Being told that you have fibroids can raise a lot of questions very quickly.

Do they need to be removed?
Will they get bigger?
Will I need surgery?
Could they affect fertility?

But having fibroids does not automatically mean you need treatment.

Some fibroids cause no symptoms at all and may simply be monitored. Others can cause heavy bleeding, pain, pressure, anaemia or fertility concerns and may need treatment.

So the real question is not just:

“Do I have fibroids?”

It is:

“How are these fibroids affecting me?”

If they are not causing problems, treatment may not be needed

Fibroids are sometimes found by chance during an ultrasound or another examination.

You may not have heavy periods, pelvic pain or any noticeable symptoms.

In that situation, your healthcare professional may recommend monitoring rather than treatment.

This can feel surprising, especially if you have just been told that there is a growth in your womb. But fibroids are benign growths, and if they are not causing symptoms or affecting your health, there may be no benefit in treating them immediately.

The important thing is knowing what symptoms to look out for and when to go back for review.

Treatment should be guided by your symptoms

Fibroids are more likely to need treatment when they begin to interfere with your health or daily life.

Symptoms can include:

• heavy or prolonged periods
• painful periods
• pelvic pain or pressure
• frequent urination
• constipation or bowel pressure
• pain or discomfort during sex
• anaemia caused by heavy bleeding
• fertility or pregnancy concerns

Not every woman with fibroids will experience these symptoms, and symptoms can vary considerably from one person to another.

This is why the diagnosis alone does not tell the whole story.

A woman with several fibroids may have very few symptoms, while another woman with a smaller fibroid may experience significant bleeding or pain.

If your periods are so heavy that you are changing pads or tampons very frequently, avoiding certain clothes, worrying about leaking, missing work or social activities, or repeatedly becoming anaemic, that is important information for your healthcare professional.

You do not have to wait until symptoms become unbearable before asking about treatment.

Size is only part of the picture

People often focus on the size of a fibroid.

“How many centimetres is it?”

That information is useful, but it is not the only factor used when deciding whether treatment is needed.

Healthcare professionals will also consider:

• where the fibroid is located
• how many fibroids are present
• whether they are affecting the shape of the womb
• the symptoms you are experiencing
• your age and general health
• whether you are hoping to become pregnant
• your own treatment preferences

A relatively small fibroid in certain parts of the womb can cause significant bleeding, while a much larger fibroid elsewhere may cause few symptoms.

So treatment decisions should not be based on the measurement on an ultrasound report alone.

Treatment does not automatically mean surgery

One of the biggest concerns women often have after a fibroid diagnosis is the possibility of surgery.

But there are different treatment options.

Depending on your symptoms and circumstances, treatment may include medication to reduce heavy bleeding or pain, hormonal treatments, procedures that reduce the blood supply to fibroids, procedures that remove particular fibroids, or surgery.

Not every option is suitable for every woman.

And there is rarely one treatment that is automatically “the best” for everyone.

The right approach depends on what the fibroids are doing, how much they are affecting you and what you want from treatment.

Your future plans are part of the decision

This is particularly important if you are considering pregnancy.

Some fibroid treatments preserve the womb and may be more suitable for women hoping to become pregnant in the future. Other treatments may not be appropriate if future pregnancy is a priority.

This is why two women with similar fibroids can reasonably choose very different treatment options.

One woman may mainly want to control heavy periods.

Another may be trying to conceive.

Another may want to avoid surgery.

Another may have lived with significant symptoms for years and want to discuss a more definitive option.

Those conversations should be individual.

The best treatment is not simply the one that removes a fibroid. It is the one that fits your symptoms, your health, your priorities and your plans for the future.

What should you ask at your appointment?

If you have been diagnosed with fibroids, you do not need to leave the appointment understanding every medical term.

But there are a few useful questions you can ask:

Where are my fibroids located?

How large are they and how many are there?

Could they explain the symptoms I am experiencing?

Do I need treatment now, or can they be monitored?

What treatment options are available to me?

How could those options affect future pregnancy?

What changes or symptoms should bring me back for review?

These questions can help move the conversation beyond simply being told that you “have fibroids.”

So, do fibroids always need treatment?

No.

If they are not causing symptoms or affecting your health, treatment may not be necessary.

But if you are experiencing heavy bleeding, pain, pressure, anaemia, fertility concerns or symptoms that are disrupting your everyday life, it is reasonable to ask what can be done.

Fibroids are common, but that does not mean every symptom associated with them should simply be accepted.

Your scan gives useful information.

But the decision about treatment should also reflect what you are experiencing, how those symptoms are affecting your life and what you want for your health going forward.

By Dr. Obianuju Ivy Ilonzo

By Favour Isaiah

It saddens me that something as natural as menstruation could determine whether a girl attends school, smiles confidently, or hides in shame. A simple sanitary pad can sometimes make the difference between dignity and embarrassment. These experiences reflect the silent reality of many girls in my community and school.

