DO I NEED AN OPERATION AT FORTY- NINE YEARS?

I am forty nine years old with only one child. About ten years ago I was told I have fibroid. I have been avoiding operation since then by taking lots of herbal medications. Initially my menses was heavy but has almost become normal now. I went to the clinic a week ago I was shocked that the doctor still advised me to go for operation. What do I do? Hajara.

At forty nine you are close to menopause. In most cases with menopause the fibroid growth is arrested and even decrease in size through atrophy. Are you seeing a Gynaecologist? Is the fibroid still big? You already said menorrhagia has reduced but from your interactions it is still heavy according to the doctor’s assessment then, symptomatic fibroids or huge fibroids are indications for myomectomy despite your age.

In case you do not want the operation, you can explore the possibility of medical management. One method is the use of Gonadotrophin releasing hormone analogue. Once monthly injection for about three to four moths but not exceeding six months will create a state of menopause and may actually tilt you to menopause. The fibroids reduction in size could be up to fifty percent while symptoms like menorrhagia will have been ameliorated. The drug is readily available though with current economic situation avoidability could be an Issue with low socioeconomic class.