7 out of 10 women have fibroid says expert

An expert in health sector have called for  more proactive measures in managing the rise in prevalence of fibroids saying that seven in every 10 women in Nigeria have fibroids.

This assertion was made known by Robiu Olayinka Balogun, a professor and chief medical director, Surulere medical centre , Ilorin, Kwara State at the 7th Ridwanullahi Islamic Society of Nigeria (RISEN), annual Ramadan Baby Programme 2018, held  recently discussing  on the topic, “types, causes and cure of fibroid”.

“Fibroid affects women when they reached puberty stage until they stopped menstruating. Nobody know the cause of fibroid but we know it is very common among the black people. We also knew that in every 10 women, at least, seven will have fibroids,” said Balogun.

Balogun added that Fibroids are common and usually have no cause. It affect females between puberty and menopause stages in women. Thus, it does not occur in girl child nor seen in woman after menopause.

“Fibroid also known as uterine myomas, fibromyomas or leiomyoma’s vary in sizes. Some are the same size as a pea and some can be as big as a melon”.

He explained that fibroids can increase in size, decrease in size or even go away with time. They can occur anywhere in the womb and are named according to where they grow. Like Intramural fibroids grow within the muscle tissue of the womb which is the most common place for fibroids to form.

 “A fibroid is an overgrowth of smooth muscle cells, and other cells from the lining of the womb (uterus). The womb is mainly made of smooth muscle. It is not clear why fibroids develop.

“Fibroids are sensitive to oestrogen and progesterone, the female hormones that are made in the ovary. It tend to swell when levels of female hormones are high.”

He identified prolonged and heavy menstrual circul, tummy (abdominal) swelling and urinary problems, and lower back pain among others as symptoms of fibroid.

Balogun, further explained that, “fibroid does not stop women to conceive or getting pregnant, it does not affect if it is properly managed.

“In the whole world, there is no treatment for fibroid than operation. Whatever treatment given to the patient will only prevent it from growing bigger before operation because if it is in the womb, it spoils the uterus.”

He warned that if the fibroids grow into the cavity of the womb they can sometimes block the Fallopian tubes and may press on the bladder which lies in front of the womb (uterus), then you pass urine more often than usual.

“As long as you delay the treatment, the longer it creates problems in the womb. So, it is better when discovered in patient to treat it as early as possible. Only pregnancy is a remedy. As long as that woman has the womb, the factor that brought about fibroid, is still there and the woman doesn’t get pregnant, it will continue to develop.

“Pregnancy automatically discourage it from growth. Therefore, anybody that has gone through fibroid operation are advised to go and get pregnant because that can only suppress what make fibroid grow frequently.”

Also speaking is Abdulrahman Usman, the founder and National President of RISEN,  who disclosed that the initiative was borne out of concern and care to celebrate the  children that were born during the Holy month and supported 63 parents.

“We distributed 95 of cards to about 12 different hospitals and we were able to support 63 nursing mothers today. This is a yearly programme and will continue. So we plead with well to do individuals or groups to assist us financially.”