The first time I experienced my period, I was unprepared, not just physically but emotionally. I had heard whispers about menstruation, mostly frightening stories filled with pain and secrecy, and stories of how many girls, especially those in rural areas, lacked access to proper menstrual hygiene products. There were few conversations and even less education about menstruation, except for what I had been taught in JSS2 by my Home Economics teacher.

During my first period, I struggled with cramps and discomfort, but what troubled me most was the fear of staining my school uniform because I did not always have access to proper sanitary pads. In those moments, I felt small and invisible. That experience opened my eyes to a painful truth: menstrual health is still misunderstood, under-discussed and undervalued.

Instead of allowing that experience to silence me, I decided to let it shape me. As an SS2 student, I have taken it upon myself to promote menstrual health awareness in my school and community, starting with education and open conversations. I believe that change does not require wealth or age; it requires willingness and courage.

Through the Girl Child Academy, an initiative focused on empowering the girl child, I attend workshops, seminars and events where I volunteer and mentor girls my age on menstrual health awareness and self-care. As I grow, my goal is to establish a menstrual wellness initiative called Favorite Care Foundation, through which I hope to empower young girls in my community through menstrual health education, sex education, skills development and other forms of support.

I am passionate about building this initiative to support girls both physically and emotionally during their menstrual cycles. I hope to design curated period-care packages and gift boxes containing sanitary products as well as thoughtful items that provide comfort for girls. However, beyond providing materials, my main focus is awareness. Many girls do not fully understand their menstrual cycles, hygiene practices, or when to seek medical help. Information is power, and I am determined to make it accessible.

To deepen this impact, I hope to make Favorite Care Foundation a safe space where girls and young women can discuss menstrual health openly without fear of judgement. In this safe space, we would talk about topics such as managing cramps, understanding hormonal changes, tracking menstrual cycles and debunking harmful myths.

Education is my strongest advocacy tool. Currently, I speak to my classmates about proper menstrual hygiene management and encourage them to see menstruation as a natural biological process, not a curse. I also emphasise that menstrual health is part of overall health. Global health organisations such as the World Health Organization recognise menstrual health as an important health and human rights issue, with implications for well-being and gender equality. This understanding strengthens my resolve to continue raising awareness at the grassroots level.

Another key part of my role is promoting inclusion. I believe boys and men should also be part of menstrual health conversations. Educating boys about menstruation can help reduce teasing and stigma while encouraging greater understanding and support. They can grow into supportive brothers, husbands, friends and future leaders. Encouraging empathy also supports the broader principles of gender equality and dignity championed by organisations such as UN Women.

I am inspired by Nigerian menstrual health advocates like Dr Obianuju Ivy Ilonzo, whose work in menstrual health education shows that individuals can create meaningful change. Her story reminds me that advocacy is not about how big you start, but how consistent you remain.

In my community, period poverty and a lack of proper menstrual health awareness remain major barriers to menstrual dignity. Some girls still miss school during their periods because they cannot afford sanitary products. Whenever possible, I encourage small donation efforts and awareness campaigns that highlight the importance of supporting girls. Even conversations alone can begin to shift mindsets and reduce stigma.

Promoting menstrual health awareness has transformed me into a more confident and compassionate leader. It has taught me that true caregiving is not just about providing materials, but also about providing knowledge, empathy and support. When girls understand their bodies, they gain confidence. When they are supported, they thrive.

In conclusion, my role in promoting menstrual health awareness in my community is built on lived experience, empathy and action. Through peer education and open dialogue, I am helping to replace shame with knowledge and silence with strength. I envision a community where no girl feels embarrassed about her period, where menstruation is discussed openly, and where every girl can attend school confidently every day of the month.

Menstruation is not a weakness. It is a natural part of reproductive health, and no girl should ever feel ashamed of it. As a young advocate, I am committed to helping ensure that every girl in my community can experience her period with dignity, confidence and pride.

At DivyHealth, we believe that improving women’s health begins with education — and that young people should not simply be recipients of health information, but should also have opportunities to think, question, speak and contribute to the conversations that affect them.

It was with this vision that we launched our Menstrual Health Essay Competition for secondary school students in Nigeria, inviting students to write on the theme:

“My Role in Promoting Menstrual Health Awareness in My Community”

The competition formed part of our wider menstrual health education initiative, created to encourage young people to learn more about menstrual health, challenge misinformation and consider the role they can play in creating healthier and more supportive communities.

We received thoughtful entries from young people who approached the subject with creativity, insight and a genuine desire to make a difference.

Today, we are delighted to introduce our winner:

Favour Isaiah

Favour’s essay stood out for the way she moved beyond simply describing the challenges surrounding menstruation and considered what she, as a young person, could actually do about them.

