25 years of pain: How a 5kg tumour denied a couple the joy of parenthood

On a quiet Monday afternoon, I arrive in Asao Location, Nyakach Sub-County, Kisumu County, about 44 kilometres from Kisumu town. The journey ends at a modest homestead, where a couple married for 25 years stroll hand in hand around their compound. There is laughter, warmth, and an unspoken bond that speaks of endurance. From a distance, theirs appears to be an ordinary love story. Yet behind the smiles lies a 25-year journey marked by infertility, pain, stigma, delayed diagnosis, and remarkable resilience.

“I never imagined this could happen to me,” begins Pamela Atieno, 47, as she recalls the turning point in her life.

“It was in 2010 that things began to change. I had been trying to conceive since we married in 2000, but nothing worked. For years, I relied on herbal remedies, hoping for a miracle. But nothing happened. Fifteen years later, in 2015, I realised I could no longer suffer in silence. I needed medical attention to understand what was truly wrong.”

Pamela describes the emotional trauma of living for years without a child. “Imagine spending all those years without a child of your own. It was devastating,” she says. “At a public hospital in Kisumu, I underwent X-rays and was told my fallopian tubes were blocked, explaining my inability to conceive. Surgery was recommended, but we did not have the money. Coming from a rural village in Nyakach, a medical cover was beyond our reach.”

They returned home, exhausted and anxious, and once again turned to herbal remedies, but nothing changed.

As time passed, Pamela noticed alarming physical changes. “My stomach started swelling. People assumed I was pregnant. Even I thought so at times, but something else was growing inside me,” she recalls. “I kept visiting herbalists, who changed medications and promised results, but nothing worked.”

The pain persisted intermittently for years — sometimes lasting months, disappearing for a year, then returning.

By 2025, Pamela resolved to seek specialised medical care. “I knew I had to go to a proper hospital,” she says.

In early 2026, she was booked for surgery at Nyakach County Hospital. A series of tests, including X-rays and CT scans, revealed abnormal growths in her uterus. “The doctors told me I had a tumour that had to be removed. To save my life, they had to remove the entire uterus. I was devastated,” she says. “My stomach was so large, people could have thought I was seven months pregnant with twins.”

During surgery in January 2026, doctors removed abnormal growths weighing 5.4 kilogrammes, a condition Pamela had unknowingly lived with for more than 25 years. “I had moved from one herbalist to another, hoping for healing. I now understand that I lived childless not because of my husband, he is fertile, but because I was infertile,” she says. “Through it all, he stood by me. He cooked, cared for me, and never once considered marrying another wife.”

Her husband, Morris Odhiambo, a shoe shiner, reflects on their journey. “Pamela has endured so much with dignity,” he says. “When her condition worsened, we did all the necessary tests and confirmed that I was fine. Herbal treatments drained our resources and offered no solution.”

He adds: “When we married, we hoped for children, but life does not always follow our plans. God has His own ways. Pamela is beautiful every day. I will never marry another woman. Children are a blessing, not a requirement.”

The couple’s story unfolds against the backdrop of strong societal expectations in the Luo community, where childbearing is deeply valued. “Childless couples are often excluded from family discussions and community decisions,” Morris explains. “The stigma can make you feel like an outcast. But love has kept us strong.”

Pamela now embraces acceptance. “I run a small business here in Nyakach. Seeing friends and age-mates with children is painful, but I have learnt to cope,” she says. “One day, I hope we will adopt a child. The surgery freed me from years of pain. My message is simple: life will test you, but a good heart matters more than anything else.”

A widespread health challenge

Infertility affects millions worldwide. According to the Kenya Fertility Society, two in every ten couples in Kenya face fertility challenges, about 20 per cent, higher than the global average of 12 per cent.

In Africa, stigma surrounding infertility can be severe, with affected individuals often viewed as burdens. This pressure extends to families and in-laws, reinforcing deep emotional distress.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines infertility as a disease of the reproductive system marked by the failure to achieve pregnancy after 12 months of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse.

