Myomectomy Specialist

What are uterine fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are abnormal growths within your uterus. They are benign, meaning they will not develop into cancer.

However, uterine fibroids can cause other problems, including pain, heavy bleeding, and infertility issues. Many women will develop uterine fibroids at some point in their life but may not be aware they are present. 

Uterine fibroids can range in size from virtually undetectable with the human eye to as large as a grapefruit. You can have one or many fibroids, and they can develop within a short period of time or come and go over years. 

The primary symptom of uterine fibroids is heavy menstrual bleeding. Additional symptoms can include:

• Frequent need to urinate
• Pelvic pressure or pain
• Constipation
• Lengthy menstrual periods
• Backache
• Sensation of fullness in the lower abdomen

If you notice any changes in your menstrual bleeding, it’s a good idea to come in for a diagnostic exam. Many gynecologic conditions share similar symptoms, so understanding the cause is important in finding the right treatment path. 

What is a myomectomy?

A myomectomy is a surgical procedure that removes uterine fibroids. This procedure does not involve removing your uterus or dramatically altering uterine tissue, so it’s a good option for women who want to preserve the chances of future pregnancy. 

There are several ways to perform a myomectomy. When possible, the preferred approach is through laparoscopic surgery, which requires only a few small incisions. 

Laparoscopic myomectomy enables surgical removal of fibroids without heavy bleeding. It also requires less tissue displacement, which means a shorter recovery time and less risk of surgical complications. 

If your uterine fibroids are large or deeply embedded into your uterine walls, an open myomectomy might be the best treatment option. Your gynecologist often uses a hysteroscope during the diagnostic process, which enables your gynecologist to “see” the interior portion of your uterus. 

You’ll learn which approach is best for you during your initial diagnostic exam. 

Is the recovery process for myomectomy difficult? 

Because there are so many variations in the size and number of uterine fibroids women can experience, there is no concrete answer regarding how your recovery process might be. One of the biggest factors in recovery from myomectomy is the surgical approach, with laparoscopic procedures yielding far shorter recovery times. 

You may need to spend a night in the hospital after your myomectomy. Depending on the procedure itself, some women only need a week or so of recovery time before they are back into the swing of normal daily routines. 

In other cases, it might take several weeks to fully recover. Open procedures will require time for your incisions to heal, as well as for your internal tissues to adapt.

No matter which approach is right for you, most women are happy with their results after myomectomy. Freedom from the pain and inconvenience of heavy bleeding can dramatically improve your quality of life, and women who suffer fertility problems as a result of uterine fibroids are excited to move forward with family planning. 

Learn more about what myomectomy can do for you during a personalized consultation, which you can book online or over the phone today.