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Tag: fibroid

  • My struggles with fibroid and my survival (True life story)

    Sponsored Post

    May 11th 2013 happened to be the day never to be forgotten in my life. By then my marriage was barely 3 months and few days to my 34th birthday.

    I don’t wish for a day of such again in my life not after the hardship and struggles I have been through in the past just to become successful. I have had delay in virtually all facet of life and now I think I deserve the very best from life. But my encounter with fibroid almost proved to me that there was nothing so enjoyable about life after all.

    On that very day (11th of May), I was at my cousin’s wedding and we were at the reception when I suddenly felt this sharp pain in my pelvic area. I had had this feeling few days before then as that had become the recent tradition during my menstruation. I wasn’t expecting any flow because it was already day 7 of my menstrual cycle. As embarrassing as it would be, my white attire was totally drenched in blood due to excessive flow. I was already fainting and this put everyone in pandemonium in a day that should be meant for celebration.

    Quickly, I was rushed to the hospital and found myself in the emergency unit. Luckily for me I survived it but was already made to receive blood transfusion by the time I regained my consciousness I felt I was being anaemic. The gynecologist came around with my ultrasound test results. It was on shocking when he diagnosed me of intramural fibroid and had multiple fibroids growing in my uterus. I almost fainted for the second time. I was already thinking what I had done to make life get so cruel to me. I was operated upon just a year ago when after a long battle with subserosal fibroids which was just one then. The doctor suggested another surgery but immediately I declined I never wish to go under knife again not even before child birth. (http://naturalhealthtreat.com.ng/fb.htm)

    I was given another non-surgical option of having to lie down inside an MRI machine to visualize the inside of my uterus. I was told that the   high energy, high – frequency sound waves will be directed at the fibroids to ablate them. I subscribed to that treatment and felt the whole thing should shrink off after that.

    Some months after, the fibroids came back again and even bigger, it felt as if I was pregnant. By then I was feeling discomfort in almost everything; I urinated almost 9 times a day, my abdomen was swollen and could not have enjoyable bed time with my husband because I always felt pain during the process.

    My husband and I were praying and hoping for a miracle because I had lost my job as a result of my inconsistence for the private company where I worked. On the 16th of March this year (2016), he called from his office that he found something out and that I should follow this link

    http://naturalhealthtreat.com.ng/fb.htm then give him a feedback. I browsed through and found out that I could get rid of my fibroid with some natural supplements. Since it required no surgery I gave it a trial. A month after I discovered I did not have heavy flow as I used to and my cycle lasted for 5 days. The next month I had similar experience of normal flow again. I rushed to the hospital for checkup and the doctor was surprise to see that my fibroid had reduced drastically in numbers and in sizes. Around July this year I began to feel some changes in my body system again and could not see my period at due date. I was skeptical so I booked an appointment with my doctor again I was in uncontrollable tears when he told me that my fibroids were all gone and that I was 6 weeks pregnant. I feel it is normal I reveal to you all that this link http://naturalhealthtreat.com.ng/fb.htm is sincere and God’s sent

     

