The Feminine Hygiene Industry Ignored Black Women

Dr. Tomeka Roberts isn’t just an OB-GYN — she’s a force in women’s healthcare. Based in Birmingham, Alabama, she’s spent over two decades fighting for respectful, equitable care, especially for Black women. As a physician, entrepreneur, and community leader, she’s reshaping how we talk about — and deliver — feminine health.

Returning Home to Make a Difference

After graduating from Meharry Medical College and completing her residency at the University of Florida, many questioned Dr. Roberts’ decision to return to Birmingham. But for her, the choice was clear.

“If nobody goes back, who’s going to take care of us?”

Since 2003, she’s planted roots in Birmingham, first joining a thriving practice, then opening her own. That mission has grown, expanding into a medical practice, a product line, and a nonprofit, all laser-focused on the health and dignity of Black women and girls.

Confronting the South’s Healthcare Disparities

From fibroids and cervical cancer to menopause and maternal mortality, Dr. Roberts tackles the South’s health inequities head-on. Alabama, like much of the region, ranks poorly in maternal outcomes, especially for Black women.

Lack of access to care is a key issue, particularly in rural and inner-city areas.

“Maternal mortality has been a big topic lately. And honestly, I don’t know that I have the answer for it — it’s really complicated. But it is definitely about access,” she tells BlackDoctor.org. “Even here in the city, transportation can be an issue. If you’re pregnant, you need regular care — and in case of an emergency, you need to be able to get help quickly.”

Cervical cancer also remains a preventable tragedy.

“There’s no reason people should be dying from cervical cancer these days. Pap smears are simple, reliable tests, but some people are scared to get them, or they don’t have access or insurance,” she explains. “With the HPV vaccine available now, cervical cancer should be nearly non-existent — at least by the time we get older. So getting the word out about the HPV vaccine is very important.”

And then there’s fibroids — a condition that affects Black women disproportionately and often goes unaddressed.

“Fibroids are extremely common in our community. I’ve always wondered why,” she says. “They’re often dismissed as ‘normal’ period symptoms, but we should be asking more questions — running tests, taking a detailed history. Fibroids can be hereditary, too. Be proactive. If something feels wrong and someone tries to dismiss you, say, ‘I need to know more about this. I need you to take me seriously.’”

Combating Misinformation and Magical Thinking

One of Dr. Roberts’ most critical roles is education, especially when it comes to myths about fibroid treatment.

“I understand — people are desperate. They don’t want surgery or medication, so there are folks out there who prey on them, claiming there’s some easy, natural solution to make fibroids disappear,” she says. “Yes, eating a healthy diet and reducing red meat can help with symptoms… But the truth is, nothing makes fibroids go away completely — except surgery.”

Her advice: stick to evidence-based care. Regular checkups, balanced nutrition, and, when needed, medical or surgical treatment. Knowledge isn’t just power — it’s protection.

Teaching Girls to Know Their Bodies — and Own Their Worth

Through her nonprofit, Not On Our Watch, Dr. Roberts reaches girls in inner-city schools with straight talk about hygiene, puberty, and self-respect.

“I always start off by calling your daughters’ parts by their proper names so it won’t feel like a bad word. ‘Vagina’ is not a bad word. ‘Period’ is not a bad word. ‘Body’ is not a bad word,” she adds.

She recalls one session with elementary students where girls spoke up about starting their periods — proudly, without shame.

“That kind of openness helps the young girls sitting next to them, who might have just started too, not feel ashamed. They see their friends talk about it and realize, ‘Hey, it’s okay.’ Parents can help foster that same environment at home,” Dr. Roberts shares.

Innovation with Purpose

Frustrated by the number of patients suffering from recurring irritation and poor hygiene education, Dr. Roberts developed her own feminine hygiene line — gentle, natural, and safe enough for daily use.

“When I was practicing here in Alabama, I started seeing young ladies coming in disheveled — no proper hygiene, lots of vaginal discharge. Many didn’t know the basics about their bodies,” she says. “We launched the nonprofit to go into the community and fix that gap — schools, middle and high schools, even elementary.”

Originally wanting to create an organic product, she pivoted to natural ingredients for better durability and texture.

“It can stay in your shower and won’t go bad after a month. I’ve had this formula since 2012, and people just absolutely love it. I worked with chemists — even someone from Brown — to perfect it.”

She also developed probiotic bath bombs that soothe without irritation.

“Self-care shouldn’t come at the cost of infection or discomfort. Our bath bombs are gentle and infused with probiotics — a safe option that still feels luxurious.”

Progress, Setbacks, and the Road Ahead

Since launching her career in 2003, Dr. Roberts has seen major progress — better tools, more open dialogue, and stronger patient awareness.

“Social media has brought important conversations to the forefront. People are sharing their stories, asking questions, and getting information that empowers them,” she says. “Technologically, gynecology has advanced. Exams are more comfortable. Diagnostics are better. We even tailor screenings based on family history now, which helps us catch issues earlier.”

But one area remains stubborn: maternal mortality.

“Birmingham has launched studies, but we’ve got a long way to go. We’re just now getting attention, and I worry some of that progress could be rolled back,” she says. “There was a study showing Black patients — especially women and children — often get better care from Black doctors. That’s about cultural competence. We need more of us represented in medicine, taking care of our communities.”

She’s also concerned about a recent decline in OB-GYN residency placements.

“OB-GYN positions are down two percent nationally. I don’t know why they see us as a threat — like we’re trying to take over medicine. We’re just trying to serve.”

Final Word: Be Your Own Advocate

Dr. Roberts’ message is clear: Speak up.

“There’s no such thing as a stupid question. If something doesn’t feel right, say something. If your provider isn’t listening, find one who will,” she concludes.