Kwa-Thema – The New Creation Movement (NCM) facilitated Understanding Fibroids, an event to raise awareness of fibroids, on July 25.
In recognition of July being Fibroids Awareness Month, the NPO held community discussions about reproductive health at the Family Skills Centre.
Mmakagisho Moagi, the founder of NCM, said the purpose was to inform women of the effects of fibroids and the available treatments.
“More especially black women because they have a higher number of fibroids than other races,” she revealed.
Fibroids are muscular tumours that grow in the wall of the womb. The medical term for fibroids is leiomyoma or just myoma.
Uterine fibroids are when tumours develop in the womb. The symptoms include painful periods, a growing stomach area, pain in the lower back, constipation and pelvic pressure.
She clarified the myths around the condition, pointing out that fibroids are not cancerous. A surgical procedure called a myomectomy can remove the fibroids and provide relief from the bothersome symptoms.
“Many people believe this condition automatically leads to removal of your womb, which is false,” Moagi clarified.
To permanently remove the womb when other treatments do not work, a procedure called hysterectomy might be performed.
Moagi reiterated the importance of providing women with treatment options instead of just removing their wombs.
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“There are many advancements in the medical industry. Women should be given a choice and sufficient knowledge about the available options.
“I believe much more work is still to be done to educate the community on these conditions. This fibroid issue is not just a women’s issue but a family issue,” she added.
The NPO partnered with the Department of Health, the Mandla-Wethu Chronic Support Group and the Fibroids Awareness Association of South Africa (Faasa) to make the event successful.
The founder of the Faasa, Keabetswe Nguza, spoke about how she had to undergo two myomectomies.
She emphasised the psychological and physical toll her surgery took and urged women to get examined as soon as they see symptoms.
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