  • FWP Saved Me From Blood Transfusions And A Hysterectomy

    FWP Saved Me From Blood Transfusions And A Hysterectomy

    Dear fibroid patient
    My name is Rachel Anuigbo from owerri. You can Read My Full Story by Clicking Here http://bit.ly/fibroidnewsletter on how I shrink fibroids, and reduce the symptoms of fibroids, including heavy bleeding, cramps, pain and pressure while using natural fibroids wellness pack.
    I am 35 yeas old, and I have a large fibroid in the center of my uterus. It has caused me a lot of problems, including heavy blood loss. I used to use 2 packs of sanitary pads in the first 2 days of my period.
    The cramps were so painful. They were out of the ordinary, and the cramps lasted even after my cycle ended. I couldn’t concentrate at work because of the dizziness and nausea caused by the heavy bleeding, and when I stood up, it felt like lumps were falling out of me.
    The bleeding got so bad, when I went for a blood test, my doctor told me my iron had gone down to 6.5 and I would need immediate surgery.
    The success rates of the myomectomy was not guaranteed, so if it didn’t work, I would have to have a hysterectomy.
    I was scared about the surgery, and my preacher and I prayed for an answer, and the Lord guided me to your website. I ordered Fibroid wellness pack and it took just 3 days to get to me.
    After taking Fibroid Wellness Pack  for a few days, I could feel the difference. My energy levels improved, the bleeding was much less and the cramping was much less.
    My iron levels have shot up already and I believe the fibroid is starting to shrink. It has saved me from surgery, and it’s a miracle sent by God.
    I have recommended it to my sister, and she is taking it now. I just wish I had known about it earlier to save other women from surgery. You can get yours now http://bit.ly/fibroidnewsletter
    Truth be told, I never thought I would say this.
    I had never felt as much comfort and safe since I started going through this fibroid program.
    The pains went off, My period was back to normal after consistent use of this program and after going through this natural solution for several weeks and going for a scan, I saw that there has been a reduction in the fibroid that I had which actually surprised everyone including myself, because I have never felt better in my entire life as I do now
    This is actually the first program that I know I would go through that has given me this much improved result http://bit.ly/fibroidnewsletter
    Even though the fibroid is not totally gone as am sharing this with you right now. I can tell you that there has been a significant changes in my health and fight against fibroid as a whole
    And if you are also having the same issues with fibroid. I encourage you to Learn from the expert here like I did now to completely free yourself from fibroid. http://bit.ly/fibroidnewsletter
    Aside from the natural solution that you will get to know about.
    You will also receive a special 3 part free report on what you are more effective result with dealing with fibroid through this natural solution that has worked for me.
    Join the fibroid newsletter here now here at  http://bit.ly/fibroidnewsletter

  • Fibroid: Causes, effects and how to deal with it

    Clearly, there is a knowledge gap about fibroid in the perspectives of the public. This gap has given rise to a lot of mythical beliefs about the cause and treatment of fibroid. I have seen advertisements in public places such as eateries, market places and public business that promote a cure-all concoction directed at curing fibroid. More often, this sort of unproven preparations are inactive substances meant to defraud the victims. Women and families should be careful when this kind of “medicine” are being marketed to them. The myth surrounding fibroid is made worse by press stories and rumours of VIPs and eminent persons that died as a result of “fibroid operation”. In fact, what may have killed these important individuals may not be directed related to the fibroid or the surgery. What Are Uterine Fibroids? Taking a cue from WebMD and Mayo Clinic, uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths of the muscle tissue of the uterus. Fibroids can range in number and size from a single growth to multiple growths, and from very small to large, as many as 70 percent to 80 percent of all women will have fibroids by age 50. The medical term for fibroids is leiomyoma or myoma. Classification of Fibroid: Fibroid can be classed as follows: Intramural fibroids, the most common, grow in the wall of the uterus and can make it feel bigger. Subserosal fibroids grow on the outside of the uterus. As they grow larger, they can cause pain due to their size or pressure put on nearby organs. Submucosal fibroids grow just underneath the uterine lining and can crowd into the uterus cavity and lead to heavy bleeding and other more serious complications. Pedunculated fibroids grow on small stalks inside or outside the uterus. It’s possible to have more than one type of fibroid. Causes of Fibroid: Being a woman (needless to say) is a major factor. Having no pregnancy , longer exposure to the hormone estrogen. Family history, being Black African, being over age of 30 (note fertility also begin to fall rapidly) and having high body weight (obesity) are risk factors for developing fibroid. Pregnancy may make fibroid worse (growth / pain). The Symptoms that Fibroid Sufferers May Experience: Relying on the discussion by Health line, fibroid; may cause nothing especially if small. May cause heavy and or prolonged menstrual bleeding depending on location and size. May cause pressure in abdomen if large enough or cause pain if it got twisted on its stalk. It may also cause lower back pain. Pain is likely during pregnancy when fibroid may degenerate. Increased urination by pressing on the bladder is another likely development. Cramping during Menstrual Period is a common feature. Swelling or enlargement of uterus even without pregnancy may occur. Pain during intercourse if a frequent complaint. Signs That the Doctors May Detect: Doctor will take full history and detect his own signs such as: Discovering of swelling of womb/uterus and abdomen during examination. Ultrasound (which may be trans-vaginal (better) or trans-abdominal) is a key and most common investigation to discovering, locating and measuring fibroid. MRI/CT could be used but highly expensive but more specific than ultrasound.

