Uterine fibroids affect at least 70-80% of Black women, according to medical research. While the condition is common in Ghana, research on fibroids is limited, with some studies estimating that about 36% of Ghanaian women in the Greater Accra Region alone have confirmed cases of uterine fibroids.
According to another study in 2023, on average, 617 new cases of uterine fibroids are recorded every year in Ghana.
What are Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids, also known as uterine leiomyomata, are mostly benign growths that develop in the muscles of the uterus of women, mostly during their childbearing age. They are usually non-cancerous tumours that can grow from tiny uterine muscle cells as small nodules, usually the size of a pea, or grow to the size of a watermelon.
Common Myths about Fibroids
Myth 1 – Fibroids can be flushed out using herbal medicine
In Ghana and some parts of Africa, many claim herbal medication can be used to flush out fibroids. This is also evidenced by the growing number of herbal health facilities (here, and here) that profess cures for fighting fibroids.
But health experts like Dr. Ernest Saka, a gynecologist at the Medifem Specialist Hospital in Accra, believe fibroids cannot just be removed using herbal medication. “Fibroids cannot be flushed out with herbal preparations. Even orthodox medicines you cannot flush them out. A few medicines that we could use to reduce their size. But even that is not for treatment,” he said in a recent GhanaWeb interview (from 1:12 – 1:38).
Myth 2 – A fibroid tumor is cancerous
Uterine fibroids, by definition, are noncancerous. In very rare cases, women develop a leiomyosarcoma, which is a cancer that can affect the uterus. Health experts don’t believe that leiomyosarcoma can develop from fibroids, and having fibroids does not increase your risk of developing a cancerous fibroid.
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Myth 3 – Fibroids always cause infertility
While fibroids can affect pregnancy in terms of causing premature births, creating changes in the cervix’s shape, reducing the number of sperm that can enter the uterus, or affecting the baby’s positioning, fibroids are only found in 2% to 12% of pregnant women and generally are not an issue.
Experts say most fibroids do not become too large or cause problems. If a fibroid grows, it usually does so in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
According to Dr. Saka, “Fibroids in quotes do not cause infertility. It is not completely correct. They can cause infertility or they block both of your tubes…, It is rare. Rather, if you have a fibroid that is just under the endometrium, when fertilisation occurs, the baby comes to implant on that and doesn’t get enough blood supply, so it would drop.
“Again, it might not implant on it, it implants somewhere, it’s growing alright, and as it grows, there’s competition for space – the fibroid is part of the womb, the baby is just a parasite. So when there is competition, it pushes the baby out,” (between 12:56 – 14:02).
Myth 4 – Fibroids have same effect on all women
Fibroid symptoms do not occur the same for all women, as some may not experience any discomfort.
“Some women do not present any symptoms at all and unknowingly live with it for years,” according to the Fibroid Foundation Africa, a charity that promotes uterine fibroid conversations in Ghana.
Therefore, there aren’t one or two symptoms that clearly define signs that you have fibroids. The most common symptoms include heavy menstrual bleeding, long cycles, pelvic pain, and discomfort, but additional symptoms can run the gamut.
What are the causes and symptoms of fibroids?
No one knows what causes fibroids. Research indicates that fibroids are controlled by the hormones estrogen and progesterone and that there is also a hereditary component, where a family member with fibroids can increase your risk.
Many medical practitioners believe the causes of fibroids are not exactly known. Research indicates that fibroids are controlled by the hormones estrogen and progesterone and that there is also a hereditary component, where a family member with fibroids can increase your risk.
However, studies show that women who are obese are at higher risk of developing fibroids, and there is a link between fibroids and women who consume large amounts of red meat.
Typical symptoms include:
- Painful periods, including heavy or inconsistent menstrual bleeding
Debilitating cramps and pelvic pain - Pain during sexual intercourse
- Bloating or swelling in the lower abdomen
- Back or leg pain
- Fatigue and weakness
- Bladder dysfunction, constipation, and rectum discomfort
Treatment and prevention
Uterine fibroids are typically detected during a standard pelvic exam. If a doctor finds any abnormal growths, follow-up tests may include:
- Ultrasound: By sending sound waves through the body, a doctor is able to get a fuller picture of fibroids in the uterus.
- Blood test: If a woman’s periods have been especially heavy, a doctor may check her blood to see if she is suffering from anemia (iron deficiency commonly associated with blood loss). A blood test can also rule out other conditions with similar symptoms, such as thyroid problems.
- Treatment options can range from medications to surgery.
By: Gifty Danso
