Leiomyomas, popularly known as Uterine Fibroids in African, are abnormal and benign noncancerous tumours that develop in or on a woman’s uterus.
“The cause of Leiomyomas is relatively unspecified”
It occurs independently or in the group while some might have symptoms, like the fullness of the abdomen, heavy cycle, pelvic pain, and increased urination, others might be asymptomatic.
The cause of Leiomyomas is relatively unspecified but excessive use of contraceptives, excess starchy food and chemicals, such as hair relaxers used mostly by African women, can influence their enlargement.
Amina Gosali shares her experience battling with fibroid in an interview. Amina said: “In three decades on earth, I can’t say I know nothing about fibroid, also known as leiomyomas, because my late mom has a serious case of it and a hysterectomy was performed on her to reduce her discomforts.”
Amina continued, “but my case is different because I have no symptoms at all. From the experience and testimony of fibroid survivors, some had a miscarriage while some are unable to conceive due to fibroid but I experience no pain, no miscarriage and I have three children already.
“The size of fibroid might vary from the size of a pea to that of watermelon.”
“I discovered I had Uterine Fibroid when I was pregnant with my fourth child and went for a scan. To my greatest surprise, the doctor said I had a fibroid of 2.8cm. I told him I hadn’t been experiencing any pain whatsoever and asked what was the cause. He explained that woman of my age range experience it, and that African African Americans are at more risk of experiencing fibroid during their childbearing years and it can be hereditary too. I then realised my case could be traced back to that of my mother.”
The size of fibroid might vary from the size of a pea to that of watermelon. “My own is rather too tiny to be operated on but I was placed on medication because the doctor said fibroid may shrink during or after menopause because woman undergoing menopause are experiencing a drop in the level of hormones that might stimulate fibroid growth,” Amina added.
Amina concluded that “I’m not a medical practitioner but talk based on my personal experience battling with fibroid. If your household has a record of fibroid, I would advise you to speak to your doctor.”
Sanni Barhokah.
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