Rooted in Violet & Co

Speaking Up About Pain: From Endometriosis to Fibroids and Beyond

Key Takeaways

  • Healthcare myths wrongly claim that Black women have a higher pain tolerance, leading to untreated conditions like endometriosis and fibroids.
  • Many Black women face dismissal of their pain during medical visits, resulting in delayed diagnoses and increased suffering.
  • The ROOT Framework empowers women to advocate for their health by revealing symptoms, offering observations, outlining needs, and taking notes during appointments.
  • Treatment options for pelvic pain vary. Women should consider medical management versus surgical options while understanding the implications for fertility.
  • Community support, therapy, and holistic approaches are crucial for managing chronic pain and enhancing overall well-being.

Your Pain is Real, Not a Myth

For too long, a dangerous myth has circulated in healthcare: the idea that Black women have a higher pain tolerance or “thicker skin” than others. This falsehood has deep roots and devastating consequences. It leads to many women suffering in silence with conditions like fibroids and endometriosis. The statistics tell a different story of need.

African American women are significantly more likely to develop uterine fibroids—and at younger ages—than white women. When we talk about reproductive health, we aren’t just talking about biology; we are talking about reclaiming our right to be heard.

When “Normal” Isn’t Normal: How Pain is Dismissed

Have you ever told a doctor about your heavy periods or sharp pelvic pain, only to be told:

  • “It’s just your period; everyone deals with it.”
  • “You’re probably just exaggerating the discomfort.”
  • “If you lose some weight, the pain will go away.”

These dismissals lead to delayed diagnoses. When a doctor minimizes your symptoms, it can take years to get the right imaging or treatment, leading to unnecessary suffering and a feeling of being “invisible” in the exam room.

Use the ROOT Framework to Advocate for Your Health

At Rooted in Violet & Co., we believe you are the architect of your own health. To move from reactive care to proactive wellness, use our ROOT Framework during your next appointment:+2

🌿 R – Reveal What’s Going On

Start by tracking your symptoms in a journal or a digital log. Don’t just say “it hurts.” Identify patterns: Does the pain get worse after eating? Is it sharper during ovulation? Recognizing these signals as valid is your first step toward empowerment.

🌿 O – Offer Your Observations

When you speak to your provider, use specific, fact-based language. Instead of “my periods are heavy,” try: “I have to change a jumbo tampon every hour for three days straight.” This shifts you from a passive participant to an active contributor in the conversation.

🌿 O – Outline What You Need

Be clear about what you want next. If you suspect fibroids, ask: “Can we schedule a pelvic ultrasound to rule out fibroids?” If you aren’t being heard, request a referral to a specialist or a second opinion from a culturally competent provider.

🌿 T – Take Note and Follow-Up

Write down everything the doctor says. If they refuse a test you requested, ask them to document that refusal in your medical chart. Schedule your follow-up before you even leave the office to ensure your care stays on track.

Violet Sheet • Endometriosis & Pelvic Health

Stop guessing. Start tracking. Walk into your appointment with receipts.

A provider-ready Violet Sheet built to help you track symptoms, organize patterns, and advocate clearly using the ROOT Framework.

  • Cycle + symptom tracking designed for pelvic pain
  • What-to-say advocacy prompts
  • Smart questions for referrals & next steps
Get the Violet Sheet →
Educational resource. Print/copy for personal use.
Rooted in Violet & Co spokesperson holding Endometriosis Violet Sheet

Understanding Your Treatment Options

Treatment for pelvic pain isn’t “one size fits all.” It is important to weigh the trade-offs of medical versus surgical options:

  • Medical Management: Hormonal birth control, IUDs, or medications to thin the uterine lining.
  • Surgical Options: Myomectomy. Removes fibroids while leaving the uterus intact (often preferred if you want to preserve fertility).
    • Hysterectomy: Removes the uterus entirely.

Always ask about the fertility implications of any procedure and inquire about minimally invasive alternatives before making a final decision.

Protecting Your Bodily Autonomy

We cannot ignore the history of reproductive injustice, including the over-recommendation of hysterectomies and forced sterilizations among Black women. Advocacy is a form of healing. By demanding equitable care and informed consent, you are protecting your reproductive goals and your dignity.

Support Beyond the Exam Room

Healing happens in community, not just in a clinic.

  • Therapy: Chronic pain can take a toll on your mental health; speaking with a counselor can help manage “health anxiety”.
  • Holistic Approaches: Focus on nutrition, gentle movement, and stress reduction to support your body’s overall well-being.
  • Communication: Talk to your partners and family. Invisible pain is hard to see, but sharing your journey helps build a support system that understands your needs.

Your voice is the strongest medicine you have.

🌿 Take the Next Step

Download your Endometriosis and Pelvic Care Violet Sheet today to start tracking your symptoms and prepare your questions for your next provider visit.

References

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2024). Uterine fibroids: Symptoms and causes.
  • National Institutes of Health (NIH). (2023). Endometriosis in women of color: Diagnostic delays.
  • JAMA Network. (2022). Racial disparities in the surgical management of uterine fibroids.
  • American Journal of Public Health. (2023). The impact of medical bias on pain management for Black patients.