Her belly had swollen noticeably, and her periods had become so heavy, they lasted close to ten days.  She had to double up on sanitary pads, changing them almost every hour, just to manage the bleeding. At night, she had to wear diapers.  In addition to all that, there was a cramping pain that didn’t want to stop. 

Her story, unfortunately, is not unique. It mirrors the experience of millions of women across the world who are silently living with fibroids.

For many women, whether they are working, studying, raising children or running small businesses, this type of experience is not only uncomfortable but deeply disruptive.

According to global medical research, fibroids affect between 20 to 30 per cent of all women of reproductive age. But among Black women, including those of African descent, over 80 per cent will develop fibroids by the time they turn 50.

Recently, Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o shared her experience with fibroids. In a personal Instagram post, she wrote, “In March 2014, I won an Oscar for 12 Years a Slave. That same year, I discovered I had 30 uterine fibroids and underwent surgery to remove them.”

She also revealed how many women in her inner circle shared similar stories, often kept quiet. Even global fame and success couldn’t shield her from what is a deeply common and often overlooked health condition.

What Are Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. While they are common, conversations around them remain hushed. Their symptoms, such as heavy bleeding, bloating, back pain, pelvic pressure, fatigue, and frequent urination, are often dismissed as part of the menstrual cycle.

Fibroids are responsible for 40–60 per cent of all hysterectomies, and account for 29 per cent of all gynaecological hospitalisations in women between the ages of 15 and 54.

They are also linked to infertility, anaemia, pregnancy complications, and emotional distress.

A 2019 study published in Archives of Medical Science found that the global age-standardized incidence of fibroids is rising, especially in women aged 35 to 39 and older.

In countries with low to middle socio-demographic indices (SDIs) like Ghana, the burden remains especially high due to delayed diagnosis, stigma, and reluctance to utilize expert surgical care.

The reluctance to seek surgical care is due to

1. Not wanting to be cut
2. A fear that after surgery , she would not be able to have children
3. A fear that surgery would limit the number of children she can have

Preserving Fertility and Quality of Life

As a gynaecologist with over two decades of experience, I have seen the remarkable impact of minimally invasive surgery in treating fibroids and in overcoming these fears.

Surgical approaches such as hysteroscopy (accessing the uterus through the cervix) and laparoscopy (using small incisions in the abdomen) allow us to treat fibroids without major cuts, prolonged hospital stays, or high-risk complications.

One of the greatest benefits of minimally invasive surgery is also its ability to preserve the uterus and fertility, which is particularly important for younger women hoping to start or grow their families.

In the past, hysterectomy was often the default recommendation, even for women who could have benefited from uterine-sparing approaches. Today, minimally invasive surgery offers a way forward without sacrificing motherhood or reproductive autonomy.

A Tool for Dignity

We must recognise that fibroids are not just a private issue; they are a public health concern. When women are forced to miss work or school every month, when they sleep sitting upright due to pain, when they are told to feel shame about their bodies, we as a society lose out on their potential and their contribution.

If you or someone you know is experiencing prolonged bleeding, pelvic discomfort, unexplained abdominal swelling, or difficulty with fertility, it is important to seek help. Fibroids may be common, but they do not have to steal years of your life. Safe, effective treatment is available, and there is no shame in choosing care.

As we mark Fibroid Awareness Month, let us remember to break the silence, challenge the stigma, and offer women real solutions. We have the tools. Now we must ensure every woman has access to them.

About the Author

Dr. Padi Roland Ayertey is a seasoned Obstetrician-Gynaecologist based in Accra, Ghana, with over 29 years of experience in women’s health. He specialises in fertility treatment, PCOS management, IVF, and minimally invasive surgery, particularly hysteroscopy. After years of serving in Ghana’s public health system, he transitioned to private practice in 2009 to provide more personalised care. Since 2021, he has led Elimmas Health as CEO and Medical Director, championing advanced gynaecological care tailored to the needs of modern Ghanaian women.