
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can cause pain heavy bleeding and discomfort in women. It is no surprise, therefore, that a woman might choose to have them removed.
Previously, a woman’s treatment options in Kenya were: drugs to ease the pain or to reduce heavy bleeding; open surgery to remove the fibroids (myomectomy) or the entire womb (hysterectomy); laparoscopic surgery to excise the growths; or Uterine artery embolization (UAE) – a minimally invasive surgery to cut off blood supply to the fibroids.
All of these options – except the drugs – carry the risk of making the uterus unable to carry a pregnancy, says Dr Kireki Omanwa, president of the Kenya Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society (KOGS). “ However, drugs do not treat the fibroid itself, but only manage the symptoms.”
Facts First
This story continues on The Standard INSiDER. Subscribe now for unfiltered journalism that holds power to account.
Already have an account? Login