    Treatment of Fibroid: Non-medical treatment is simply a medical or conservative treatment. Medical treatment will not remove a fibroid but may bring it to a level that will help achieve the desired objective for the time being. Example: Medication may stop heavy bleeding. Medication may reduce the swelling, pressure and pain. In some occasions, fertility may be improved. Fibroid is not generally a cause of infertility. The recommendation for dealing with fibroid is as follows. •Thorough counseling to discover why the need for treatment is required in the first instance for example: Is the treatment for fertility/reproduction, heavy bleeding, pain, pressure or abdominal swelling? • Use of various medications will be directed toward achieving the specific objective(s) listed above. •Some of such medications must only be used by specialists in the field to manage fibroid. Some contraceptive medications/devices may help. • Common pain killers or over the counter medications may however be used to control the pain and heavy periods. • Menopause may naturally cause fibroid to shrink because of fall in estrogen levels. 6. Fibroid Remedy: Exercise. Regular exercise may prevent fibroids. In one study, women who exercised seven or more hours a week had significantly fewer fibroids than women who exercised less than two hours a week. Obesity also is a risk factor for fibroids. So exercising regularly can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce your fibroid risk. Care for Anemia: Women with fibroids who are not getting enough iron through diet alone may develop anemia, where the body has fewer red blood cells than normal. Symptoms include fatigue, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Treatment may include eating more iron-rich foods, such as meats, poultry, fish, leafy greens, legumes, and iron-fortified breads and cereals.

    • Myomectomy by open surgery or laparoscopy (directly or via morcellation). • Hysterectomy.
    • Ultrasound surgery using MRI.4. •Endometrial ablation to remove. A morcellator is a surgical instrument used for division and removal of large masses of tissues during laparoscopicsurgery. In laparoscopic hysterectomy the uterus is minced up, or morcellated, into smaller pieces inside the woman’s belly cavity in order to extract from the abdomen. •Embolization. For mild to moderate symptoms, uterine fibroid embolisation may be a good option. A catheter is guided to the uterine artery. Tiny particles of plastic or gelatin are then released into the blood vessels that feed the fibroid, causing it to shrink over time. Embolisation should not be an option for women wanting to get pregnant at some point after treatment. In summary, fibroid is common, non cancerous but also treatable by trained specialists.

  • Fibroid: Causes, effects and how to deal with it

    Clearly, there is a knowledge gap about fibroid in the perspectives of the public. This gap has given rise to a lot of mythical beliefs about the cause and treatment of fibroid. I have seen advertisements in public places such as eateries, market places and public business that promote a cure-all concoction directed at curing fibroid. More often, this sort of unproven preparations are inactive substances meant to defraud the victims. Women and families should be careful when this kind of “medicine” are being marketed to them.

    The myth surrounding fibroid is made worse by press stories and rumours of VIPs and eminent persons that died as a result of “fibroid operation”. In fact, what may have killed these important individuals may not be directed related to the fibroid or the surgery. What Are Uterine Fibroids? Taking a cue from WebMD and Mayo Clinic, uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths of the muscle tissue of the uterus. Fibroids can range in number and size from a single growth to multiple growths, and from very small to large, as many as 70 percent to 80 percent of all women will have fibroids by age 50. The medical term for fibroids is leiomyoma or myoma. Classification of Fibroid: Fibroid can be classed as follows: Intramural fibroids, the most common, grow in the wall of the uterus and can make it feel bigger. Subserosal fibroids grow on the outside of the uterus. As they grow larger, they can cause pain due to their size or pressure put on nearby organs. Submucosal fibroids grow just underneath the uterine lining and can crowd into the uterus cavity and lead to heavy bleeding and other more serious complications. Pedunculated fibroids grow on small stalks inside or outside the uterus. It’s possible to have more than one type of fibroid. Causes of Fibroid: Being a woman (needless to say) is a major factor. Having no pregnancy , longer exposure to the hormone estrogen. Family history, being Black African, being over age of 30 (note fertility also begin to fall rapidly) and having high body weight (obesity) are risk factors for developing fibroid. Pregnancy may make fibroid worse (growth / pain).

    The Symptoms that Fibroid Sufferers May Experience: Relying on the discussion by Health line, fibroid; may cause nothing especially if small. May cause heavy and or prolonged menstrual bleeding depending on location and size. May cause pressure in abdomen if large enough or cause pain if it got twisted on its stalk. It may also cause lower back pain. Pain is likely during pregnancy when fibroid may degenerate. Increased urination by pressing on the bladder is another likely development. Cramping during Menstrual Period is a common feature. Swelling or enlargement of uterus even without pregnancy may occur. Pain during intercourse if a frequent complaint. Signs That the Doctors May Detect: Doctor will take full history and detect his own signs such as: Discovering of swelling of womb/uterus and abdomen during examination. Ultrasound {which may be trans-vaginal (better) or trans-abdominal} is a key and most common investigation to discovering, locating and measuring fibroid. MRI/CT could be used but highly expensive but more specific than ultrasound.

