Women's Diseases in Nigeria

Women's Diseases in Nigeria: The Most Common Health Problems Affecting Nigerian Women

Last Updated: 29 June 2026

Women's diseases in Nigeria range from common infections and menstrual problems to chronic conditions such as fibroids, high blood pressure and cancer. Many Nigerian women delay seeking medical help because of cost, lack of access to specialists or the belief that some symptoms are simply a normal part of being a woman. The good news is that many women's health conditions can now be assessed, monitored and managed through online doctor consultation.

Why Is Women's Health Still a Challenge in Nigeria?

Women are often the backbone of Nigerian families. They care for children, support their homes and, in many cases, contribute financially to their families.

Yet many women:

• Put their own health last.

• Delay seeking treatment.

• Self-medicate.

• Ignore symptoms until they become severe.

• Have limited access to specialists, especially in rural areas.

This is one of the reasons many women's diseases are diagnosed late in Nigeria.

Why Are Fibroids So Common Among Nigerian Women?

Fibroids are one of the most common reasons Nigerian women visit gynecologists.

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the womb and are particularly common among women of African descent.

Many women suffer from:

• Heavy periods.

• Painful menstruation.

• Infertility.

• Frequent urination.

• Abdominal swelling.

Some women only discover they have fibroids when their abdomen becomes so large that they appear pregnant.

Online doctor consultation can help women:

• Discuss symptoms.

• Review scan results.

• Receive counselling.

• Understand treatment options.

Why Is Anaemia So Common Among Nigerian Women?

Many women say they have a "shortage of blood."

Anaemia is extremely common in Nigeria and is often caused by:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding.

• Fibroids.

• Poor nutrition.

• Pregnancy.

• Malaria.

Symptoms include:

• Tiredness.

• Dizziness.

• Shortness of breath.

• Palpitations.

• Weakness.

Many cases can be managed through regular follow-up and nutritional advice online.

Why Is Cervical Cancer Still Killing Nigerian Women?

Cervical cancer remains one of the leading cancers affecting women in Nigeria.

It is caused mainly by persistent infection with certain strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).

The tragedy is that cervical cancer is largely preventable through:

• HPV vaccination.

• Regular screening.

• Early treatment.

Many women in rural communities have never had a cervical cancer screening.

Online healthcare can help by:

• Providing education.

• Encouraging screening.

• Explaining test results.

• Supporting women during treatment.

Why Do So Many Women Have Chronic Lower Abdominal Pain?

Pelvic inflammatory disease is extremely common in Nigeria.

It often presents with:

• Lower abdominal pain.

• Vaginal discharge.

• Pain during intercourse.

• Infertility.

Untreated sexually transmitted infections are one of the major causes.

Many women repeatedly buy antibiotics from chemists without proper treatment, leading to chronic problems and infertility.

An online doctor can often:

• Take a detailed history.

• Recommend laboratory tests.

• Prescribe treatment.

• Arrange follow-up.

Why Is Breast Cancer Increasing in Nigeria?

Breast cancer is now the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Nigerian women.

Many women still present very late because:

• They are afraid.

• They do not recognise early signs.

• They first seek alternative treatment.

Women should seek medical advice if they notice:

• A breast lump.

• Nipple discharge.

• Changes in breast shape.

• Skin changes on the breast.

Telemedicine can help by:

• Teaching breast self-examination.

• Reviewing symptoms.

• Supporting women after treatment.

• Encouraging early hospital visits.

Is Severe Menstrual Pain Normal?

Many Nigerian women believe severe period pain is simply part of being a woman.

This is not always true.

Severe menstrual pain may be caused by:

• Endometriosis.

• Fibroids.

• Adenomyosis.

• Pelvic infections.

Women who miss school or work every month because of period pain should speak to a doctor.

Online consultation is particularly useful for:

• Tracking symptoms.

• Managing pain.

• Discussing treatment options.

Why Is High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy Dangerous?

High blood pressure during pregnancy is one of the leading causes of maternal deaths in Nigeria.

Many women feel perfectly well until serious complications develop.

Warning signs include:

• Severe headaches.

• Swelling.

• Blurred vision.

• Convulsions.

Regular blood pressure monitoring can save lives.

Telemedicine can help pregnant women by:

• Monitoring blood pressure readings.

• Providing advice.

• Identifying warning signs early.

• Encouraging urgent hospital visits when necessary.

Why Is PCOS Becoming More Common?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, commonly called PCOS, is becoming increasingly common in Nigeria.

Women may complain of:

• Irregular periods.

• Weight gain.

• Acne.

• Excess facial hair.

• Difficulty getting pregnant.

Lifestyle changes and changing diets may be contributing to the increase.

Because treatment involves long-term monitoring, PCOS is particularly suitable for online healthcare.

Why Do So Many Women Have Vaginal Infections?

Vaginal infections are among the most common reasons women visit pharmacies.

Symptoms include:

• Itching.

• Abnormal discharge.

• Bad odour.

• Burning sensation.

Many women repeatedly self-medicate without proper diagnosis.

Online consultation can often help doctors distinguish common infections and recommend appropriate treatment.

Why Is Uterine Prolapse a Hidden Problem?

Many older Nigerian women suffer silently from uterine prolapse.

This condition occurs when the womb drops from its normal position.

Risk factors include:

• Multiple childbirths.

• Difficult deliveries.

• Heavy physical labour.

Because of embarrassment, many women never discuss their symptoms.

Although severe cases require hospital treatment, early symptoms can often be managed with advice and exercises.

Can Women's Diseases Be Treated Online?

Many women's health problems can be:

• Assessed online.

• Monitored remotely.

• Followed up through telemedicine.

• Managed using online doctor consultation.

Examples include:

• Fibroids follow-up.

• Menstrual problems.

• Vaginal infections.

• PCOS.

• Anaemia.

• Pregnancy monitoring.

• Menopause symptoms.

• Fertility counselling.

However, some conditions still require:

• Physical examination.

• Laboratory tests.

• Ultrasound scans.

• Surgery.

Online healthcare should therefore complement, not replace, hospital care.

Why Is Online Healthcare Important for Nigerian Women?

Many women struggle to see a doctor because of:

• Busy schedules.

• Childcare responsibilities.

• Long distances to hospitals.

• Cost of transportation.

• Lack of specialists in rural areas.

Online healthcare allows women to speak to doctors without leaving their homes.

Platforms such as Betadoc make this possible by connecting patients with doctors through WhatsApp without requiring an app or registration.

Related Articles

• Common Illnesses in Nigeria

• Healthcare in Rural Nigeria

• Online Doctor Consultation in Nigeria

• Healthcare on WhatsApp

• Common Childhood Illnesses in Nigeria

• Rural Healthcare in Nigeria

• Primary Healthcare in Nigeria

• The Future of Digital Health in Africa

• Affordable Healthcare in Nigeria

Need to talk to a doctor today? Betadoc connects you with licensed doctors on WhatsApp without registration or an app.

Author

Dr. Machim Enyiegbulam is a Nigerian medical doctor and founder of Betadoc. He has a special interest in digital health, primary healthcare and improving access to healthcare in underserved communities through simple technologies.

Medical Reviewer

Medically reviewed by Dr. Machim Enyiegbulam, MBBS.

References

1. World Health Organization (WHO).

2. Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Nigeria.

3. Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).

4. International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

5. Peer-reviewed studies on women's health and telemedicine in low- and middle-income countries.