SUGAR LAND, TEXAS (July 2023): The City of Sugar Land, Texas declared that July is officially Uterine Fibroid Awareness Month. Mayor Joe Zimmerman alongside city council members presented Dr. John H. Fischer and Melissa Riley of Fibroid Institute Houston with an official proclamation at a city council meeting on July 18, 2023. The proclamation bolsters a growing initiative currently spanning nine states to draw continued attention to uterine fibroids by bringing communities together for self-care and awareness events while spurring additional research and funding for this common but often under-discussed female condition.
To bring forth this important endeavor, Fibroid Institute Houston collaborated with Mayor Zimmerman and community OB/GYN physicians including Dr. Kimberly L. Evans of Sugar Land Medical Spa, Dr. Kelli Burroughs of Sweetwater OB/GYN Associates, and Dr. Amir Nikahd and Dr. Jagjit Khairah of Kelsey-Seybold.
About Uterine Fibroid Awareness Month
Uterine fibroids are abnormal growths in the uterus that affect three out of four women, most often between the ages of 30 and 50. Although usually benign, fibroids may lead to life-altering symptoms, such as severe pelvic pain and heavy periods. Fibroids can also cause abdominal bloating, urinary frequency, back pain, and reproductive dysfunction including miscarriage, early labor, and infertility. They are often discovered during a well-woman exam.
Research estimates that 226 million women worldwide suffer from fibroids. Unfortunately, a lack of dialogue and misinformation has led to many women feeling unprepared for the journey ahead. They aren’t aware they have fibroids, don’t have access to adequate information or treatment, are hesitant to report, or normalize their symptoms as being a woman.
“Together, we will continue to work to educate and provide the best possible care to women with uterine fibroids,” Dr. Fischer said before Mayor Zimmerman read the proclamation. “Today’s proclamation will help us to increase community awareness, and further align our local community in the goals established by the state of Texas proclamation in 2021.”
About Fibroid Institute Houston’s Role
As a third-generation Houstonian and fibroid doctor with over 20 years of experience, Dr. Fischer joined Fibroid Institute Houston in September 2022. He is a board-certified radiologist and has performed thousands of Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) procedures over the past 23 years to help women who have suffered for years and deserve to live without fibroid symptoms. He preaches patient education, awareness, and has developed a reputation as an honest and compassionate healthcare provider.
Dr. Fischer and Fibroid Institute Houston reached out to the Mayor’s office several months ago and requested a meeting to discuss bringing Fibroid Awareness Month to Sugar Land. The states of Georgia, California, South Carolina, Florida, Maryland, Virginia, New York, Pennsylvania, and Texas have all recognized July as Fibroid Awareness Month. Washington, D.C., is also on board. Mayor Zimmerman, also very interested in women’s health, saw the proclamation as an opportunity to thrust the gravity of uterine fibroids into the spotlight and increase access to education about symptoms and treatment options for all women suffering from the condition.
“Many women do not know their symptoms are related to fibroids. Some don’t seek medical help until their condition has become life-altering, sometimes to the point of needing a blood transfusion,” Dr. Fischer said. “Additionally, some women who do seek medical care are not aware of all available treatment options. Some may wish to avoid major surgery for a variety of reasons, for example, but are not given other options. This proclamation and initiative will increase public awareness, and make sure more women have all the information needed to make the best choice for their personal health needs.”
About Fibroid Institute Houston
Fibroid Institute Houston is dedicated to expanding access and educating women about fibroid treatment options. There are very few practices across the nation that are dedicated 100% to fibroid treatment. The concierge model at Fibroid Institute means that patients are given personalized and complete care from the initial consultation through post-procedure follow ups. Patients have access to their fibroid doctor’s mobile phone number to call or text with questions and concerns.
In addition to prioritizing patient needs, Fibroid Institute Houston is helping to reduce the healthcare costs of fibroid treatment. There is a growing national demand for non-surgical fibroid procedures. Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is an outpatient procedure that does not require a hospital stay, thus costing less than traditional fibroid surgeries such as hysterectomy. Thousands of women have turned to the Fibroid Institute team for non-surgical uterine fibroid treatment.
For More Information
In the South Texas area, Fibroid Institute Houston has consultations available to patients onsite at clinics in Sugar Land, Katy, Clear Lake, and The Woodlands. Appointments are also available via telemedicine. For more information or to schedule, contact Fibroid Institute Houston at 713-903-3733.