    Treatment of Fibroid: Non-medical treatment is simply a medical or conservative treatment. Medical treatment will not remove a fibroid but may bring it to a level that will help achieve the desired objective for the time being. Example: Medication may stop heavy bleeding. Medication may reduce the swelling, pressure and pain. In some occasions, fertility may be improved. Fibroid is not generally a cause of infertility. The recommendation for dealing with fibroid is as follows. •Thorough counseling to discover why the need for treatment is required in the first instance for example: Is the treatment for fertility/reproduction, heavy bleeding, pain, pressure or abdominal swelling? • Use of various medications will be directed toward achieving the specific objective(s) listed above. *. Some of such medications must only be used by specialists in the field to manage fibroid. Some contraceptive medications/devices may help. • Common pain killers or over the counter medications may however be used to control the pain and heavy periods. • Menopause may naturally cause fibroid to shrink because of fall in estrogen levels. 6. Fibroid Remedy: Exercise. Regular exercise may prevent fibroids. In one study, women who exercised seven or more hours a week had significantly fewer fibroids than women who exercised less than two hours a week. Obesity also is a risk factor for fibroids. So exercising regularly can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce your fibroid risk. Care for Anemia: Women with fibroids who are not getting enough iron through diet alone may develop anemia, where the body has fewer red blood cells than normal. Symptoms include fatigue, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Treatment may include eating more iron-rich foods, such as meats, poultry, fish, leafy greens, legumes, and iron-fortified breads and cereals.

    • Myomectomy by open surgery or laparoscopy (directly or via morcellation). • Hysterectomy.
    • Ultrasound surgery using MRI.4. •Endometrial ablation to remove. A morcellator is a surgical instrument used for division and removal of large masses of tissues during laparoscopicsurgery. In laparoscopic hysterectomy the uterus is minced up, or morcellated, into smaller pieces inside the woman’s belly cavity in order to extract from the abdomen. •Embolization. For mild to moderate symptoms, uterine fibroid embolisation may be a good option. A catheter is guided to the uterine artery. Tiny particles of plastic or gelatin are then released into the blood vessels that feed the fibroid, causing it to shrink over time. Embolisation should not be an option for women wanting to get pregnant at some point after treatment. In summary, fibroid is common, non cancerous but also treatable by trained specialists.

     

  • ‘Vegetable consumption vital to check fibroid infection’

    Chairman, Abuja Chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Fatima Mairami has disclosed that vegetable consumption is vital to prevent uterine fibroid infection among women.

    Mairami said at a sensitization forum organized by The Fibroid Initiative (TFI), Monday in Abuja that the infection is associated with women of reproductive age.

    She said about 30 per cent of women are currently infected, adding that in 50 years, about 50 per cent of women globally would require treatment for fibroid.

    The medical expert identified need for women to embark on regular checkups for likely early detection and prevention.

    “It occurs 3 to 9 times more frequently in Blacks than Caucasian women and autopsy has shown that 20 – 50 per cent of women less than 30 years harbors fibroids. So major protective factors include eating vegetables, having at least one pregnancy beyond gestational period of 20 weeks is protective, two (2)pregnancy gives 50 per cent protection,” she said.

    However, Mairami called for intensive campaign against the ailment.

    Earlier, TFI founder, Amb. Grace Eke-Charrier disclosed how women, who falls victim are often stigmatised in the society and among family members.

    She said they often suffer in silence.

    According to her, the Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) is committed to strengthen awareness on international platform and encourage different approach to preventing the ailment and non-surgical treatments.

    “TFI is a global initiative that came into being as a result of my challenges with uterine fibroids and of close friends and associates, majority of whom are board members

    “Our mission is to raise public awareness and ignite coverage and conversations on the fibroid condition plus its negative impact on the total wellbeing of women,” Eke-Charrier added.

  • ‘Fibroid now being removed without surgery’

    Women no longer have to undergo fibroid removal surgery following new method of treatment, Dr Felix Ogedegbe has said.

