Skip to main content

Fibroid Care and Removal with HIFU in Nigeria

Frequently Asked Questions About HIFU Treatment

01. What is HIFU?

HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) is a non-invasive treatment used to treat uterine fibroids and adenomyosis without surgery. It uses focused ultrasound energy to target and destroy diseased tissue while preserving the uterus and surrounding healthy organs.

Unlike surgery, there are no cuts, stitches, scars, or significant blood loss.

02. How does HIFU work?

HIFU focuses ultrasound energy directly on the fibroid or adenomyosis tissue. The energy generates heat that destroys the targeted cells through coagulative necrosis without damaging most of the surrounding tissue.

Over time, the body naturally absorbs the treated tissue, causing the fibroid to shrink and symptoms to improve.

03. What conditions can HIFU treat?

HIFU is commonly used to treat:

  • Uterine fibroids
  • Adenomyosis

It has been applied also in the treatment of liver tumors, pancreatic cancer, kidney tumors, bone tumors and breast tumors. 

Your doctor will determine whether HIFU is suitable for your specific condition after a detailed evaluation.

04. How long has HIFU been used?

HIFU technology has been used internationally for more than two decades and is available in over 37 countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. Over 300,000 patients worldwide have been treated using HIFU technology. 

05. Is HIFU safe?

Yes. HIFU has an excellent safety profile when performed by trained specialists. Serious complications are uncommon, and the overall complication rate is significantly lower than surgical alternatives. 

As with any medical procedure, there are risks, which your doctor will discuss during your consultation.

06. Am I a candidate for HIFU?

Many women with fibroids or adenomyosis are suitable candidates for HIFU.

To determine your suitability, we may recommend:

  • Ultrasound evaluation
  • MRI scan
  • Review of your symptoms and medical history

Most women can be assessed without surgery.

Possibly.

Many women who have been advised to undergo hysterectomy may still qualify for HIFU and preserve their uterus. However, eligibility depends on factors such as the size, location, and characteristics of the fibroids.

A specialist assessment is required before making a recommendation. 

08. Can HIFU treat large fibroids?

Yes. HIFU can treat both small and large fibroids. Suitability depends on the location, blood supply, and accessibility of the fibroid rather than size alone.

The HIFU specialist will determine whether your fibroids can be safely and effectively treated.

09. Will I need more than one treatment session?

Most women require only one treatment session.

In some cases, a second treatment may be recommended depending on the size, location, or response of the fibroid.

10. Is HIFU painful?

Most patients experience only mild discomfort during treatment.

You will receive medication to help you relax and remain comfortable. Unlike surgery, general anesthesia is usually not required, and you remain awake and able to communicate with the treatment team throughout the procedure.

11. Does HIFU require anesthesia?

No general anesthesia is required.

Most patients receive light sedation and pain relief medications to ensure comfort during treatment.

12. How should I prepare for HIFU?

Before treatment, your doctor will provide detailed instructions which may include:

  • Dietary adjustments
  • Avoiding certain foods
  • Bowel preparation
  • Temporary removal of an intrauterine device (IUD), if applicable
  • Bladder preparation

Following these instructions helps ensure a safe and effective procedure.

13. What happens after HIFU treatment?

Most patients return home the same day.

You may experience mild:

  • Abdominal discomfort
  • Cramping
  • Fatigue
  • Temporary pelvic pain

These symptoms usually improve within a few days.

14. What should I eat after treatment?

We generally recommend:

  • Plenty of fluids
  • Light meals initially
  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Gradual return to your normal diet

Your care team will provide personalized dietary guidance after treatment.

15. How long does recovery take?

Recovery is significantly faster than surgery.

Most women return to normal activities within a few days and can resume work much sooner than after open surgery.

16. Will my fibroids disappear immediately?

No.

The treated fibroids are no longer active after HIFU, but they do not disappear overnight. The body gradually absorbs the treated tissue over several months.

Many women notice symptom improvement before significant shrinkage is visible on scans.

17. How much shrinkage can I expect?

Every patient is different, but fibroids generally shrink progressively over time.

Many women experience substantial shrinkage within the first 6–12 months after treatment.

18. Can fibroids come back after HIFU?

Fibroids can recur after any treatment, including surgery.

If new fibroids develop or symptoms return, additional treatment options—including repeat HIFU—may be considered.

19. Will HIFU affect my fertility?

One of the major advantages of HIFU is that it preserves the uterus.

Many women choose HIFU because they wish to maintain future fertility. The impact on fertility depends on factors such as age, fibroid type, location, and overall reproductive health.

Our specialists will discuss your fertility goals during your consultation.

20. I had fibroid surgery before. Can I still have HIFU?

In many cases, yes.

Previous abdominal surgery or myomectomy does not automatically exclude you from HIFU treatment. Your doctor will assess any scars and determine whether a safe treatment pathway can be established.

21. What are the risks of HIFU?

HIFU is generally very safe.

Potential side effects may include:

  • Mild pain or discomfort
  • Temporary skin irritation
  • Temporary nerve irritation
  • Rare injury to nearby structures

Serious complications are uncommon and occur less frequently than with many surgical procedures. 

22. How does HIFU compare to surgery?

Compared with surgery, HIFU offers:

  • No cuts or scars
  • No significant blood loss
  • Uterus preservation
  • Faster recovery
  • Shorter hospital stay
  • Lower complication rates
  • Earlier return to work and normal activities
23. Can treated fibroids become cancerous?

No.

Once fibroid tissue has been successfully treated and destroyed, the cells are no longer viable. The treated tissue cannot become cancerous.

24. How do you know the fibroid is not cancer?

Before treatment, we conduct a comprehensive evaluation that may include:

  • Ultrasound
  • MRI
  • Blood tests
  • Clinical assessment

If there is any concern that a lesion could be malignant, surgery and further testing may be recommended instead of HIFU.

Patient safety always comes first.

25. How much does HIFU cost?

A single session of HIFU costs 2.9 million naira. This excludes costs of assessments, MRI imaging and other complementary 

Following your consultation and assessment, we will provide a personalized treatment recommendation and cost estimate.

26. How do I know if HIFU is right for me?

The best way to find out is to schedule a consultation with our specialists.

We will review your symptoms, perform the necessary investigations, discuss your goals, and help you determine whether HIFU or another treatment option is best for you.

Meet Patricia

Follow her journey to Fertility Care and being Fibroid-free by Fibroid Care Centre at Nordica. Read More