Uterine fibroids: is surgery necessary?
- Posted on 28/10/2024 17:35
- Film
- By abelozih@sante-education.tg
Extract from the article: Uterine fibroids, benign tumours in the lining of the uterus, are common, especially in women over the age of 30. Approximately one woman in three is affected, although many are unaware of it. Unlike ovarian cysts, which are benign tumours of the ova
Uterine fibroids, benign tumours in the lining of the
uterus, are common, especially in women over the age of 30. Approximately one woman in three is affected,
although many are unaware of it. Unlike ovarian cysts, which are
benign tumours of the ovary, uterine fibroids form in the uterus in particular.
Professor Alexis Yobi Sawadogo, a specialist in obstetric gynaecology and
reproductive medicine at Bogodogo University Hospital (Burkina Faso), provides
information on this complex disease.
There is no single cause for the appearance of
fibroids. However, several factors appear to have an impact. For example, an
overabundance of oestrogen can encourage their growth. They are also more
common in obese women. Prof Alexis Yobi Sawadogo mentioned that fibroids are
more common in childless women and in African women, suggesting a possible
genetic cause. He also pointed out that some families even seem to have a
hereditary predisposition to developing these tumours.
Does a fibroid present a risk?
According to the specialist, the answer is both
positive and negative. The fibroid itself is a benign tumour that almost never
develops into cancer. Around 80% of women have no symptoms and can even live
with it for the rest of their lives without knowing it.
"However, fibroids can
cause problems in certain situations. When they become large,
they can compress neighbouring organs such as the rectum, leading to
constipation, or the bladder, causing difficulty in urinating.The intestines
can also be affected.If a pregnant woman has fibroids, they can interfere with
the development of the foetus or lead to complications during childbirth, such
as heavy bleeding or malposition of the placenta", explains Pr
Alexis Yobi Sawadogo.
There are still very few
medical treatments for fibroids. At present, there is no contemporary medicine
that will make them disappear completely.Treatments can reduce their size or
alleviate symptoms, but to eliminate them completely, surgery is often essential. Surgical
methods can take different forms, ranging from removal of the fibroids to
complete hysterectomy in cases of multiple fibroids.
However, says the
gynaecologist and assistant professor in the obstetrics and gynaecology
department, "it is important to note that not all fibroids require
surgery.Only fibroids that cause symptoms, are large or compress other organs
are usually operated on.Small, asymptomatic fibroids can simply be monitored.”
Despite common belief,
fibroids are not always the cause of fertility problems.Fibroids inside the
uterus or blocking the fallopian tubes cannot be responsible for problems with
pregnancy or full-term pregnancy.
Elom AKAKPO