Is a Myomectomy Right for You?

If you live with painful, heavy periods or pelvic pain that disrupts your life, your first step is to make an appointment with your trusted gynecologist at Maiden Lane Medical to determine what is causing your abnormal periods and get appropriate treatment.

Fibroids are a common cause of pelvic pain and abnormal periods and can be treated with a surgical procedure known as a myomectomy. Considering a major surgery like a myomectomy requires careful thought and informed decision-making.

A myomectomy could be the answer you’ve been looking for. But is it the right choice for you? In this article, we’ll delve into the key considerations to help you make an informed decision.

Let’s start at the beginning. Fibroids are noncancerous growths that can form in or on your uterine muscle 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 surgical procedure performed to remove uterine fibroids, also known as myomas, from the uterus. This 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 (abdominal myomectomy), your surgeon makes a few small incisions in your abdomen and uses specially designed instruments to remove fibroids through the small incisions. One of the instruments is a laparoscope — a thin tube with a light and camera on its tip that 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 a Myomectomy Procedure

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. Ensure 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?

Recovery from a myomectomy, a major surgical procedure, typically varies depending on the extent of the surgery and individual factors. In general, 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 in the future after a myomectomy. A myomectomy aims to remove uterine fibroids while preserving the uterus, making it a viable option for women who wish to conceive in the future.

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.

While many women successfully conceive after a myomectomy, there is a possibility of new fibroids developing over time. Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider are essential to monitor the uterus for any recurrence of fibroids.

If new fibroids do develop and cause symptoms or fertility issues, further treatments or interventions may be required to enhance the chances of a successful pregnancy.

How Do I Know If I Need a Myomectomy?

If you experience certain fibroid symptoms, you might need a myomectomy, which involves the surgical removal of uterine fibroids. Common signs indicating the need for this procedure include heavy menstrual bleeding, which may lead to excessive blood loss and the passing of blood clots. Other symptoms include pelvic pain, pressure, and bloating.

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.

Schedule an Appointment with Maiden Lane Medical Today!

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.

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