Drawing from her own experience of beginning menstruation without feeling fully prepared, she writes candidly about the fear of staining her school uniform, limited access to sanitary products and the lack of open conversations that many girls experience.

But what makes her story particularly compelling is what comes next.

Rather than allowing those experiences to remain simply personal, Favour describes how they have shaped her interest in supporting other girls. She writes about speaking with her classmates, volunteering through the Girl Child Academy, challenging menstrual myths and her ambition to establish the Favorite Care Foundation, through which she hopes to provide menstrual health education, support and practical resources for girls in her community.

Her essay also raises an important point that is sometimes missing from menstrual health conversations: boys and men have a role to play too. By educating everyone, we can help reduce teasing, stigma and misinformation while building greater understanding and empathy.

Favour’s words reflect something at the heart of this competition: young people do not have to wait until adulthood to contribute to change.

Knowledge shared with a friend matters. A myth corrected in a classroom matters. A girl being reassured that she does not need to feel ashamed of her period matters.

Why This Competition Matters

The essay competition was never intended to be only about finding the best piece of writing.

It was designed to encourage students to think about menstrual health differently.

For many young people, menstruation is still surrounded by incomplete information, embarrassment, cultural misconceptions and questions they may not feel comfortable asking. Creating opportunities for students to research, write and talk about menstrual health gives them another way to engage with their own health and the health of those around them.

Favour’s essay is a wonderful example of what can happen when a young person moves from learning to action.

We congratulate Favour Isaiah on this achievement and celebrate the thought, honesty and ambition behind her entry.

We also extend our appreciation to every student who participated, as well as the parents, teachers, schools, partners and supporters who helped make the competition possible.

Our work does not end with the competition. Through our school menstrual health outreaches, educational resources and Is My Bleeding Normal?, we will continue helping young people access practical, understandable information about their bodies and encouraging conversations that support better health.

And perhaps one of the most encouraging outcomes of this competition is knowing that a new generation of advocates is already beginning to find its voice.

Our webinars are designed to be informative, interactive, and accessible to women globally.

Our upcoming forum will bring women together to explore key issues in women’s health, including:

• Understanding your body and recognising symptoms
• Barriers to accessing healthcare
• Preventive care and early intervention
• Mental and reproductive wellbeing
• This event will include expert insights, real conversations, and practical guidance.

Register Now

On Saturday, 12 September 2026, DivyHealth will host the Women’s Health Action Summit in Liverpool, bringing women, healthcare professionals and community voices together for practical and open conversations about women’s health.

The summit is centred around a challenge many women recognise: knowing something has changed with your health, but not always knowing what to do next, when to seek help or where to go for the right support.

Symptoms can sometimes be normalised or lived with for months or even years. Work, family and caring responsibilities can take priority, while uncertainty about symptoms or navigating healthcare can also delay women from seeking help.

Under the theme “Moving Women from Awareness to Action,” the summit aims to go beyond simply raising awareness. The focus is on providing practical information women can use — helping them recognise symptoms, understand when and where to seek care, ask questions and make informed decisions about their health.

The programme will cover fibroids and heavy bleeding, menopause, mental wellbeing, fitness and women’s health, and when and where to seek care. Nutrition and lived experience will also form part of the day’s conversations.

A key part of the summit will be the panel discussion, The discussion will explore some of the personal, social and wider barriers that can influence when women seek healthcare and what can be done differently to support earlier access to care.

Speakers and Contributors

The summit will bring together:

Dr Obianuju Ivy Ilonzo, Grace Foakes, Dr Sommy Ugwu, Lyga Ivanovska, Dr Nida Anwar, Kate Barker, Dr Oluwatosin Ajewole, Dr Ekundayo Otuyelu

Together, they bring perspectives from healthcare, public health, women’s health, mental wellbeing, fitness and community engagement, creating an opportunity to look at women’s health from different angles rather than through a single lens.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions, access useful health information and resources, and continue conversations over refreshments after the programme.

The Women’s Health Action Summit 2026 takes place on Saturday, 12 September 2026 at the Quaker Meeting House, 22 School Lane, Liverpool L1 3BT. Doors open at 9:45am.

Attendance is free, but registration is required.

Reached 100+ girls across 3 schools

Delivered practical, age-appropriate health education

Distributed sanitary products alongside educational resources

These sessions provide safe spaces for girls to ask questions, gain confidence, and better understand their health.

Many young people have questions about their periods, questions they are often too shy or afraid to ask.
The book, Is My Bleeding Normal?, was written to help girls understand their bodies and speak up without fear or shame. Now, that same message is inspiring something bigger.
To continue this conversation and involve young people directly, D.Ivy Health is launching the D.Ivy Essay Competition. This national competition creates a space for secondary school students to share their thoughts, experiences, and ideas on menstrual health.