    Speaking at the opening of Cedarcrest Hospital in Ikeja, the Lagos State capital, Ogedegbe said, the hospital has infrastructure and personnel to handle maternal health challenges.

    He said: “Breast reconstruction is the removal of the breast that is infected by cancer and a new breast would be fashioned from different part of the body. The new breast with the blood vessel is brought to where the old breast was. The blood vessel is then joined to the arteries and veins at the location of the old breast. A new breast will be reconstructed immediately.”

    Ogedegbe said with this new development, women would not have to go through the process of suffering the loss of their breast.

    Ogedegbe, while speaking about uterine fibroid embolisation (UFE), said women who have fibroid can have a catheter passed through their blood vessel to get to the fibroid, adding: “Certain things are put on the fibroid to make it burn away in few weeks. Women do not need to have open operation to have fibroid removed anymore.”

    The MD said most patients treated in Abuja often go home immediately after their surgery or the next day.

    “Blood transfusion is often not needed, risk of infection, long stay in the hospital and all things that traditional fibroid operation comes with. It is proven to be beneficial to a lot of women because it is common among black women.

    “We have doctors who are residents in Nigeria and other countries. When the need arise, the doctors would fly to the patient not the other way,” Ogedegbe said.

    Nigerians, he said, do not need to travel overseas to fix their troubled knees and joints, among others because orthopaedic equipment and experts are available in the facility.

    He said the 20-bed facility would help to improve health care delivery.

    The hospital is equipped to treat trauma, orthopaedic, and other surgical cases, as well as general medical problems.

    “Cedarcrest has been at the forefront of promoting the local availability of world class healthcare in the country. We believe that Nigerians do not need to go through the rigours and attendant risks of travelling abroad to access high quality healthcare,” Ogedegbe said.

    He continued: “It has come to be known that the skill and equipment employed and the outcome achievable in other climes are also possible in Nigeria.”

    Prominent people, he said, have received treatment at the hospital branch in Abuja, even though they could afford to travel abroad.

    “The hospital treated Kogi State Governor Idris Wada when he had an accident in December 2012,”he said.

    Ogedegbe said the hospitals have worked tirelessly to change the perception patients have about the local hospitals.

    He said: “The Abuja hospital has treated nearly 20, 000 new patients and over 60, 000 returning patients over the last seven years. Nearly 3, 500 specialised surgical procedures have been carried out during this period.”

  • Healed of fibroid, Kemi Adetiba encourages others

    Healed of fibroid, Kemi Adetiba encourages others

    After surviving her long battle with uterine fibroid, celebrated music video director, Kemi Adetiba has urged her fans and followers who have one issue or another to “hang in there.”

    She was responding to reactions she got from people after revealing she had battled the malady.

    “I battled with an extreme case of Fibroids in secret for many years. When I say extreme, I mean EXTREME. From being rushed to the ER where the intense PAIN wouldn’t even allow me cry, to being dangerously close to death because of anaemia, to the physical changes, the mental and emotional roller coaster it takes not only YOU, but your loved ones privy to the information.

    “I alluded to my battle in a recent interview while speaking on something else, and since then I have had an avalanche of messages from every avenue possible,” Adetiba said on her Instagram last week.

    Still overwhelmed by the volley of massages from her followers, Adetiba posted details of her personal physician while thanking her followers for what she called the “lovely and positive energy” directed to her since talking a little about her battle with uterine fibroid.

    “I am now healed and I feel AMAZING!! Thanks to all that reached out to ask,” she said, while urging “those still suffering” to “hang in there” as “there’s light at the end of the tunnel.”

  • Nature’s remedy for fibroid

    Nature’s remedy for fibroid

    There is hope for women suffering from uterine fibroid.

    A naturopath, Dr Solomon Abutoh, said though the diease is difficult to treat, “nature has a remedy for it”.

    He said herbs made from bitter leaf known as ewuro in Yoruba, onugbu in Igbo, eyinbisowo known botanically as phylantus amarus, mistletoe known botanically as viscum album and afomo onishana in Yoruba and other herbs and roots, can shrink the fibroid.

    He said only in very rare cases that women with fibroid conceive, adding that at times people give the impression that sufferers are pregnant because of the protrusion of the stomach.

    He described uterine fibroid as an exclusive reproductive abnormality in women.“The womb or uterus is an abode for the formation of foetus, which translates to pregnancy,” he added.

