Fruitless: Infertility in African American Women

A couple of years ago, a close girlfriend of mine and myself had a long conversation about children.  My stance was about how my life has changed since I had children, and her's was on the fact that she, in her mid 20's and married, couldn't produce a child with her husband. She had spoke of wanting kids before, but with a recent trip to the clinic, she was told that the likely hood of her having children were slim. She was told that she was infertile.  She was devastated, and her dreams of becoming a mother was stripped from her.

Contrary to the belief that black women are extremely fertile, 11% of all African American women are unable to reproduce. In respect to the Latino and Caucasians races, African American women place the highest in infertility rates per 1000 women (Latino-7%, Caucasian-6.4%). In most cases, these women never look into the reason leading to their inability to bear children. Most are unaware of this growing epidemic because of how infertility is portrayed on television as having closer ties to the Caucasian community.

The fact that the African American population leads in diagnosed cases of infertility should not come as a shock. African Americans are forerunners when it comes to health related issues.  From heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity, African American women dominate over our male counterparts when it comes to percentage of diagnosed when examined by gender. Could these be the reason behind the infertility issues that are increasing at an alarming rate?

Many doctors believe that all of those health problems stem from one. Obesity, which is higher among African Americans, lead to heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure.  High blood pressure has be directly linked to the development of uterine fibrosis. Uterine fibroids (noncancerous tumors that develop in the womb [uterus], a female reproductive organ.) can lead to uterine bleeding, incontinence and sometimes pain. Very often women with uterine fibroids do not exhibit any symptoms at all. This is why the issue is not addressed during a time when preventive measures could have been taken. Surgery is often used to remove fibroid tumors. Not all cases of infertility is caused by uterine fibroids. Poor ovulation cycles  account for 6% of all infertility cases among African American women.

Infertility is not a life time sentence.  There are many different ways to achieve a health pregnancy, but for many, especially African American women, the price tag of these treatments make their dream of being mothers even more distant. Surgery is often used to remove fibroid tumors.  Some health insurance policies covers the procedure, but for those without coverage surgery can cost in the upward range of $4000-$10000 and is very effective in terms of fertility after the removal of the tumors. Fertility drugs like clomiphene can cost anywhere from $50 a month, not including the cost of doctors, ultrasounds or follow up procedures. Gonadotropins, which is a hormone injection to increase eggs per ovulation can cost anywhere from $2000 to $5000 a month. And to make matters even worst, neither one of these drugs guarantee a child after treatment.

Being a mother is one of the most rewarding things that can ever happen to a woman.
If you are or if you believe that you are unable to produce a child there is help for you. Visit to your local Health Department and a health professional will point you in the direction of affordable treatment options that fit your needs. As I stated before, infertility is not a life sentence. Inform yourself on the different types of treatments, get a diagnoses, and keep your faith high!

Until next time my Urban Sweeties!

References:
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/african-american-women-and-infertility-an-unmet-need-2012-04-02
http://www.shadygrovefertility.com/podcast/black-women-and-infertility