Several women living with uterine fibroids often endure years of pain and other complications before seeking appropriate medical care, as misconceptions, fear of surgery and delays in diagnosis can allow the condition to worsen.

For Moyo Awotile, what began as a health challenge developed into a decade-long ordeal, eventually requiring the removal of 17 fibroid growths from her body.

Awotile spoke with journalists during a private screening of the documentary, Overcoming Fibroid: A Journey of Care and Compassion, organised by Avon Medical Practice in Surulere, Lagos.

The documentary followed her journey from her initial diagnosis in 2018, through years of excruciating symptoms, treatment and surgery, to her recovery and continued follow-up care.

According to her, she could not sit for long, walk for long distances, travel or work comfortably because of the persistent pain. “Working at the office was a nightmare. I couldn’t sit, fly or walk for long. Everything was painful,” she recounted.

Recalling experiencing heavy menstrual flow and severe cramps, the marketing and communications expert said her condition eventually became so bad that she switched to adult diapers during her monthly period.

She initially ignored the diagnosis because she believed she was young and that fibroids were common conditions that do not require immediate attention. “I knew from my girlhood that I had fibroids. Because I was small and younger, I didn’t care. I thought everybody has it,” she said.

However, as the years rolled by, the symptoms became worse, eventually forcing her to seek medical attention.

Awotile said her journey began after she missed her menstrual cycle for a month and consulted a doctor, who referred her for an ultrasound. “I didn’t take it seriously. I just kept living my life. And I noticed that over the years, my periods got progressively worse,” she said, describing the pain and the eventual surgery as the most difficult parts of her experience.

According to her, 17 growths were removed during the procedure. “It was really painful. Seventeen fibroids were removed from my body and I went through a lot. I was ignorant at first, but I am happy I made it back alive after the surgery,” she said.

Awotile said she had visited different hospitals before eventually deciding to undergo treatment at Avon Medical Practice. She explained that Avon was among the first facilities to identify the fibroids and provide the attention she needed.

Repeated transfers from one hospital to another without getting the kind of care she expected prompted her trust in Avon for her treatment.

“Nobody knew who I was and they were happy to take care of me in the hospital,” she said, adding that the care continued after her surgery. “I came back a couple of times for check-ups.”

Explaining the reason for the documentary, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Avon Medical Practice, Dr Akinbiyi Oke, said the initiative was part of the hospital’s commitment to clinical excellence and providing patients with a quality healthcare experience.

According to Oke, the documentary was designed to show the human side of fibroids and demonstrate how the condition can affect women beyond medical statistics. “Fibroids are not just medical statistics.

They are significant factors in the life of a woman, and this affects her quality of life and overall wellbeing,” Oke said.

He noted that fibroids could be associated with complications including anaemia caused by heavy bleeding, chronic pelvic pain and increased risks during pregnancy.

Maternal and child healthcare, Oke noted, was one of the areas the hospital identified for greater focus as part of its broader healthcare objectives. He added that the hospital’s emphasis on clinical excellence and patient experience was reflected in Awotile’s story.

Sharing real patient experiences, according to him, can help create awareness and encourage people to seek appropriate medical care.

He described 2026 as a year of consolidation and thought leadership for the organisation, with maternal and childcare, patient experience, health and wellness among areas it hoped to strengthen.

Oke said the documentary was, therefore, part of the hospital’s effort to contribute to conversations around women’s health and encourage greater awareness of conditions such as fibroids.

Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Avon Medical Practice, Dr Akintomiwa Bankole, said fibroids were common among women of reproductive age, although many women with the condition may not experience symptoms.

He explained that treatment depends on factors, including the size, number and location of the fibroids, as well as the patient’s symptoms and reproductive plans.

According to him, treatment options may include monitoring for women without significant symptoms, medication for pain or bleeding, minimally invasive procedures and surgery where necessary.

He also dispelled fears surrounding fertility after fibroid surgery, noting that women can become pregnant after appropriate treatment.

Bankole said the hospital had treated a woman who subsequently conceived and gave birth twice, stressing that “fibroid surgery does not automatically prevent a woman from becoming pregnant.”

He urged women with symptomatic fibroids not to delay seeking medical attention.

According to him, untreated fibroids can continue to grow and may significantly affect a woman’s quality of life, while severe bleeding can also result in anaemia and, in some cases, require blood transfusion.

He also warned against relying on unverified herbal preparations or inserting concoctions into the vagina as a treatment for fibroids.