VIDEO: New imaging may lead to prevention of uterine fibroids

ANAHEIM, Calif. — In this video exclusive, Ayman Al-Hendy, MD, discusses why uterine fibroids are more common among Black women compared with white women and new science behind diagnosis and even prevention.

Al-Hendy, a gynecologist and minimally invasive surgeon and professor of obstetrics and gynecology at The University of Chicago, said vitamin D deficiency, certain environmental exposures and obesity, among other factors, increase the risk for uterine fibroids for all women, but may disproportionately affect Black women.

In addition, the myometrium of Black women tends to be relatively stiffer, which may affect fibroid development. New ultrasound technology that can measure stiffness may help in early diagnosis and even prevention of uterine fibroids, Al-Hendy told Healio.