Experts advocate support, affordable treatment options for women diagnosed with fibroids, other gynecological conditions
Some medical experts have advocated strong support mechanisms and affordable treatment options for women diagnosed with fibroids and other gynecological challenges.
According to Wikipedia, fibroid is a noncancerous (benign) growth of muscle and connective tissue that can develop in or on the uterus. While many women have fibroids without any symptoms, they can cause symptoms such as heavy or painful periods, pelvic pressure or pain, and frequent urination.
Speaking at the 2025 Gynecological Health Summit organised by My Gynae Issues Foundation (a not-for-profit organisation looking into women’s reproductive health) and held on Saturday, September 27 at Victoria lsland in Lagos, the team of experts took turns in panel discussions to explain that gynecological conditions including Uterine Fibroids, PolyCystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), Endometriosis, Adenomyosis, Dysmenorrhea, Pelvic Pain, Stress Incontinence, Vesico Vagina Fistula are manageabl, treatable and not a death sentence.
In her welcome address, the host of the Summit and founder of the Foundation, Oyinkan Osisanya enjoyed participants to take advantage of the opportunities the Foundation provides to address their gynecological challenges. She said she became passionate to help women with similar challenges after surviving fibroid herself.
“Once I overcame fibroids, I found myself again. I now boldly share my story to help other women. I speak up because every woman deserves the right to good quality medical treatment of their Gynae conditions. I stand for fibroid awareness and patients’ advocacy.”
According to her, objectives of the Foundation inclide: Creating awareness for various gynaecology/health conditions which affects women, providing support for women as they walk through their gynae issues, partnership with organisations who have a CSR budget, in order to get subsidised hospital/health care costs for women’s gynaecology conditions, provision of funding for patients who have a life threatening gynae related condition, but cannot afford to pay for their treatment options and advocacy for Patients’ rights.
The team of veteran medical practitioners who shed light on various gynecological issues at the summit include: Prof. Rotimi Jaiyesimi, consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology; Dr. Christian Alabi, consultant Gynaecologist/Founder and CEO of SouthShore Women’s Hosptial and Blooms Fertility Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos; Dr. Hammed Ninalowo, a double boarded Diagnostic and Vascular/Interventional Radiologist; Dr. Rama Akachukwu Family Medicine Consultant with expertise win menopause, hormonal health, and adolescent medicine.
In their various submissions, the medical practitioners explained that while financial challenges posed a major threat to accessing quality treatment, however a structured support group was necessary for gynecological patients. They noted that unlike before, patients now have range of treatment options to choose from depending on the severity of their cases.
“Women have lots of treatment options available now and some of these options are cheaper than traditional surgeries,” Dr Ninalowo said.
The Interventional Radiologist further noted that women especially those diagnosed with gynecological issues are likely to open up on their challenges and receive speedy care with good support system that not only receive them with open arms both advocate for them. He therefore appreciated My Gynae Issue Foundation for providing the needed support system for patients.
“Gynecological issues are so endemic in our society that a lot of women don’t have people to talk to advocate for them. So having an organization like My Gynae Issues Foundation leading the conversation, letting women know they are not alone in the journey is something commendable.”
Ninalowo also advised women to priortise their health and seek help when necessary.
“Choose yourself, advocate for yourself. For every woman, the most important person is you. You have to be in a good state of mind to help others.”
Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Foundation, Prof. Rotimi Jaiyesimi in his address called for more collaborations with the Foundation assuring collaborators of safety and proper channeling of their funds to the Foundation’s core objectives.
“My Gynae Issue Foundation is doing quite well in the reproductive health space but we are open to more collaborations to reach more people trapped in gynecological challenges.
“Here at My Gynae Issue Foundation, we believe there should be no stigma in fibroids, no woman should suffer in silence or lack access to medical care. The human race won’t have existed without women and we are committed to offering all the support to ease their journey on this part.
We also help patients verify tested and experienced medical doctors and hospitals before subscribing for their services,” the veteran Obstetrics and Gynaecology specialist said.