In men, infertility commonly results from problems with sperm quality, count or motility. In women, it may stem from disorders of the ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes or hormonal systems. In women, it may stem from disorders of the ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes or hormonal systems.

Some causes are preventable, and treatments include in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and other medically assisted reproductive techniques.

Medical breakthrough

At Nyakach County Hospital, Pamela’s case was handled by a team of dedicated specialists led by obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Paula Ogolla. “This was one of the major surgeries at our hospital. Thanks to investment by the Kisumu County Government, we have a mother-and-child unit with two operating theatres and dedicated staff, including consultants like myself and our surgical sergeant. Our hospital is equipped to perform major gynaecological, obstetric and surgical procedures.”

Dr Ogolla elaborates on Pamela’s journey through the healthcare system. “She was referred to me with a mass she had lived with for more than 15 years. Our multidisciplinary consultation initially identified it as a retroperitoneal mass, the origin of which was unclear, it could have been from the gut, kidneys or pelvic organs. We repeated scans and conducted tumour marker tests, which suggested the mass was likely benign. After preparing the patient and ensuring blood and post-operative care were ready, we performed a four-and-a-half-hour surgery to remove the mass.”

The operation revealed a tumour weighing 5.4 kilogrammes, attached to Pamela’s uterus and ovaries. “We were not certain of the exact diagnosis until histology could confirm it. Our initial suspicion was a fibroid, a benign tumour, rather than a malignant one. We discussed with Pamela that, due to her age and the condition of the uterus, saving it was unlikely. She consented to the removal of the uterus if necessary, understanding the implications for fertility.”

The team explained that early detection of fibroids could allow for uterine preservation and potential future conception. “Fibroids start small and grow over time. If detected early, surgery can remove them while leaving the uterus intact. Unfortunately, Pamela’s condition went undiagnosed for decades. However, she still has options, including adoption and assisted reproductive techniques.”

Post-operatively, Pamela stayed in hospital for four days and was discharged in stable condition. Dr Ogolla emphasised the importance of local healthcare access. “Having fully functional maternity services and operating theatres in Nyakach has been a game-changer. Patients no longer have to travel long distances for care, which significantly improves health outcomes.”

Pamela and Morris’ story highlights the emotional, social and medical complexities of infertility in Kenya. The stigma can be harsh, particularly in communities where childbearing defines social status. Yet their resilience shows that support, love and access to quality healthcare can transform lives.

A story of love

“Life will not always go as planned,” Pamela reflects. “But you can find peace and purpose in other ways. I may not have children of my own, but I am alive, pain-free and building a life with the man I love. That is enough for me.”

Infertility is a growing concern globally. WHO estimates that one in six people of reproductive age experience infertility. Causes vary by sex, including sperm-related issues in men and ovarian, uterine or tubal problems in women. Infertility can be primary or secondary, preventable in some cases and treatable through medical interventions such as IVF.

In Kenya, two in ten couples experience fertility challenges, a rate higher than the global average. Social stigma remains pervasive, affecting not just couples but extended families. In many African communities, children are essential for family continuity, social acceptance and economic security, placing immense pressure on couples.

Medical experts emphasise early detection and intervention. Dr Ogolla notes that conditions such as fibroids, if treated early, can allow uterine preservation and possible future conception. Without timely care, however, tumours can grow, causing pain, infertility and other complications.

Pamela and Morris’ story is one of perseverance, love and hope. They remind society that childbearing is not the only measure of a successful marriage or a fulfilled life. Through access to quality healthcare, supportive spouses and awareness of reproductive health issues, couples facing infertility can live meaningful and satisfying lives.

Pamela’s journey also underscores the need for grassroots healthcare education and advocacy. Government investment in local hospitals, such as Nyakach County Hospital, can save lives and reduce suffering. Community awareness can combat stigma, ensuring that women and men living with infertility are supported rather than marginalised. “Challenges will come your way, but having a good heart, hope and love can help you navigate them,” Pamela says in ending.