Fibroid is a growth in the layers of the uterus (womb).
Fibroid is common in black women of reproductive age but it is not every woman that must have fibroid. Sexual intercourse does not cure or prevent fibroid as some are made to believe.
Causes of fibroid
The real cause of fibroid is not known but it has been attributed to:
i. Activities of some free radicals which result from the food we eat, especially imported food, which are foreign to our body system. These foods are mostly fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, etc, from organic sources. e.g.
a. Some packaged foods contain preservatives, artificial colourings, flavourings and other additives.
b. Also, some commercial farmers add synthetic hormones, and drugs to the feed given to livestock, so they can grow fast, gain weight and be sold for high price.
c. Commercial produce are typically sprayed several times in its lifecycle with chemical herbicides and pesticides in order to protect the crops from disease, and being eaten by insects.
ii. Oestrogen hormone: an important female reproductive hormone is known to cause fibroid to grow. This is why fibroid is common during female reproductive years.

Classification of fibroids:
a. Fibroid could be single or multiple.
b. They are also named according to where they are found.
i. Intramural fibroids are those found in the wall of the uterus (womb). They are the commonest.
ii. Sub-serous fibroid grow outside the wall of the uterus (womb) and can become very large. They can also grow in stalks. In this case, they are called pedunculated fibroids.
iii. Sub-mucosal fibroids are those found in the inner lining of the uterus. This type often causes bleeding and interferes with pregnancy.
iv. Cervical fibroids are found in the wall of the cervix (neck of the womb).
How they grow:
Most fibroids start in an intramural location. As they grow, some may develop towards the outside of the uterus (subserous) while some develop towards the cavity (submucosal).
Fibroids may grow rapidly during pregnancy due to increased oestrogen level but hey are known to shrink following menopause as the levels of oestrogen decreases.
Fibroid varies in size from microscopic, to lesions of considerable size. When big up to the size of an orange, the victim may be able to feel it through the abdominal wall as a round solid mass around the pelvis.
Signs and symptoms of fibroids depend on the size, number and location of the fibroid:
i. Lower abdominal mass
ii. Abdominal discomfort
iii. Uterine bleedings
iv. Painful menstrual periods
v. Heavy menstrual periods
vi. Abdominal bloating
vii. Urinary frequency
viii. Pain during intercourse
ix. Bleeding in pregnancy
x. Infertility/miscarriages
xi. Sometimes, urinary retention
However, when small, they may present no symptoms.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis is better established by a medical practitioner after an ultrasound scan. The scan will determine the location, number and size of the fibroid.
When further opinion is required as to whether the fibroid is interfering with fertility, there are other improved and advanced diagnostic procedures.
The presence of fibroid does not necessarily mean that they need to be treated. Treatment is necessary when there is discomfort or imminent danger.
Treatments:
i. Medical intervention: Contraceptive pills are often use to manage symptoms presented by fibroids. Drugs are also used to induce menopause-like situation. High density ultra sound waves can also be used to destroy the tissues.
ii. Uterine Artery Embolisation:- A procedure in managing fibroid by cutting off blood supply to the fibroid.
iii. Surgery:- Surgery is the most popular intervention for fibroid. This involves surgical removal of the fibroid itself or the entire uterus (womb) along with the fibroid as the case may be. Surgical removal of fibroid may not prevent a re-occurrence especially in cases of multiple fibroid, but surgery remains the quickest way to get rid of fibroid.
iv. Diet modification and dietary supplements: It has been observed that fibroid responds to some food nutrients if eaten enough. This suggests that the condition can be prevented or controlled to a reasonable degree by eating certain food items or by taking certain supplements that contain these specific amino acids, vitamins, minerals and extracts of certain plants. Although research is still going on, these nutrients have been blended into dietary supplements in form of tablets and drinks for easy use as well as availability since they have no known side effects. Some of them I have used and they have helped a lot in causing fibroids to shrink or degenerate. For more information, pls call: 08026019488 or 07056934762.

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