COLUMBUS, Ohio — It is a health issue that is not really talked about and, and right now, not much is known about it. Fibroids are estimated to affect up to 80% of women, and according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Black women are more likely to experience the condition and its often-painful symptoms.

What You Need To Know

  • Uterine fibroids impact more than two-thirds of women, with Black women more likely to have the condition

  • Fibroids are muscular tumors that are most often benign and found in the smooth muscle of the uterus, with more research needed to determine the cause

  • Ohio Congresswoman Shontel Brown introduced the Uterine Fibroid Intervention and Gynecological Health and Treatment Act to authorize grants to improve research, education and early detection

Fibroids are muscular tumors that are most often benign and found in the smooth muscle of the uterus, but what causes the hard masses to grow is unknown.

To help raise awareness and understanding, Congresswoman Shontel Brown recently introduced the Uterine Fibroid Intervention and Gynecological Health and Treatment Act into the U.S. House. The U-FIGHT Act would allow the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to issue grants to improve research, education and early detection.

Symptoms of fibroids can include abdominal pain and heavy bleeding, according to doctors. An ultrasound is often used to diagnose the condition.

Surgery can be needed to remove the tumors, but it does not prevent them from growing. Researchers think factors like hormones and genetics play a part in their growth.

In Columbus, Dr. Anita Somani with OhioHealth is trained in performing robotic surgery to remove the growths, which she said cuts typical patient recovery time in half to two weeks.

Chenelle Jones experienced the painful symptoms of fibroids most of her life until she was diagnosed three years ago. She said Somani removed 11 benign tumors that weighed about three pounds, but she had to have a second surgery earlier this year, after a routine scan showed new fibroids in her body.

Jones said she wants to share her experience to encourage other women to share theirs, hoping it leads to more research and awareness.