Ever heard heartbreaking stories of women losing their lives or dreams on the operating table just fighting fibroids? Nigerian families like Samuel Eze’s—whose wife bled out post-surgery despite desperate efforts—highlight why advanced options could save lives before knives come out.
Uterine fibroids hit African women hardest (17-26% prevalence in Nigeria), causing heavy bleeding, pain, infertility, miscarriages—fueling 3-7% of gynae cases and most hysterectomies, per experts like Prof. Oliver Ezechi of NIMR.
Haemorrhage, organ damage, infections, anaesthesia risks kill despite good intentions (fertility boost, pain relief). Late presentations, undiagnosed issues like hypertension amplify dangers—pre-op checks are non-negotiable.
Hormonal therapies (GnRH agonists): Shrink fibroids, ease symptoms without cutting.
Uterine Artery Embolisation: Starves tumors of blood, non-surgical shrink.
MRI-guided focused ultrasound: Zaps fibroid tissue painlessly from outside.
Endometrial Ablation: Scorches uterine lining to stop heavy bleeds.
Dr. James Odofin (FMC Ebonyi Metta) stresses full health workups first—govt must expand access, patients seek early specialist care over delay-and-dread.
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