Not All Fibroids Should Be Treated, Says Physician

Research indicates that between 50 and 70 per cent of women will develop fibroids by the age of 50, even as a renowned physician, Dr. Abayomi Ajayi has cautioned women with the condition against having it removed unless their symptoms are extremely severe.

This is on the heels of the fact that a substantial number of Nigerian women have died in the process of treating the condition through surgical method, Ajayi told me.

The physician averred that most fibroids do not cause symptoms, hence do not require treatment, as they often shrink or disappear after menopause. “However, if fibroids are causing uncomfortable symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding or painful periods, longer or more frequent periods, pelvic pressure or pain, frequent urination, trouble urinating, constipation, pain during sex and fertility problems associated with the condition, a doctor may recommend different treatments depending on the symptoms, the severity of the symptoms, and the location of the fibroids.

“The first line of treatment for fibroids is medication such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and hormonal birth control that help to regulate the ovulation cycle, and reduce the amount of pain or bleeding during periods. If the fibroids are not responding to these treatment options, then, surgery may be the next option. A doctor may suggest Hysterectomy (the partial or total removal of the uterus), for those who do not want children or myomectomy, for those who still want to get pregnant,” he explained.

Ajayi listed the possible complications that may arise after myomectomy surgery as haemorrhage; injury to the uterus; damage to the nearby organs of the urinary system; formation of scar tissue (adhesions) within the uterus; infection; blood clots and eventual re-growth of fibroids, among others.

While a study conducted at Nordica Fertility Centre suggests that more than 50 per cent of women with fibroid still want to have children, Ajayi however suggested the High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) treatment, for these set of women and for those who are scared of surgery.

How HIFU fibroid treatment avoids surgery is quite straightforward, Ajayi said, adding that, “The machine produces sound waves, which the doctor focuses on one small section of the fibroid. Targeted areas heat up and this thermal ablation safely destroys the fibroid while sparing healthy tissues nearby.”

HIFU has so many advantages particularly as it eliminates the need for surgery and anesthesia, the medical director said, even as he disclosed that the recovery time is short.