Fibroids are among the most frequently encountered gynecological issues faced by women of reproductive age in Nigeria. Unfortunately, persistent misinformation regarding this condition contributes to fear, delayed medical attention, and unnecessary anxiety.
Many women continue to wrongly associate fibroids with a need for surgery, infertility, or cancer. Health professionals warn that these assumptions can be detrimental to how women approach their health.
In a discussion with PT Health Watch, Halimat Jimoh, a certified midwife, outlined prevalent misconceptions surrounding fibroids and the various factors that elevate the risk of developing them.
Ms. Jimoh, who founded The Midwife Next Door, elaborated on how fibroids can impact fertility and pregnancy outcomes and emphasized the significance of seeking medical care early.
Myths and Misunderstandings
Ms. Jimoh highlighted that a frequent misconception is that being diagnosed with fibroids inevitably requires surgical intervention or signifies fertility issues. She clarified that numerous women live with fibroids asymptomatically, capable of conceiving, maintaining pregnancies, and delivering healthy babies.
"One widespread myth is that a fibroid diagnosis directly results in surgery or that pregnancy is impossible afterward," she noted. "This is not accurate. Many women live with fibroids without any symptoms and can still conceive successfully."
She also addressed the common fear that fibroids are cancerous, reassuring that they are predominantly benign and malignant cases are exceptionally rare. Furthermore, she refuted claims that fibroids only affect older or married women; in reality, they can also manifest in younger, single women without showing any signs.
Risk Factors for Fibroids
Ms. Jimoh pointed out that several elements contribute to fibroid formation, including genetic, hormonal, and lifestyle factors. Women with a familial history of fibroids possess an increased risk due to genetic influences.
"Yes, genetics significantly impact your risk. If family members such as your mother or sister have fibroids, you are more likely to develop them too," she added.
Hormonal changes, specifically related to estrogen, are also linked to fibroid growth. Lifestyle factors like obesity, inadequate diet, chronic stress, and low levels of physical activity can escalate the likelihood of developing fibroids. Additionally, Ms. Jimoh indicated that Black women are particularly susceptible to fibroids and typically at a younger age compared to other demographics.
Recognizing Symptoms Beyond Heavy Bleeding
While heavy menstrual bleeding is often identified as the primary symptom of fibroids, they can also manifest as pelvic pain, abdominal bloating, frequent urination, constipation, painful intercourse, back pain, and fatigue linked to anemia. According to the Cleveland Clinic, fibroids are fairly common non- cancerous growths affecting individuals with a uterus between 30 and 50 years of age.
The Clinic's report indicates that while many fibroids remain small and symptom-free, larger growths can lead to heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, and other complications, although they often stabilize or shrink post-menopause.
While the precise causes of fibroids are not entirely understood, factors like body weight, family history, early menstruation, and not having given birth can heighten the risk.
Ms. Jimoh further noted that some women might encounter challenges conceiving, while many others experience no symptoms, underscoring the necessity of regular medical evaluations.
Effects on Fertility and Pregnancy Outcomes
Ms. Jimoh mentioned that the influence of fibroids on fertility is largely contingent upon their size, number, and position within the uterus. Fibroids that are situated in the uterine cavity are more likely to hinder implantation or elevate the risk of miscarriage, especially if they are actively growing.
During pregnancy, fibroids can present additional complications such as pain, preterm labor, abnormal presentation, or the necessity for a cesarean section. Nevertheless, she maintained that numerous women with fibroids enjoy healthy pregnancies and successful delivery outcomes.
"Treatment is sometimes unnecessary, especially when a woman does not experience symptoms and the fibroids are not compromising the uterine cavity," she stressed.
Emphasizing Early Detection and Treatment Options
While fibroids cannot be entirely averted, Ms. Jimoh noted that adopting healthy lifestyle practices can mitigate associated risks. These include maintaining a healthy weight, consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, managing stress levels, and scheduling regular gynecological examinations.
Fibroids are typically identified via pelvic examinations and ultrasound imaging, with early detection generally facilitating more effective management.
Treatment options, according to Ms. Jimoh, depend on factors such as symptoms, age, fertility objectives, and overall health. Possible treatments encompass observation, medications for controlling bleeding or pain, hormonal therapies, non-invasive procedures like uterine artery embolization, as well as surgical interventions such as myomectomy or hysterectomy when necessary.
She urged women to pursue medical advice promptly and avoid making decisions based on fear, emphasizing that with adequate support, fibroids are manageable.
"Women should not trivialize persistent symptoms or dismiss discomfort. With proper medical guidance, many women can lead healthy, fulfilling lives, even while having fibroids," she concluded.
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