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Focus on Fibroids Series: Empowering Women through Personal Journey-telling
December 6, 2021 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EST
Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas) are non-malignant growths of the uterus and one of the most common gynecological conditions nationwide. A growing and overlooked public health issue, fibroids affect approximately 26 million American women between the ages 15 to 50, however fibroids can affect patients across life stages from adolescence to post-menopause.
With a wide array of common symptoms, such as severe and irregular menstrual bleeding, pelvic and pain back, bladder or bowel dysfunction, and challenges with fertility, fibroids can result in significant health issues. Further, women with fibroids can experience delays in diagnosis due to stigma around menstrual disorders and normalization of symptoms by both patients and healthcare providers alike.
Diagnosing and treating uterine fibroids often requires a personalized approach that combines an assessment of a patient’s values and needs with medical treatments and wellness strategies to help each individual maintain a full and high quality of life. The Society for Women’s Health Research has created educational materials to increase awareness and understanding of uterine fibroids and help individuals with uterine fibroids navigate their care.
SWHR hosted this webinar as part of our Focus on Fibroids Series: Empowering Women to Live Well with Uterine Fibroids to share educational information about uterine fibroids, including diagnosis, treatment options, access to care, and disparities, as well as and highlight the experiences of women living with fibroids.
The SWHR Focus on Fibroids series includes:
- Congressional Briefing: Supporting Women with Fibroids Through Policy Action (July 13, 2021)
- Tools to Navigate Optimal Care (November 29, 2021)
- Empowering Women through Personal Journey-telling (December 6, 2021): this event
Check out the new Uterine Fibroids Toolkit: A Patient Empowerment Guide to learn more about risks and treatments.
Follow along on social media at #SWHRtalksFibroids.
Goals
- Discuss the impacts of uterine fibroids on women’s health, including disparities and stigma
- Provide a holistic overview of treatment options for patients and key considerations for disease management
- Highlight information and wellness strategies from SWHR’s uterine fibroids patient toolkit
- Increase visibility of the patient experience, emphasizing ways to empower patients and improve quality of care and general wellbeing
Panelists
Soyini Hawkins, MD, MPH, FACOG
Soyini Hawkins, MD, MPH, FACOG
Dr. Soyini Hawkins is a Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgeon. She is the owner and medical director of the Fibroid and Pelvic Wellness Center of GA. Dr. Hawkins provides specialized surgical management of abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pain, and most benign gynecologic conditions. She is active in her church and community as a member of several societies and a participator in numerous outreach endeavors. As a fibroid conqueror herself, she is passionate about educating, advocating for, and treating fibroid sufferers. She encourages all women to live THEIR best healthy life!
Sateria Venable
Sateria Venable
Sateria Venable is the Founder and CEO of The Fibroid Foundation, a global, patient advocacy organization. The Fibroid Foundation develops programming to support its community of over 26,000 women. Ms. Venable began her advocacy efforts in 2007. Since that time, the organization has developed a substantial global network.
Ms. Venable, who holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Carnegie Mellon University, has co-authored several scientific papers on fibroid research. She is the inventor of an undergarment inspired by her journey, which she hopes will transform intimate apparel for all women. A sought-after speaker, she has been featured in print and radio media, and has presented at gynecologic conferences worldwide.
Sponsors
