HOUSTON, TEXAS (July 2024): Harris County in south Texas declared that July is officially Uterine Fibroid Awareness Month. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo alongside county commissioners presented Dr. John H. Fischer and Melissa Riley of Fibroid Institute Texas with an official resolution at the Harris County Commissioners Court on July 15, 2024. The resolution supports an expanding initiative across nine states aimed at raising awareness about uterine fibroids. It unites communities for self-care and awareness events and forums, as well as encourages further research and funding for this prevalent but frequently overlooked women’s health issue.
To bring forth this important endeavor, Fibroid Institute collaborated with Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, Harris County Commissioners Lesley Briones, Rodney Ellis, Adrian Garcia, Tom Ramsey and community OB/GYN physicians including Dr. Wanda Mott of Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women and Dr. Lisa P. Otey of Greater Houston Gynecology.
“Uterine fibroids have long been a leading cause of pain, increasing pelvis pressure and abnormal uterine bleeding for women in their reproductive years. Gynecologic evaluation and assessment by a healthcare provider can open the doors to fibroid resolution,” Dr. Wanda Mott explains.
Dr. Lisa P. Otey adds, “Fibroids are a significant health concern that disproportionately affect women of color. As the most common reason for hysterectomies in the United States, fibroids not only impact women’s reproductive health but also their overall well-being. Despite the prevalence of this condition, many women remain unaware of the minimally invasive procedures available to manage fibroid symptoms effectively.”
About Uterine Fibroid Awareness Month
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus that impact three out of four women, typically those aged 30 to 50. These growths are often detected during routine well-woman exams. Fibroids can cause significant symptoms, including severe pelvic pain and heavy menstrual bleeding. Other symptoms can include period blood clots, abdominal bloating, frequent urination, constipation, back pain, anemia, and reproductive issues such as miscarriage, preterm labor, and infertility.
Research indicates that 226 million women globally are affected by fibroids. However, a lack of conversation and widespread misinformation have left many women unprepared for dealing with this condition. Many are unaware they have fibroids, lack access to proper information or treatment, hesitate to seek help, or dismiss their symptoms as a normal part of being a woman.
“Together, the healthcare community and local leaders will keep striving to educate and deliver the best possible care for women with uterine fibroids,” Dr. Fischer stated before Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo read the resolution. “This resolution will enhance community awareness and better align local efforts with the goals set by Texas House Bill 1966 issued by Texas Governor Greg Abbott in 2021.”
About Fibroid Institute’s Role
As a third-generation Houstonian and a fibroid specialist, Dr. Fischer joined the Fibroid Institute in September 2022. A board-certified interventional radiologist with 24 years’ experience treating uterine fibroids, Dr. Fischer focuses on helping women who have endured fibroid symptoms and deserve relief. He emphasizes patient education and awareness and is known for his honesty and compassion as a healthcare provider.
Harris County, with Houston as its county seat, is the most populous county in Texas according to the 2020 census. It is part of the nine-county Houston–The Woodlands–Sugar Land metropolitan statistical area, which ranks as the fifth-most populous metro area in the United States. Thus, introducing Fibroid Awareness Month to Harris County is crucial for providing education about symptoms and treatment options to a significant number of Texas women affected by the condition. A formal resolution by the Harris County government is an opportunity to bring attention to the seriousness of uterine fibroids.
“Many women are unaware that their symptoms are caused by fibroids, and some only seek medical help once their condition has become severe, sometimes requiring a blood transfusion,” Dr. Fischer said. “Additionally, some women who do seek medical care are not informed about all the available treatment options. Some may want to avoid major surgery for various reasons but aren’t presented with alternatives. This resolution and initiative will raise public awareness and ensure that more women have the information they need to make the best decisions for their health.”
About Fibroid Institute Texas
Fibroid Institute Texas is committed to expanding access to and educating women about fibroid treatment options. Few practices nationwide are dedicated solely to fibroid treatment. Fibroid Institute’s concierge model ensures that patients receive personalized and comprehensive care from the initial consultation to post-procedure follow-ups. Patient-centered care is prioritized, with patients having direct access to their fibroid doctor’s mobile phone for any questions or concerns.
In addition to focusing on patient specialty care, the Fibroid Institute is helping to reduce the healthcare costs associated with fibroid treatment. There is a growing demand nationwide for non-surgical fibroid procedures. Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is an outpatient procedure that eliminates the need for a hospital stay, making it more cost-effective than traditional surgeries like hysterectomy. Thousands of women have chosen the Fibroid Institute team for non-surgical uterine fibroid treatment.
For More Information
In the South Texas area, Fibroid Institute has consultations available to patients onsite at metro Houston fibroid clinics in Sugar Land, Katy, Clear Lake, and The Woodlands. In North Texas, patients can visit DFW fibroid clinics in Addison, Dallas, Duncanville and Euless. Appointments are also available via telemedicine in both regions. For more information or to schedule, contact the Fibroid Institute’s Houston fibroid clinics at 713-903-3733, Dallas fibroid clinics at 214-838-6440, or schedule an appointment online at FibroidFree.com.
