Dr. Abayomi Ajayi Shares the Breakthrough Story of Nordica Fibroid Care Centre
Thursday, July 11, 2025 marked a significant milestone for Nordica Fibroid Care Centre as it celebrated four years of pioneering fibroid treatment in Nigeria. At the heart of this success story is a groundbreaking technology — HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) — which has helped 730 women find relief from fibroids without going under the knife.
In a media chat to commemorate both the Centre’s anniversary and Fibroid Awareness Month, renowned fertility expert and MD/CEO of Nordica, Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, reflected on the Centre’s journey, the growing success of HIFU in Nigeria, and why this non-invasive procedure is the future of fibroid treatment in Africa.
“We’ve done 730 successful treatments so far — and we would have had 731, but one was cancelled due to complications from endometriosis,” Dr. Ajayi revealed. “The question I ask is: how many surgeons can say they’ve done 700 myomectomies in a lifetime?”
A Silent Epidemic Among Black Women
Fibroids are a silent burden many women carry, often without seeking help. According to Dr. Ajayi, Black women have a 70-80% lifetime risk of developing fibroids by age 50. Yet, many still believe surgery is the only solution — a myth HIFU is rapidly debunking.
“In France, 41,996 hysterectomies were performed in 2017 for fibroids and similar conditions. Their data shows 20 deaths per 100,000 procedures, and about 2,000 complications — from infections to embolisms. That’s in France, where data is even available. Imagine here in Nigeria, where we don’t even keep accurate records.”
He added, “That’s why we’re pushing for safer, non-invasive solutions like HIFU. It’s time to rethink how we treat fibroids — especially in countries like ours where they’re very common.”
What Is HIFU and How Does It Work?
HIFU is a non-surgical procedure that uses focused ultrasound waves to precisely destroy fibroid tissue. The technology enables doctors to “burn” the fibroid from the inside — without any cuts, stitches, or anesthesia.
“It’s so precise that we can target only the fibroid, leaving healthy uterine tissue untouched,” said Dr. Ajayi. “You walk in for your treatment, lie on a table, and we guide the machine using real-time imaging. No blood, no hospital admission. You go home the same day, and by the next day, you’re back to eating and even resuming light activity.”
He emphasized, “We don’t remove fibroids. We kill them — and then the body gradually shrinks or absorbs them.”
Debunking Fibroid & Fertility Myths
A long-standing myth in gynecology is that all fibroids cause infertility, but science says otherwise.
“Only about 3–4% of infertility cases are directly caused by fibroids,” Dr. Ajayi clarified. “Most fibroids don’t affect fertility, unless they’re submucosal — inside the uterine cavity where a baby should grow — or if they block the fallopian tubes.”
In fact, many women treated with HIFU have gone on to conceive naturally.
“Some even delivered abroad and were asked, ‘How did you get pregnant with all these fibroids?’ One told the doctors, ‘They’re dead fibroids.’ She delivered vaginally without any issues.”
Safe, Cost-Effective, and Life-Changing
Another key advantage of HIFU is that it is cost-effective, minimally disruptive, and safe.
“There’s no need for blood transfusions, no risk of post-surgery infections, and no hospital stays,” said Dr. Ajayi. “Even ovarian function remains intact because the procedure doesn’t use radiation — only focused ultrasound.”
He noted that although some critics — including medical colleagues and even lawyers — still question the method, Nordica is committed to educating the public and advancing the conversation.
“Any time you do something new, people will resist. But the evidence speaks for itself.”
Not for Everyone, But a Game-Changer for Many
HIFU isn’t for all fibroid cases. There are strict selection criteria.
“There are only two absolute contraindications: suspected cancer and inability to lie flat for at least two hours. Others, like prior surgeries or body weight, are evaluated through simulations before treatment,” Dr. Ajayi explained.
Proper patient selection and expectation management are crucial to HIFU’s success. “We need people to understand this is not like surgery where fibroids are physically removed. We kill the fibroid and allow the body time to absorb it.”
A Call to Awareness
As Nordica marks its fourth year of offering HIFU in Nigeria, Dr. Ajayi believes awareness is still the biggest barrier.
“Too many women are still suffering in silence or going to questionable places for treatment. We need to let them know there’s a better way — one that’s safe, effective, and doesn’t compromise their fertility or their lives.”
In a country where fibroids are common but treatment options remain limited or misunderstood, HIFU stands as a beacon of innovation and hope. With over 700 success stories in just four years, Nordica Fibroid Care Centre and Dr. Abayomi Ajayi are charting a bold new path — one ultrasound wave at a time.
