Fibroids, PCOS & More: 5 Red Flags Black Women Shouldn't Ignore When Trying to Conceive

From painful periods to irregular cycles, discover 5 signs it’s worth speaking to a gynaecologist when trying to have a baby

When you’re trying for a baby, it’s easy to focus on ovulation apps, supplements, and timing. But sometimes your body is already giving you helpful clues about what’s going on behind the scenes.

Many people dismiss certain gynaecological symptoms as “just one of those things.” The truth is, some of these experiences are very common but still worth checking out, especially if you’re hoping to conceive.

For Black and multiethnic women in particular, research shows that reproductive health concerns can sometimes be underdiagnosed or dismissed in healthcare settings. That’s why learning to trust your body and advocate for yourself is so important.

If any of the scenarios below sound familiar, they’re completely reasonable reasons to check in with a gynaecologist.

1. Your periods are painfully intense (and painkillers barely help)

Many people grow up believing that severe period pain is simply part of life. But if your cramps are so painful they stop you working, socialising, or functioning normally, it’s worth discussing with a specialist. Conditions like endometriosis or uterine fibroids can cause severe menstrual pain and may also affect fertility.

Fibroids are particularly common among Black women. Research suggests up to 70–80% of women will develop fibroids by age 50, and Black women are more likely to develop them earlier and experience more severe symptoms.

Pain that interferes with daily life is never something you have to “just tolerate.”

2. Your cycle is all over the place

A typical menstrual cycle usually lasts between 21 and 35 days.

If your cycle is:

Frequently shorter than 21 days
Longer than 35 days
Completely unpredictable

…it may be worth checking in with a gynaecologist. Irregular cycles can sometimes signal that ovulation isn’t happening consistently, which can make conception more challenging.

Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can contribute to irregular cycles and affect fertility. PCOS is estimated to affect around 1 in 10 women of reproductive age worldwide.

The good news is that many people with PCOS successfully conceive with the right support.

3. Your periods are extremely heavy

We often normalise heavy periods, but if you’re regularly:

Bleeding through a pad or tampon every hour
Passing large clots
Feeling dizzy or exhausted during your period

…it may be time to speak with a specialist.

Heavy periods can sometimes be linked to fibroids, hormonal imbalances, or other reproductive health conditions. According to the NHS, around 1 in 3 women experience heavy menstrual bleeding at some point. While common, heavy bleeding is still something you deserve support with, especially if you’re planning for pregnancy.

4. You’ve been trying to conceive for a while without success

Trying to conceive can take time. But there are general timelines that doctors use as guidance. Medical advice usually suggests seeking fertility support if:

You’ve been trying for 12 months without success (if under 35)
You’ve been trying for 6 months (if over 35)

Reaching out for support doesn’t mean something is “wrong.” It simply opens the door to understanding what might help your body along the way. For many couples, early conversations with a specialist can provide reassurance or helpful next steps.

5. Something just feels “off” with your body

Sometimes the biggest signal is simply your intuition.

Maybe you’ve noticed:

Persistent pelvic discomfort
Unusual spotting between periods
Pain during sex
Changes in vaginal discharge

These symptoms can have many possible explanations, many of them simple and treatable, but they’re always worth discussing with a healthcare professional. Trusting your body and asking questions is a powerful step in caring for your reproductive health.

A Gentle Reminder: Seeking Support Is a Strength

For many Black and multiethnic women, reproductive health concerns have historically been overlooked or dismissed. That’s why learning to advocate for your body is so important.

Reaching out to a gynaecologist doesn’t mean you’re overreacting. It means you’re being proactive about your health and fertility journey.

Whether you’re just beginning to think about pregnancy or actively trying to conceive, understanding your body can help you feel more informed, confident, and supported. At Auré Assisted Fertility Care, we believe fertility support should look beyond the medical checklist.

Our approach centres on caring for the whole person, because fertility care should feel supportive, empowering, and deeply human. And if something doesn’t feel right in your body, you deserve to have someone listen.

SOURCE:
Organelle remodelling at membrane contact sites https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6049083/

WHO: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/polycystic-ovary-syndrome

NHS: What are heavy periods? https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heavy-periods/

NHS: Overview -Infertility https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/infertility/