04 May 2025

The Fibroid Society of Botswana officially declared war on what many have come to see as a silent epidemic, fibroids, through its successful launch this past weekend at Travelodge, Gaborone.

The first organisation of its kind in Botswana, the society aims to be a sanctuary for women, particularly black women, who have long suffered in silence with the condition.

In her remarks, chairperson and founder Ms Teresa Anam shared her personal journey with fibroids, which blindsided her at the age of 21, at a time when conversations about the condition were rare.

“When I was diagnosed with fibroids, I didn’t understand why it was happening to me or where it had come from,” said Anam, recounting how her fibroids had grown so large they mimicked a pregnancy.

It was during that difficult time, faced with a lack of clear information and guidance, that Anam resolved to conduct her own research into the disease, not only for herself, but to support others who were silently suffering.

“That is why we’re launching this society today. It is for women who are suffering in silence and it is for the public, to break the silence and start the conversation, and for corporations to lend a helping hand and assist the average women who can’t cover surgical costs,”  she said

She also revealed that the society, in collaboration with partners, would conduct statistical research on people affected by fibroids.

In his presentation, obstetrics and gynaecology resident doctor, Dr James Mahunga offered a vivid explanation of fibroids, describing them as non-cancerous tumours that grew in or around the uterus. 

Their effects, he said, could include constipation, heavy menstruation, haemorrhoids, and complications during pregnancy, among others.

Additionally, fibroids can lead to anaemia due to blood loss and, in some cases, pressure on nearby organs like the bladder and rectum.

“Fibroids is a small word, but it has huge consequences for those who suffer from it,” said Dr Mahunga, noting that science had yet to uncover the exact cause of the disease.

He concluded with advice for women to adopt healthier lifestyles, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, as well as going for regular pelvic exams upon symptom discovery.

Survivor Ms Akua Antwi also answered the call to speak out. Sharing her story, she recalled hearing about fibroids, but never imagining she could be affected.

“One day, I felt pain in my lower abdomen,” she said. 

A diagnosis revealed it was fibroids.” From then on, she faced the harsh realities of the disease, including heavy bleeding that impacted her professional life.

“The launch of this Society tonight is a ray of hope for women. It marks the beginning of having those difficult, but necessary conversations about fibroids,” Ms Antwi said. ENDS