A call has gone to the Federal government to be adequately be involved in the control, prevention and early detection of disorders such as uterine fibroids, even as government has been charged to strengthen research and education initiatives of existing hospitals and healthcare institutions in the country.

Speaking at a Fibroid seminar organised by Justice Development Peace and Committee (JDPC), Leader, Local Council Development Authority, Oriade Lagos, Hon Rasheed Jimoh, who made the call, advised participants to make adequate use of the health centre within the locality provided by the State government for prompt access to medication and treatment.

Lamenting the practice of self medication, he said it was a common practice that has jeopardized health and led to the untimely death of many people. "People should cultivate the habit of regular check up carried out by a qualified doctor," he said

Dr Emmanual Ebong of Makel Medical Centre, Amuwo Lagos, said most causes of uterine fibroid are unknown, but associated risk factors are commoner in blacks. The surgeon pointed that association of fibroids with infertility is not properly understood.

He said women with fibroids do get pregnant, and that fibroids should be suspected as a cause of infertility when all other causes of infertility have been excluded. "Although, fibroids may cause distortion of uterus on mechanical obstruction of the fallopian tube and thereby contribute to infertility, he added.

The doctor described the various site of uterine fibroid in his presentation as pedunculated fibroid, subserous, intracavity poly, submuscosal, intermural and cervical.

Ebong said they are variable, often symptom less and usually diagnosed on routine pelvic examination. He noted the effects of fibroid on pregnancy/labour such as like large-for- dates babies, miscarriage due to poor implantation obstructed labour, post-partum hemorrhage and involution of the uterus.

He advocated that private, public and community organizations should work to create social and physical environments that support adoption and maintenance of health nutrition and physical actively behaviour.