among women of color.

Dr. Ohuoba explained that a general lack of awareness about the severity of the condition contributes to this issue.

“Many times, patients don’t recognize that their menstrual pain or difficulties are not normal and require medical attention,” she said.

She stressed the need for better patient and clinician education and awareness. “Venus herself mentioned that a social media post led her to seek more information and eventually proper care,” she noted.

“In clinical environments, the lack of empathy and unconscious biases are significant reasons why symptoms in women of color are often ignored or minimized,” Dr. Ohuoba continued.

“Additionally, there is a general propensity to recommend hysterectomy as the first or only solution for fibroids, which can lead to premature dismissal of symptoms,” she concluded.

The Importance of Self-Advocacy

If you suspect that you might be experiencing symptoms related to fibroids or other reproductive health issues, it’s crucial to advocate for yourself in medical settings.

“This is particularly crucial for women of color, who often face delays in diagnosis, leading to larger fibroids and more severe symptoms,” Dr. Ohuoba remarked.

Dr. Bayer advises to trust your instincts. “If you feel like your concerns are not being taken seriously, don’t hesitate to seek additional opinions,” she suggested to Healthline.

“Maintaining a detailed journal of your symptoms and bringing it to your appointments can be very helpful. Don’t shy away from asking direct questions about possible diagnostic tests and treatment options,” she added.

Dr. Ohuoba emphasized the significance of choosing the right healthcare provider. “Opt for providers who have experience in treating fibroids and who respect your health goals, which will empower you to effectively manage your condition,” she advised.

Treatment Options for Fibroids

As the understanding of fibroids grows, so do the available treatment options.

“Watchful waiting is one approach where your healthcare provider monitors the condition without immediate intervention,” explained Dr. Ohuoba.

“Medications such as hormonal contraceptives, GnRH agonists, and tranexamic acid are commonly prescribed,” she continued.

Dr. Bayer noted that treatment choices might vary depending on whether preserving fertility is a concern. “Procedures like uterine artery embolization (UAE) and ultrasound-based treatments are generally considered when fertility preservation is not a priority,” she explained.

“These methods might be suitable in certain scenarios but are generally secondary options when not planning for children,” she stated.

A hysterectomy, which involves removing the uterus, is another treatment option available.

For those looking to maintain fertility, less invasive surgeries such as hysteroscopic or laparoscopic myomectomy are preferred.

Additionally, a newer method known as radiofrequency ablation (Acessa procedure) involves using heat to remove fibroid tissue. “This technique is minimally invasive and involves small incisions in the abdomen to access and treat fibroids,” Dr. Ohuoba described.

Securing a diagnosis and appropriate treatment for fibroids can be particularly challenging for women of color, highlighting the importance of self-advocacy and choosing the right healthcare provider.

“This field has developed into a specialized area, offering patients safer and more efficient treatment options with quicker recovery times,” Dr. Bayer concluded.