    The traditional healer said due to complications in growths, fibroid do occur.

    The condition, he said, is very painful as it causes abnormal bleeding during menstruation.

    He advised against the use of orthodox methods in treating the ailment, saying surgery does not tackle it as it “usually results in re-growth”.

    “In traditional medicine, herbal concoctions are prepared to shrink the fibroid, thereby preparing the way for conception,” Abutoh said.

    He said fibroid can be prevented if young women marry early. Fibroid, he said, can be prevented if young women marry and conceive before they turn 31.

    “The incidence of fibroid is common in women from 30 years and above, but younger women can also have it,” he added.

    Abutoh urged young women to avoid multiple sex partners. “By being promiscuous, they are likely to contract infections, veneral diseases, and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs),“ he said.

    He urged women who have fibroid to change their lifestyles, adding that they should reduce their eating of red meat and fatty foods because the disease thrives on them.

  • Nature’s remedy for fibroid

    There is hope for women suffering from uterine fibroid.

    A naturopath, Dr Solomon Abutoh, said though the diease is difficult to treat, “nature has a remedy for it”.

    He said herbs made from bitter leaf known as ewuro in Yoruba, onugbu in Igbo, eyinbisowo known botanically as phylantus amarus, mistletoe known botanically as viscum album and afomo onishana in Yoruba and other herbs and roots, can shrink the fibroid.

    He said only in very rare cases that women with fibroid conceive, adding that at times people give the impression that sufferers are pregnant because of the protrusion of the stomach.

    He described uterine fibroid as an exclusive reproductive abnormality in women. “The womb or uterus is an abode for the formation of foetus, which translates to pregnancy,” he added.

    The traditional healer said due to complications in growths, fibroid do occur.

    The condition, he said, is very painful as it causes abnormal bleeding during the menstruation.

    He advised against the use of orthodox methods in treating the ailment, saying surgery does not tackle it as it “usually results in re-growth”.

    “In traditional medicine, herbal concoctions are prepared to shrink the fibroid, thereby preparing the way for conception,” Abutoh said.

    He said fibroid can be prevented if young women marry early. Fibroid, he said, can be prevented if young women marry and conceive before they turn 31.

    “The incidence of fibroid is common in women from 30 years and above, but younger women can also have it,” he added.

    Abutoh urged young women to avoid multiple sex partners. “By being promiscuous, they are likely to contract infections, veneral diseases, and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), “ he said.

    He urged women who have fibroid to make changes in their lifestyles, such as reducing the eating of red meat and fatty foods because the condition thrives on them.

  • Surrogacy a beacon of hope for the hopeless

    Surrogacy a beacon of hope for the hopeless

    Why would surrogacy be a last resort for the infertility challenged? OYEYEMI GBENGA-MUSTAPHA reports.

    Surrogacy is a highly controversial form of infertility treatment, with views varying widely between faiths, personal beliefs and national legislation. There is also a range of far more personal surrogacy issues to consider, such as whether the parents will bond with the child in the same way and whether the child should be told about his or her origins.

    According to Matron/Clinic Manager, Medical Assisted Reproductive Centre (MART), Mrs Abiola Adewusi, patients who come with various uterine disorders are the ones that are usually advised to consider using a surrogate.  It can vary from ashermans syndrome to absence of the womb or due to fibroids that disturbs implantation.

    “Even though the practice is new in Nigeria, clients have started embracing the idea and it is now creating hope for those couples who otherwise thought there was no other option for them.

     

    Implications

     

    “The implications for the couple are that the process costs a lot of money and the gestational host will have to go through the process of being in a pregnant state for a while and will have to give the baby(ies) to the parents at birth. Single ladies without children are not qualified to be a gestational host; the only people that are qualified are the women with at least two children,” said Mrs Adewusi.

    Surrogates are encouraged by the agency they go through to become emotionally detached from the fetus prior to giving birth.

    Instead of the popular expectation that surrogates feel traumatised after relinquishment, an overwhelming majority describe feeling empowered by their surrogacy experience.

    A 2011 study from the Centre for Family Research, University of Cambridge found that surrogacy does not have a negative impact on the surrogate’s own children.

    It is no longer news that former Miss Nigeria,  Chief Adenike Oshinowo, is a proud mother of a set of twins. Due to her long-term association with endometriosis (since age 13) 47-year-old Nike delivered the set of twins with the help of a surrogate gestational carrier in United States.

