Usually 6-8 years and 5 doctors to get to a diagnosis when it comes to endometriosis... what could be worse? Well, it seems that when it comes to black women, these numbers and statistics are even more desperate.
Why do we need to "hype" this topic? Endometriosis affects all of us, regardless of skin colour - many of these and similar comments can be read under Maisha Z. Johnson's article on Healthline.com about black women's experiences with endometriosis.
Maisha herself is a writer and advocate for patients, survivors of abuse and the LGBTQ community.
In her article, she talks about how black women are less likely to be diagnosed with endometriosis. Researchers have done fewer studies on endometriosis in African Americans, so even when symptoms are the same as in white patients, doctors more often misdiagnose the real cause behind the symptoms.
In general, women's pain is not taken seriously enough - this affects transgender and non-binary people. Stereotypes about hysteria or hypersensitivity have haunted us for centuries, and research shows that this also affects medical treatments,
Studies show that many doctors find that black patients are less sensitive to pain than white patients, often resulting in inappropriate treatment. Pain is the number one symptom of endometriosis and affects everyone equally, regardless of skin colour, yet black women are somehow thought to be 'stronger', as if they should be able to cope with pain better.
Endometriosis may overlap with other problems that black people are more likely to face. Uterine fibroids, which are non-cancerous growths in the uterine cavity or on the uterine wall, can also cause heavy bleeding, pain, urination problems and miscarriage, so they have similar symptoms to endometriosis. It also appears to be three times more likely to occur in African American women. Black women are also at higher risk for heart disease, strokes and diabetes.
In addition, mental health problems such as depression and anxiety can hit black women particularly hard. It can be difficult to find culturally competent care, to deal with the stigma of mental illness, and to confront the stereotype of the 'strong black woman'.
It may seem that these conditions are not related to endometriosis. But when a black woman is at higher risk and less likely to be accurately diagnosed, she is more exposed to potential complications because she may be left without proper treatment.
Maisha Z. Johnson mHe also says that black women also find it harder to access alternative therapies that could help improve their quality of life.
Symptoms of endometriosis are showing up every day in black communities, but many people - including some who have symptoms themselves - don't know what to do about it.
Here are some ideas on how you can help:
- Let's create more and more spaces to talk about endometriosis. We have nothing to be ashamed of.
- Let's measure racial stereotypes, however "positive" they may be, such asz "Strong Black Woman. " Yes, a positive stereotype is also a stereotype and can have harmful consequences. Just imagine that if you are expected to be strong and confident, tough and loud, you will feel disappointed in others if you are not, and will feel guilty if you discover any weakness in yourself.
- Increase access to treatment where we can! For example, I have given lectures all over the country and even across borders, volunteered in children's homes and produced information brochures for organisations working with disadvantaged young people.
- Surely you can do something too, for example if you read a super informative, authoritative article, share it so that it reaches as many people as possible! I am incredibly grateful for every article/Facebook post/Instagram story shared by those who support my awareness raising work in this way.
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