Consultant Obstetricians and Gynaecologists who spoke with reveal that abdominal pain; anaemia, increased bleeding and miscarriage during pregnancy indicate the presence of fibroids.>>>>CONTINUE FULL READING HERE

They said there might also be pain during intercourse, depending on the location of the fibroid.

They, however, said technology has made the removal of fibroid easier and painless without being cut open.

Further speaking on the condition, Dr. Ajayi said the only way to stop the recurrence of fibroids is to remove the uterus.

He pointed out that in comparison to surgery with HIFU, the recurrence rate of fibroid is higher with normal surgery.

“HIFU is the only way to treat adenomyosis without affecting the uterus, and it also does not affect the ovarian reserve, so the woman can get pregnant and does not need to undergo cesarean section”, he said

The fertility specialist noted that although fibroid surgery could lead to infertility, the problem is usually more with the surgery itself.

“If you are going to undergo surgery, choose a safe hospital, and one that has what it takes to manage the condition itself if anything goes wrong,” he advised.

An Associate Professor and Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State, Dr. Uche Agu, noted that there are reasons why some women who have fibroid can have babies while others cannot.

He cautioned against using drugs to shrink fibroids, noting that women who have the condition and are desirous of having children should seek treatment from maternal health experts.

He said, “Some people have erroneous beliefs about fibroid, that fibroid should not be operated, and that anybody that goes for surgery will never conceive but that is wrong.

“If the surgery is conducted by an experienced, good hand, the person will achieve pregnancy faster and safely.

“The best option for a woman who wants to get pregnant is to have it done by an experienced gynaecologist.

“Women should access care from a good gynaecologist that can do it properly. Surgery is good but it depends on who did the surgery and where it was done.”.

Meanwhile, an Abuja-based gynaecologist, Dr. Chiemezie Chiebonam, warned women with fibroids against having undergoing surgery.

He said surgical removal of fibroid could adversely affect the general health of a woman.

According to him, at an early stage of fibroid, mere treatment and therapy could prevent the growth and thereafter cure it.

He said, “Fibroid surgery ought to be the last intervention in a woman as it may result in infertility if not properly handled except for women whose fibroid growth was close to the fallopian tube.

“Though it is largely the lot of every woman, it can be corrected through hormonal therapy, radiological intervention, laser therapy and endometrial ablative therapy, among others.

“There are possible complications following fibroid surgical operation that can cause infertility like fibrous adhesion, which can obstruct the fallopian tube causing infertility,’’ he said.

Untreated fibroids can cause heavy blood loss

An Associate professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Dr Ayo Olamijulo, said untreated uterine fibroids can cause heavy blood loss and miscarriage.

Giving insight into the risk factors for fibroids, he said, “Age is a risk factor, especially for women in their reproductive age group, particularly in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. The older the woman is within the reproductive age, the more likely they are to have fibroids.

“This is a risk factor in blacks than whites. Even in other countries where you have negroids, that is blacks and whites, you find out that the black population tends to have more fibroids.”

Meanwhile, researchers said poorly managed surgical treatment is the major cause of complications of fibroid surgery in Nigeria.

They noted that proper therapeutic options are paramount to secure the reproductive potential of the patient and reduce complications.

Uterine fibroid is among the most common problems encountered by obstetricians and gynaecologists in Nigeria.

“Fibroids are a frequent cause of abnormal menstrual bleeding and are thought to be involved in infertility. They are the most frequent indication for hysterectomy before menopause.

“The prevalence rate varies from 20-50 per cent of reproductive-aged women, depending on the age, ethnicity, parity and method used to assess their prevalence.

“Though the majority of fibroids are asymptomatic, a few may cause distressing symptoms such as menstrual abnormalities, pelvic pressure or pain, obstructive symptoms, infertility or pregnancy loss. Very large tumours have been known to cause pelvic discomfort, respiratory failure, urinary symptoms and constipation”, the researchers said.>>>>CONTINUE FULL READING HERE