    Medical experts identify endometriosis as a significant factor in unexplained female infertility, chronic pelvic pain, and other gynaecological problems that could prevent a woman from conception. Expressing happiness and gratitude to God for making her a mother despite all odds, Nike said: “I am overwhelmed and humbled by the depth of my love for my children. God has been most gracious to me. I am beyond happy.”

    Her open declaration can be said to be a giant stride to demystify surrogacy in Nigeria. Hitherto, the act had been ongoing in mooted voices or concealed activities. Some even bastardise it by forcing young ladies into sexual assault that result in preganacies that are later sold out. Baby factory is the crude word for it.

    According to the pioneer of In-vitro Fertilisation in (IVF) in the country, and Group Medical Director, MART , Prof Oladapo Ashiru, surrogacy is often recommended in cases of female infertility and other medical issues which make pregnancy or delivery impossible, risky or otherwise undesirable such as abnormal or absent uterus whether from birth or after hysterectomy, recurrent miscarriages, repeated implantation failure etc.

    He said once a patient who needs surrogacy is identified, the patient is immediately counselled on the implications (i.e cost, psychological, emotional implications) of using a surrogate. “The patient is given the alternative of acquiring one through agencies/ non-profit organisations that offer such services or by private arrangement (the patient brings a known surrogate). Once a suitable surrogate has been found, she is sent to the intended parent’s fertility clinic to begin her medical screening.

    “Medical screening involves screening for infectious disease and any additional testing the fertility clinic recommends. There is also a contract which is reviewed and agreed upon by both the intended parents and the surrogate with the assistance of their lawyers. The contract explains the details of any agreement, and to protect both parties involved in the process.”

     

    Meaning of surrogacy

     

    He said surrogacy is an arrangement in which a woman carries and delivers a child for another couple or person. “The surrogate may be the child’s genetic mother (called traditional surrogacy), or she may be genetically unrelated to the child (called gestatinal surrogacy). In a traditional surrogacy, the child may be conceived via artificial insemination using fresh or frozen sperm or the surrogate is impregnated through intrauterine insemination (IU), or intracervical insemination (ICI) performed at a health clinic. A gestational surrogacy involves the transfer of embryos produced through in vitro fertilisation (IVF), and this is why the process always takes place in a certified clinical setting,” said Prof Ashiru.

     

    Types of surrogacy

     

    According to Director, Fertigene Diagnostics/Administrator, Salem Hospitals,Benue, Dr Emmanuel Audu-Obe, there are different types of surrogacy depending on the medical case. “Traditional surrogacy (TS) involves artificially inseminating a surrogate mother with the intended father’s sperm via IUI, IVF or home insemination. With this method, the child is genetically related to its father and the surrogate mother.

    “Traditional surrogacy and donour sperm (TS/DS): A surrogate mother is artificially inseminated with donour sperm via IUI, IVF or home insemination. The child born is genetically related to the sperm donour and the surrogate mother.

    “Gestational surrogacy (GS): When the intended mother is not able to carry a baby to term due to hysterectomy, diabetes, cancer, etc., her egg and the intended father’s sperm are used to create an embryo (via IVF) that is transferred into and carried by the surrogate mother. The resulting child is genetically related to its parents while the surrogate mother has no genetic relation.

    “Gestational surrogacy and egg donation (GS/ED): If there is no intended mother or the intended mother is unable to produce eggs, the surrogate mother carries the embryo developed from a donour egg that has been fertilised by sperm from the intended father. With this method, the child born is genetically related to the intended father and the surrogate mother has no genetic relation.

    “Gestational surrogacy and donour sperm (GS/DS): If there is no intended father or the intended father is unable to produce sperm, the surrogate mother carries an embryo developed from the intended mother’s egg (who is unable to carry a pregnancy herself) and donour sperm. With this method, the child born is genetically related to the intended mother and the surrogate mother has no genetic relation.

    “And lastly, gestational surrogacy and donour embryo (GS/DE), when the intended parents are unable to produce either sperm, egg, or embryo, the surrogate mother can carry a donated embryo (often from other couples who have completed IVF that have leftover embryos). The child born is genetically related neither to the intended parents nor the surrogate mother.”