The goal is simple:

• Help students understand periods better
• Encourage open conversation
• Reduce stigma in schools and communities
• Empower young people to lead positive change
  

Theme for 2025
Leading the Change for Menstrual Health in Our Schools
This theme encourages students to think about how schools can become safer and more supportive for girls during their periods. It also reminds us that menstrual health is not just a “girls’ issue” everyone in the school environment has a role to play.

Essay Topic
My Role in Promoting Menstrual Health Awareness in My Community

Students are invited to write about what they can personally do to make menstrual health conversations easier and more normal. This may include educating friends, supporting classmates, correcting myths, speaking up in school, or sharing ideas for practical change.
Who Can Participate?

The competition is open to:

• Students in SS1–SS3
• Ages 13–18
• All genders
• All secondary schools nationwide

Every young person has something valuable to say.
Why This Competition Matters
Many girls struggle silently with heavy bleeding, painful periods, and confusion about what is normal. Others face teasing, embarrassment, or lack of support in school.

By encouraging students to write about these issues, the competition helps:

• Build confidence
• Improve communication
• Strengthen health awareness
• Break long-standing stigmas
• Continue the message of Is My Bleeding Normal?

It also allows students to become leaders, young ambassadors for menstrual health.
For School Administrators
Schools that want to officially participate or host the essay-writing exercise can contact us.
We provide instructions, guidelines, and support.
Info@divyhealth.com

Subject: School Partnership and Your School Name

How to Join
All students must register using the link below:

• Register Here: https://forms.gle/Sn8hKbsiLuCqE3MQ7 
• Registration ensures entries are counted and students receive all competition updates.
• Prizes & Recognition
• Prizes for the top 3 winners
• Certificates for winners and honourable mentions
• Recognition on D.Ivy Health platforms
• A chance to contribute to real change in schools

Join the Movement
Periods should never be a source of shame.
With the book Is My Bleeding Normal? leading the way, and the D.Ivy Essay Competition giving young people a platform, we can build a future where menstrual health is understood, supported, and openly discussed.
Register today. Speak up. Lead the change.

You might notice yourself soaking through pads or tampons in less than an hour, needing both a pad and tampon just to get through the day, or waking up at night to change your protection. Maybe your period stretches beyond seven days, or you pass large blood clots that make you pause. Some people even feel dizzy, tired, or short of breath because of the blood loss, all of which can be signs of iron deficiency from heavy bleeding.

There are many possible reasons behind this, and understanding them is the first step to getting answers. Hormonal changes can make the lining of your uterus grow thicker than usual, leading to heavier bleeding. Conditions like fibroids, endometriosis, or polyps can interfere with how your uterus releases that lining each month, making periods longer or more intense. Even something as seemingly unrelated as thyroid problems can disrupt your menstrual cycle and make periods heavier.

What often goes unnoticed is the emotional toll. Constant worry about leaking, planning your day around bathroom access, or feeling exhausted all the time can impact your work, relationships, and overall well-being. Heavy periods aren’t something you should have to push through, and they’re definitely not something you should ignore. If any of this feels familiar, there’s so much more you deserve to know about your body and your health. This is just the beginning.
For a deeper look into what heavy bleeding really means, why it happens, and what you can do about it, read is my bleeding normal?. It’s designed to guide you with clarity, compassion, and the practical knowledge you need to take control of your health.

When you’re on your period, life doesn’t stop. You’re working, running errands, caring for others, or just trying to get through the day. In the middle of all that, it’s very easy to lose track of when you last changed your tampon. But leaving a tampon in for too long can put your health at risk, and this is something you really shouldn’t ignore.

One of the most serious risks is Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). It’s rare, but when it happens, it can be life-threatening. TSS is caused by certain bacteria, like Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes, that produce toxins under the right conditions. If those toxins enter your bloodstream, your body can have a severe, rapid reaction that requires urgent medical care.

Tampons don’t directly cause TSS, but they can create the ideal environment for bacteria to multiply. A warm, moist space that’s left undisturbed for hours gives bacteria time to grow and release toxins. Super-absorbent tampons can sometimes add to this risk because they hold more fluid and may stay in longer.

To keep yourself safe, it helps to make a few simple habits part of your routine. Choosing the lowest absorbency that matches your flow is always safer than using high-absorbency tampons unnecessarily. Lighter absorbency means less chance for bacteria to thrive. Changing your tampon every four to eight hours is another important step, it keeps your body from becoming a place where bacteria can build up. If you’re about to go to bed, consider switching to a pad so you’re not going through the night with a tampon still in.

It’s also a good idea to give your body a break sometimes. On days when your period is lighter, try alternating between tampons and pads, or use a menstrual cup if you prefer. These options help reduce the amount of time bacteria have the conditions they need to grow.