Uterine fibroids: is surgery necessary?

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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

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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