     

    Reasons for surrogacy

     

    A woman might decide to use a surrogate for several reasons. Dr Audu-Obe explained: “She may have medical problems with her uterus; have had a hysterectomy that removed her uterus; there may be conditions that make pregnancy impossible or medically risky, such as severe heart disease.

    “Other women choose surrogacy after trying unsuccessfully to get pregnant with a variety of assisted-reproduction techniques (ART), such as IVF. Surrogates have also made parenthood an option for people who might not be able to adopt a child. Reasons could include: age; marital status; sexual orientation.

    “For instance, when gay men use a traditional surrogate, one of them uses his sperm to fertilise the surrogate’s egg through artificial insemination. The surrogate then carries the baby and gives birth. A gay couple might also choose an egg donor, fertilise that donated egg, and have the resulting embryo implanted in a gestational surrogate to carry until birth.”

     

    How it is done

     

    Prof Ashiru said: “The fertility clinic’s medical staff and physician will go over the medical process involved with the surrogate mother and at the appropriate time insemination is carried out (IUI/Embryo transfer). The procedure is usually an outpatient procedure in the fertility clinic.

    “During the pregnancy, the patient and her partner will be heavily involved in the pregnancy. They will usually pay the surrogate mum’s expenses along with additional legal and agency fees if a contract is involved. Expenses can include travel, maternity clothes and loss of earnings etc.

    “After the birth of the child, the surrogate may or may not remain a part of the baby’s life depending on what both parties have agreed on. Nevertheless both parties (surrogate and the intended parents) prefer to remain anonymous to avoid future complications such as blackmail and breach of confidentiality.”

    He said: “The concept of surrogacy before now was greatly frowned upon in Nigeria. A lot of people are still unaware that this practice can be done here in our country. For most people, surrogacy does raise serious spiritual and moral questions as they believe that it is tantamount to adultery or a breach of the marriage covenant. However, due to technology and greater awareness, more and more people are open to the idea of surrogacy. Recently, a popular and well-known celebrity, Chief Nike Oshinowo, welcomed a set of twins via a gestational surrogate.

    “In the case of a single lady who wants to use a surrogate, she is free to request for the services of a surrogate, but it is then left for the surrogate to either accept or refuse based on her moral values and religious beliefs or lack of.”

     

    Finding a Surrogate

     

    There are several ways to find a surrogate mother. Dr Audu-Obe said : “Friends or family can assist. Some people ask a friend or relative to be a surrogate for them. Doing so is somewhat controversial. But given the high cost of surrogacy and the complex legal issues it raises about parental rights, a tried-and-tested family relationship can be simpler to manage. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine accepts certain family ties as acceptable for surrogates. It generally discourages surrogacy, though, if the child would carry the same genes as a child born of incest between first-degree relatives.

    “A surrogacy agency can also be handy. Most people turn to a surrogate agency to arrange a gestational surrogate. There are an estimated 100 agencies now operating in the U.S. The agencies act as go-betweens. An agency helps would-be parents find a suitable surrogate, makes arrangements, and collects any fees passed between parents and the surrogate, such as reimbursement for her medical expenses.”

     

    Surrogacy laws in Nigeria

     

    There is no law that says it is legal or not as far as I know, said Clinic Manager, Nordica Fertility Centre, Mrs Ranti Ajayi. The legal aspects of surrogacy in any particular jurisdiction tend to hinge on a few central questions: Are surrogacy agreements enforceable, void, or prohibited? Does it make a difference whether the surrogate mother is paid (commercial) or simply reimbursed for expenses (altruistic)? What, if any, difference does it make whether the surrogacy is traditional or gestational? Is there an alternative to post-birth adoption for the recognition of the intended parents as the legal parents, either before or after the birth?

    Ethical issues that have been raised with regards to surrogacy include:

    To what extent should people be concerned about exploitation, commodification, and/or coercion when women are paid to be pregnant and deliver babies, especially in cases where there are large wealth and power differentials between intended parents and surrogates?

    To what extent is it right for society to permit women to make contracts about the use of their bodies?; to what extent is it a woman’s human right to make contracts regarding the use of her body?; Is contracting for surrogacy more like contracting for employment/labour, or more like contracting for prostitution, or more like contracting for slavery?’ Which, if any, of these kinds of contracts should be enforceable?; Should the state able to force a woman to carry out ‘specific performance’ of her contract if that requires her to give birth to an embryo she would like to abort, or to abort an embryo she would like to carry to term?