My fibroids have returned three years after surgery, Ini Dima-Okojie reveals

Ini Dima-Okojie, the Nigerian actress, has revealed that her fibroids have returned, three years after undergoing surgery to remove them.

Fibroids are non-cancerous yet abnormal growths that can develop in a woman’s uterus during her childbearing years.

Dima-Okojie was first diagnosed with fibroids in 2017 and underwent surgery in November 2020.

The film star said she publicly discussed her experience to encourage others battling the condition.

In a recent Instagram post, the actress opened up about the reoccurrence of the fibroids.

The movie star disclosed that she is not in a rush to undergo another surgery and wants to take a holistic approach toward shrinking the fibroids.

The actress also announced her intention to fund screenings for 20 women.

“It’s been 3 years since the surgery and unfortunately, the fibroids are back,” she said.

“It’s very disheartening and it hasn’t been the easiest couple of months but I’m okay. I definitely don’t want to do another surgery anytime soon. This time I want to take a holistic approach towards shrinking the fibroids.

“Too many black women go through this and it wasn’t being talked about enough. I’m going to be paying for 20 women to get their screening done; it’s very important.”

According to studies on myomectomy outcomes, including research cited by the University of California San Francisco, fibroids can regrow within a few years in up to 20 out of 100 women.

Younger age and having multiple fibroids at the time of the procedure increase the likelihood of fibroid recurrence.

Myomectomy primarily removes existing fibroids while preserving the uterus, which may not prevent new fibroids from forming.

Also, any small fibroids left untreated during the procedure can potentially grow larger over time.