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WARNING - this clip contains some graphic content.

Fibroids - non-cancerous growths that grow in or around the womb - affect many women and are mostly harmless . But sometimes, larger fibroids can lead to very uncomfortable symptoms.

Dawn Heels suffered with the effects of fibroids for six years. She was repeatedly dismissed by health professionals and told to take painkillers.

The growths meant Dawn was in a lot of pain. She suffered with very heavy periods and had a protruding stomach - despite the fact she was also unable to get pregnant as a result of the fibroids, which she said was "the worst of the worst".

"Imagine you're trying for a baby and people keep asking you, 'Oh, you pregnant?' because of the belly, but you're infertile" Dawn told Naga Munchetty on 5 Live's That Time of the Month.

"I was suffering, I had enough"

She eventually visited a private gynaecologist. "He changed my life" Dawn said, "that was the first time I felt seen and heard."

16 fibroids were taken out during a myomectomy, a potentially dangerous surgery which Dawn says could have been prevented if actions was taken earlier on, including one the size of a grapefruit.

This clip is from 5 Live Naga Munchetty on 26 February 2024.

Listen to 'That Time of the Month: Fibroids' on ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Sounds.

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