The hidden connection: Why african american women are more affected by fibroids (and what to do about it)

Uterine fibroids are common — but they don’t affect all women equally. 

For African American women, fibroids often appear earlier, grow faster, and cause more severe symptoms than in other groups. Many women live for years with heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, fatigue, and anemia, believing it’s something they simply have to endure.

The truth is: there are clear reasons behind this disparity — and more importantly, there are effective, minimally invasive solutions available today.

In this blog, we’ll explain why this happens and how you can treat it in the simplest, fastest, and most comfortable way.

Why are fibroids more common in african american women?

Research shows that African American women are two to three times more likely to develop fibroids compared to white women.

Key factors behind this higher risk

1. Genetics and family history

Fibroids tend to run in families, and genetic studies suggest that certain gene variations linked to fibroid growth are more common in African American women.

2. Hormonal differences

Fibroids are sensitive to estrogen and progesterone. Studies indicate that African American women may have higher exposure or sensitivity to these hormones over time, contributing to faster fibroid growth.

3. Vitamin D deficiency

Research from Harvard and Columbia has shown a strong link between low vitamin D levels and increased fibroid risk. African American women are more likely to have vitamin D deficiency due to differences in skin pigmentation and sun absorption.

4. Chronic stress and inflammation

Long-term stress and systemic inflammation — influenced by social, environmental, and healthcare access factors — may also play a role in fibroid development and symptom severity.

Why fibroids often go untreated for too long

Many women learn to live with symptoms like heavy periods or chronic pelvic pain, especially when these issues begin early in life and are dismissed as “normal.” Others are told that hysterectomy is their only option—a recommendation that can feel overwhelming, frightening, or simply incompatible with their sense of self and future.

As a result, fibroids are often left untreated until symptoms become severe — affecting quality of life, work, relationships, and overall health.

The problem with traditional surgical options

While surgery can be effective, it’s not always the best first choice.

Common concerns with surgery:

• Long recovery times
  
• Hospital stays
  
• Higher risk of complications
  
• Loss of the uterus (in the case of hysterectomy)
  
• Impact on fertility and hormonal balance

Fortunately, surgery is not the only solution.

A minimally invasive, uterus-sparing solution: UFE

At South Florida Vascular Associates, Dr. William Julien offers Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) — a minimally invasive procedure designed to treat fibroids without surgery.

How UFE Works

Using advanced imaging, a tiny catheter is guided through a small needle puncture in the wrist or groin to the uterine arteries. The blood supply to the fibroids is safely blocked, causing them to shrink and symptoms to improve over time.

Benefits of UFE

• No surgery or large incisions
  
• No hospital stay
  
• Outpatient in office procedure
  
• Faster recovery (days, not weeks or months)
  
• Uterus is preserved
  
• Significant relief from bleeding and pain

Why choose South Florida Vascular Associates

Expertise that matters

• Dr. William Julien has over 30 years of experience.
• Nationally recognized leader in embolization procedures.
• From the initial phone call to post-procedure care and follow-up, the SFVA team manages every detail, delivering a seamless, patient-centered experience.

A different kind of medical experience

• Calm, private, spa-like environment
  
• Personalized care and clear communication
  
• Focus on comfort, dignity, and trust

Care for local and international patients

We proudly care for women from Miami, the Caribbean (Jamaica, Bahamas, Puerto Rico), and Canada, offering coordinated care for those traveling for treatment.

When should you talk to a specialist?

You should consider a consultation if you experience:

• Heavy or painful periods
  
• Pelvic pressure or bloating
  
• Fatigue related to anemia
  
• Fibroid symptoms affecting daily life
  
• Desire to avoid surgery or hysterectomy

Early evaluation opens the door to more options — and better outcomes.

Take the first step toward relief

Fibroids may be common, but suffering is not inevitable.

At South Florida Vascular Associates, we believe every woman deserves clear answers, respectful care, and access to modern treatments that fit her life and goals.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT HERE