Professor Solomon Avidime, an expert in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Ahmadu Bello University, has expressed strong opposition to women taking supplements without a doctor’s prescription, citing the risk of abnormal vaginal bleeding.
This condition, also known as intermenstrual bleeding or spotting, can have various causes and can be triggered by certain supplements, according to Avidime’s warning.
He emphasizes the importance of medical guidance to prevent this potential complication, highlighting the need for women to consult their doctors before taking any supplements.
Avidime said, “Women who are taking supplements are at risk of abnormal bleeding. Some supplements are associated with abnormal bleeding; women should desist from taking them.
“They should only take medication prescribed by a doctor. Women should avoid supplements without being prescribed by doctors.
“Self-medication should not be encouraged at all because once the woman is bleeding, the blood level depletes faster and sometimes she can even go into shock. She can have anaemia, become weak and can faint. So, every abnormal bleeding should be evaluated.”
Professor Avidime stressed that women experiencing abnormal bleeding must undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause, as the potential causes are varied and can originate from the uterus or other areas.
He reassured women that while abnormal uterine bleeding can be concerning due to its association with reproductive health and fertility, seeking care from qualified medical professionals and health facilities is crucial.
Avidime warned that resorting to traditional medicine practitioners for treatment can lead to severe health consequences, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based medical care.
“There are practices that are being carried out to stop abnormal bleeding which are wrong and have led to serious health consequences. Women who are experiencing abnormal bleeding instead of t seeking help from the health facilities, seek help from traditional homes and alternative medicine practitioners.
“What they do there is to give them acoustic substances to insert into their vagina. And once they put that into their vagina, it causes erosion. Now, because of the corrosive effect, the vagina carnal is affected and they may lose their fertility as a result of that.
“We need to raise awareness about this. Women who are experiencing abnormal bleeding should seek help rather than going to unorthodox places because they cause more harm than good”, he said.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists defines abnormal uterine bleeding as any bleeding from the uterus that deviates from normal patterns in terms of frequency, duration, or volume, excluding cases related to pregnancy.
Experts describe it as excessive, unpredictable, and prolonged bleeding that significantly impacts a woman’s overall well-being, affecting her physical, social, and emotional life.
Professor Avidime highlights the importance of concern for women and girls experiencing abnormal bleeding, emphasizing the need for attention to this condition that can disrupt daily life.
“Once the menses come more than once a month, women should see their doctor for evaluation. Young women should see their doctor to know why they are bleeding abnormally. Older women have to worry because cancer can be an important cause.
“Cancer can be in the cervix, it can also be in the womb. Cancer should be a concern for older women who are experiencing bleeding. Older women who are still bleeding when they should be in their menopause should be thoroughly evaluated for cancers. It should not be taken lightly. They must see a doctor quickly. A woman who is seeking pregnancy and she is bleeding also needs to go for evaluation.
In an article published in BMC Women’s Health titled,” Barriers to seeking consultation for abnormal uterine bleeding: a systematic review of qualitative research”
According to the authors, abnormal uterine bleeding poses serious medical risks and significantly disrupts daily life, yet many women fail to seek medical attention for these symptoms.
Research published in BMC Women’s Health, a peer-reviewed journal focused on women’s health globally, reveals that abnormal uterine bleeding affects a staggering 10-30% of women of reproductive age.
Notably, the authors emphasize that this condition can have a profound impact on women’s overall well-being, affecting not only their physical health but also their social, emotional, and mental quality of life.
