The Scourge of Uterine Fibroid among Females: Psycho-sociological Explanations from Lagos and Ondo States in South-west Nigeria

Abstract

Uterine fibroid and ovarian cyst has become the prevailing scourges modern Nigerian women must contend with. Fibroid tumor is usually benign, comprising of muscle tissues that are non-cancerous. It can have different symptoms, depending on whether it is located in, on, or within the walls of the womb. Often times, this problem is threatened by inappropriate and even ignorant medical attention and/or medical diagnoses that miss the real health problems. In this sociological study of the body, the paper seeks to examine the causes of uterine fibroid among females in relation to high-stress, diet, quality of life, emotional, and environmental inter play within the cultural context of the study. The study by extension, relates the growth of fibroid to the pervasive poverty level in Nigeria. This study employs participant observation and in-depth interview methods involving 60 women between, the ages of 20-56years that were purposively selected. Based on the adage in medicine that “good girls have fibrous, bad girls have babies”, this paper submits that the poor elimination of congestion and nervous system imbalances, nutritional, emotional imbalances as a result of the impinging factors inherent in the socio-cultural environment and psycho-sociological related problems and poverty are responsible for the prevalence of cases of fibroid among Nigerian women. The paper then recommends a holistic approach, ranging from wholesome nutrition, family/spousal support, calisthenics, emotional “coolness” in most situations, and provision of proper medical facilities by the Government, as a necessary criterion to removing the “diseased body” (of women) from the politics of exclusion.