Is a Myomectomy Right for You?
If you live with painful, heavy periods or pelvic pain that disrupt your life, your first step should make an appointment with your trusted gynecologist at Maiden Lane Medical to find out what is causing your abnormal periods and get appropriate treatment.
For example, fibroids, a common cause of pelvic pain and abnormal periods, can be treated with a minimally invasive surgical procedure known as a myomectomy.
Let’s start at the beginning. Fibroids are noncancerous growths that can form in or on your uterine wall. They’re also incredibly common, affecting up to 26 million women between the ages of 15-50. While many women don’t have fibroid-related symptoms, around 15 million experience:
What is a myomectomy?
A myomectomy is a minimally invasive surgery often performed as an outpatient procedure. Depending on the size and location of your fibroids, your doctor may recommend either laparoscopy or hysteroscopy.
During a laparoscopic myomectomy, your surgeon makes a few small incisions in your abdomen and uses specially designed instruments to remove the fibroids through the small incisions. One of the instruments is a laparoscope — a thin tube with a light and camera on its tip which sends images to a monitor in the treatment room so your surgeon can see inside your body.
During a hysteroscopic myomectomy, your surgeon uses a hysteroscope to access your uterus through your cervix. This method doesn’t require any incisions and typically has a more rapid recovery.
How long does a myomectomy take?
Your physician needs two to four hours to perform a laparoscopic myomectomy. However, a hysteroscopic myomectomy is often completed in 60-90 minutes.
How to prepare for myomectomy
Your doctor gives you personalized instructions on preparing for your fibroid removal. During the surgery, you will have anesthesia, so you will need to avoid eating for at least eight hours and have a loved one drive you to and from your appointment. Make sure your physician knows about any medications, vitamins, or supplements you take daily.
What to expect after fibroid removal
Your recovery depends on several factors. For example, if you have a hysteroscopic myomectomy, you recover rapidly — potentially within just a few days. However, you may be sore or have abdominal or pelvic tenderness. You should avoid lifting heavy objects or other strenuous activities. Do not have sexual intercourse until your physician says it is safe.
How long does it take to recover from a myomectomy?
You’ll need two to four weeks to recover from a laparoscopic myomectomy. You may need up to six weeks to recover from traditional open surgery. Make sure to attend your follow-up appointments and follow your doctor’s advice.
Can I get pregnant after a myomectomy?
In most cases, women can get pregnant after a myomectomy. Talk to your physician about your plans to conceive, as they may recommend delaying pregnancy until your uterus heals. Uterine fibroids are a potential cause of infertility, and having them removed may increase your chances of conception. You should talk to your doctor about infertility if you’ve been trying to get pregnant for a year or longer without success. If you’re 35 or older, talk to your doctor after six months of trying.
How do I know if I need a myomectomy?
Only your gynecologist can determine the best treatment for your condition. However, they use ultrasound tests to identify, locate, and evaluate uterine fibroids, which can help inform their advice. Additionally, depending on your symptoms, your physician may suggest other treatments such as watchful waiting, hormonal therapies such as birth control pills or intrauterine devices (IUDs), or uterine artery embolization.
Call Maiden Lane Medical or schedule a consultation online if you’re troubled by pelvic pain, excessive menstrual bleeding, or other symptoms that fibroids may cause. The team of experienced gynecologists offers expert, personalized care and treatment to relieve your symptoms and restore your reproductive and overall health.
Heather Jones, MD
Board Certified OB/GYN
Expert Medical Services
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