July is Fibroids Awareness Month.  Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in and around the womb. 2 in 3 women will get a fibroid at some point in their lifetime and they are most common between the ages of 30-50. For Black women, the chance of having a fibroid is higher.

Despite being so common, fibroids are relatively unknown as a condition, with only 39% of women and girls we surveyed being aware of them. This can mean women do not get the support they need when they are experiencing symptoms. That’s why this Fibroids Awareness Month we’re raising awareness of what to look out for.

“I had stabbing pain on my side. I went back, and – again – [my doctor] said “it’s just your cycle”. But I thought: no.”

Dawn shares her struggle to get diagnosis and support for fibroids for our “Just a period” campaign.

What are the symptoms of fibroids?

Some women will not have symptoms, but fibroids can cause:

• heavy periods
• painful or irregular periods
• tummy pain
• lower back pain
• a frequent need to pee
• constipation
• pain during sex

These symptoms can negatively impact your daily life, heavy and painful periods are not ‘Just a period’. You have the right to ask for support and treatment.

What support is there available for fibroids and related symptoms?

Too often women, like Dawn, are not provided with the support they need when they have menstrual health issues like heavy bleeding and painful periods and are told it’s “Just a period”. This has to stop. This Fibroids Awareness Month, join our campaign calling on the government to take action on periods, ensuring that girls and women have the education they need to understand symptoms and treatments and support is available.

Fibroids and the workplace

Fibroids can make it difficult in the workplace. If the symptoms of your fibroids or other period symptoms are making it difficult at work, you have rights to support. Find out about your rights at work when you have painful or heavy periods.