Ask your doctor to check you for fibroids. African American women are affected by fibroids more than women from any other ethnic group, so chances are you may have them. It’s not only size, but location of fibroids that makes them a threat to fertility. If you have been diagnosed with fibroids, you should have periodic monitoring of your fibroids with a pelvic exam and ultrasound to be sure that they are not impacting your fertility. If you have surgery for your fibroids, you should ask your doctor how that surgery will affect your future fertility.
Have an honest conversation with your doctor about your weight and lifestyle. The obesity epidemic, stemming from poor diet and lack of exercise, is particularly evident in the African American community. If you are overweight, you are at greater risk of developing diabetes, heart disease and certain types of cancers. You may also have more difficulty conceiving and having a healthy pregnancy. At your annual exam, talk with your doctor about your body mass index (BMI) and ways to keep it in a healthy range.
Protect Your Reproductive Health
There are several things that you can do to protect your reproductive health. You should get annual gynecologic exams and practice safe sex techniques to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Don’t smoke cigarettes and avoid second hand smoke, because both can lower your fertility. Lastly, incorporate a healthy diet and regular exercise into your daily routine.
So are you ready to be a conversation starter? There’s no time like the present to talk about your reproductive health.
Take Charge Of Your Reproductive Health: Be The Conversation Starter! was originally published on blackdoctor.org
