Giving birth and raising a child is a truly transformative experience.
Sadly, it doesn’t always happen according to plan. For many women – Black women especially – one of the main roadblocks to this dream is infertility. Characterized by the inability to get pregnant, even after multiple attempts, infertility is a condition that impacts millions of women across the world.
In the U.S. alone, nearly 20 percent of women between the ages of 15 and 49 experience infertility. The rates for Black women are even worse, with Black women having twice the likelihood of infertility compared to white women.
And it’s not just due to biology. Environmental, socioeconomic, and even psychological factors all play a role in this increased rate of infertility. Because all of these variables can impact the quality of healthcare Black women receive, it’s important to understand them fully.
Let’s explore the phenomenon of infertility in Black women, and what you can do to seize control of your reproductive health.
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According to the National Center for Health Statistics, ~18 percent of Black women struggle with infertility, while only 10 percent of white women do the same. Although these numbers and statistics may vary depending upon the source of data and measurement criteria, one thing is for certain: Black women face disproportionate infertility risks.
The reasons for this are numerous, but thankfully, experts have identified the main causes. Let’s go over some of those causes before we discuss what you can do.
Uterine fibroids are one of the top causes of Black infertility in women. These non-cancerous growths of the uterus are usually known by their obvious symptoms. They can cause heavy periods, pelvic pain, and of course, infertility.
Although it’s not exactly known why, fibroids occur in Black women way more frequently than in white women. Some studies even indicate that as many as 80 percent of Black women develop fibroids by the time they reach 50.
The reason fibroids lead to infertility is that they sometimes block your fallopian tubes. This can disrupt the implantation of a fertilized egg, even changing the shape of your uterus. When this happens, infertility may result.
Like fibroids, PCOS affects Black women at higher rates than other races. A hormonal disorder, this condition can lead to atypical periods, problems ovulating, and even cysts that grow on the ovaries. This is why many women with PCOS struggle to conceive.
Fortunately, only about 10 percent of women during their reproductive years face PCOS. While Black women have higher rates during that period, the average Black woman will not experience PCOS which leads to infertility.
Still, it’s important to be cautious and track symptoms. It should also be noted that Black women with PCOS may experience other health issues, such as miscarriages and even gestational diabetes. Although this form of diabetes usually goes away after pregnancy, it can severely affect the health of both mother and child.
This one is probably a no-brainer. After all, if you’re receiving inadequate healthcare, your health outcomes are going to be reduced. Unfortunately, Black women on average have higher rates of medical discrimination, pregnancy complications, and poor health outcomes due to inequitable access.
Many of the barriers to better healthcare start with the community. Fewer specialized services, less comprehensive insurance, and a general lack of health education are all issues that affect Black women giving birth.
Research also indicates that Black women are less likely to get fertility treatments when needed, like in-vitro fertilization, which can lead to later diagnoses of infertility-related issues. Due to these increased emotional and physical stressors, childbirth and childbearing may be compromised.
Toxins always play a role, one way or the other. Although we can try to avoid them completely, there will probably always be some level of harmful chemicals in our food, air, and water. From hazards like air pollutants to everyday toxins in our plastics, supplies, and pesticides, the challenges of toxins cannot be overstated.
For instance, one common chemical found in plastics and resins is bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine disruptor that can hurt hormone levels and fertility. With increased exposure to chemicals such as this, many Black mothers face higher risks of fibroids, early menopause, and ovulation difficulty.
RELATED: Black Infertility: Facts Every Couple Should Know
Now that we’ve gotten the issues out of the way, it’s time to talk about some of the solutions.
Don’t let the statistics discourage you. There are many things you can do, from major procedures to small steps, to improve your chances of fertility.
For one, consider uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) treatment, which is often used to block the blood vessels that help fibroids develop. In fact, this minimally invasive procedure has shown great efficacy in reducing the size of fibroids, significantly improving women’s chances of conceiving post-procedure.
Another option you have is to employ ovulation control measures. These help regulate your ovulation. For many women with PCOS or related disorders, certain medications can help. These include things like Clomid or Letrozole, as well as lifestyle changes such as getting your weight down and exercising to boost your ovulation function.
On top of managing your ovulation, you should also prioritize your mental health. Stress reduction techniques are particularly helpful to Black women facing various socioeconomic, medical, and psychosocial barriers.
For starters, give yoga or mindfulness a try. You can easily find plenty of free tutorials and guides online. Also consider deep-breathing techniques, which are scientifically shown to lower levels of the stress hormone, cortisol.
And don’t forget that your body and mind work together! You also want to avoid endocrine disruptors such as the aforementioned BPA. The best way to avoid this is by using BPA-free products. Instead of using plastic containers, go for glass, stainless steel, and other non-toxic products.
At the end of the day, you are your biggest advocate. Bring a family member or friend to your next doctor’s checkup, and don’t be afraid to visit a certified reproductive endocrinologist or fertility specialist.
By staying on top of your health, and using the medical guidance at your disposal, you stand a great chance of improving your fertility and reaching the outcome of your dreams: a beautiful child!
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