- Popular Nigerian media personality, Toke Makinwa shares her battle with fibroids.
- Toke Makinwa’s disclosure follows the release of Stephanie Coker’s documentary on women’s reproductive health.
- Toke Makinwa describes experiencing symptoms like a prominent belly, irregular periods, and a noticeable bulge when lying down.
- She discusses the emotional toll of living with fibroids, citing high anxiety levels and low self-esteem.
Popular Nigerian media personality, Toke Makinwa, has opened up on her personal health journey, revealing her battle with fibroids.
Toke Makinwa’s revelation comes in the wake of the release of Stephanie Coker’s documentary, “Where the Heck is My Period,” which sheds light on women’s reproductive health issues.
Speaking openly about her experience, Toke Makinwa clarified that while she has not faced Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), she has struggled with fibroids, a condition that has significantly impacted many women in her family.
The media personality disclosed that her ordeal with fibroids became evident when she noticed unusual symptoms such as a prominent belly, irregular periods, and a noticeable bulge when lying down.
Recounting her early days in the entertainment industry, Toke Makinwa recounted the challenges she faced due to her condition.
Toke Makinwa emphasized the emotional toll of living with fibroids, describing it as a “daunting” experience that severely affects self-esteem.
In her words;
“PCOS I haven’t had but I’ve had fibroids. Just watching the documentary, there are a lot of similarities with symptoms and the bloating. I remember when I started off in this industry and you had to host shows. I remember I had to wear like two waist cinchers or three waist cinchers because I was so tiny but I had a belly and people would always ask if you’re pregnant. I was tired of people asking “are you pregnant?” and you know how there would be photos on red carpets and it’ll be everywhere and everyone would be talking about the fact that “oh my god, is she pregnant, or what has she eaten?”
It was very very daunting. I think I remember the very first time that I got diagnosed. I knew there was something wrong because at some point, when I laid down, there would be a part of my belly that would literally swell up, like a ball. I could feel it. And when I went to the hospital, the doctor checked, and said “yeah, you have fibroids.” In my family, it’s quite a re-occuring issue. Most of the females in my family have fibroids.
“I’ve had cousins who’ve had to take out their wombs. It’s very daunting. It’s one of the most stressful things. I think one of the worst parts of it is bleeding excessively. I mean, I didn’t bleed for a hundred and something days, but I know about you just seeing your period when you’re not expecting it. I know about you sitting somewhere and you get up and someone has to move close to you and say “oh your period”.
I’m happy Stephanie Coker did this documentary because women can come together and talk about it. It does a lot to your self esteem. You’re just nervous all the time. The anxiety levels are high. Eventually, when I got surgery, I had 13 fibroids taken out of me. Tiny me, thirteen!
I’m happy people are bringing awareness to it. If you feel different, if you feel strange, do not be shy about it, go and get checked.”