Fibroids

Fibroids are tumors of the womb, consisting
of muscle and some fibrous tissue. They are
benign and are the most common of all
uterine tumors.
It is usually discrete, round, firm and often
multiple. They can be as small as an orange
seed or as big as the head of a newly born
baby. They can be totally symptomless or
can be so worrisome as to become an
emergency.
The disease occurs three times more
frequent in black women than white.
Fibroid has been a major cause of infertility
and the various pregnancy related deaths in
Nigerian women. It may grow silently and
progressively over a period of five to 10
years; and may be so big in the abdomen
that it may be mistaken for normal
pregnancy. However, some women with
fibroid still get pregnant and some even
deliver successfully with the fibroid.
Clinical evidence suggests that the
development of fibroid is related to the
action of estrogen, a hormone produced by
the ovary. Fibroids arise during the period
of menstrual activity. They do not originate
as a new growth once menstruation has
ceased (menopause). Non-utilized and
under-utilized uterus in the productive age,
as well as use of oestrogenic contraceptive
pills would enhance the occurrence of
fibroids.
Smptoms of include; increased abdomen,
frequent urination, painful menstruation
and heavy bleeding (often with anaemia
and fainting). They can give rise to severe
lower abdominal pains and headaches.
There may be multiple menstruations in one
month, which may be accompanied by the
passage of blood clots. Fibroids can be
detected accidentally by the physician
either during physical examination or via
ultrasound scan for infertility or related
abdominal ailments.
It is strongly advised
that women (or ladies) should avoid the
abuse of contraceptives and unnecessary
delay of pregnancy for too long a period
during the reproductive age. They should
take proper care of venereal diseases and
avoid frequent and excessive abortion
(especially with D and C).
The natural remedy being advanced
for the control and total cure of fibroids is a
combination of natural extracts of Ricinus
communis, Aframomum melegueta, Cocos
nucifera and Xylopia aethiopica.