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Uterine fibroids are common. Most women will have at least one fibroid at some point, but Black women have the highest rate.\u00a0 <\/p>\n
7 out of 10 white women and 8 out of 10 Black women have fibroids by age 50.<\/p>\n
There can be just one fibroid or many, and they vary in size:<\/p>\n
Small: Up to the size of a cherry
Medium: Up to size of an orange
Large: Up to size of a grapefruit (or larger) <\/p>\n
About 1 in 5\u00a0 women with fibroids have symptoms. <\/strong><\/p>\n Some fibroids cause no symptoms but others can severely affect a woman\u2019s quality of life.\u00a0 <\/p>\n Ways fibroid symptoms can affect you<\/strong><\/p>\n Fibroids affect more than just your blood flow. They can make periods heavier, longer and more frequent, which can cramp your lifestyle.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/p>\n Finances <\/strong><\/p>\n Fibroids can be expensive when you have to pay for<\/p>\n Relationships\/Social Life <\/strong><\/p>\n If you\u2019re in pain or bleeding heavily, it may affect your relationships <\/p>\n You may not feel fun to be around\u00a0 <\/p>\n<\/li>\n Choosing what to wear may cause stress <\/p>\n<\/li>\n Physical intimacy may feel challenging <\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Work <\/strong><\/p>\n Having fibroids at work poses challenges <\/p>\n It can be stressful if you can\u2019t get to the bathroom when you need it <\/p>\n<\/li>\n Uniforms may not hide leaks <\/p>\n<\/li>\n Severe cramping may make it hard to concentrate <\/p>\n<\/li>\n Fear of losing your job because of absences can cause anxiety <\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Mental health <\/strong><\/p>\n Studies show that women with fibroids are more likely to have depression or anxiety .\u00a0 <\/p>\n Feeling out of control can affect mental health\u00a0 <\/p>\n<\/li>\n Fear of going out while menstruating may result in social isolation <\/p>\n<\/li>\n Fibroids can cause stress about infertility or pressure to have children sooner <\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Fibroid-related health problems<\/strong><\/p>\n Although fibroids don\u2019t always cause symptoms, they can cause physical problems. These include:<\/p>\n If you\u2019re having symptoms, you don\u2019t have to try to simply power through. For more information on how to manage bleeding and treatment options, visit the White Dress Project . <\/p>\n\n
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