A myomectomy is a surgical procedure specifically designed to remove uterine fibroids. This major surgery involves incisions, typically in the abdomen, and requires a recovery period of several weeks. It’s often recommended for individuals seeking relief from fibroid symptoms like heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, or fertility challenges, particularly if they wish to avoid a hysterectomy and preserve their uterus.
The path to recovery and the body changes experienced after a myomectomy can vary significantly. Factors such as the number, size, and location of the fibroids removed, as well as the surgical approach (abdominal, laparoscopic, or hysteroscopic), all play a role in what you can expect during your healing journey.
Understanding your options is crucial for making the best decision about your health. For a comprehensive overview of uterine fibroids and all available treatment paths, you can explore further resources.
EXPLORE ALL FIBROID TREATMENTS
What Kind of Body Changes After Myomectomy Should You Expect?
After a myomectomy, the body will undergo a period of healing and adjustment, typically lasting 4 to 6 weeks. While the procedure can relieve symptoms like heavy bleeding or pelvic pain, it may also bring temporary discomfort and changes in how the body feels and functions at this time.
Understanding these potential shifts can help you feel more prepared for your recovery. It’s normal to notice symptoms such as internal discomfort, discharge, changes in your menstrual cycle, and even some temporary changes in physical appearance.
Below are some of the most common body changes after a myomectomy:
Post-Myomectomy Bleeding and Discharge
Light vaginal spotting is normal for several weeks after surgery. However, some women experience heavier post-myomectomy bleeding, especially if they have large or deeply embedded fibroids removed. Monitoring your spotting, discharge frequency, and color is important, so you can contact your provider if the bleeding increases or lasts longer than expected.
Internal Pain and Abdominal Discomfort
It’s common to feel internal pain after myomectomy, particularly near incision sites and in the lower abdomen. If you have a laparoscopic myomectomy, specifically, you may also have gas pain or bloating. It’s also possible that abdominal soreness may persist for weeks as your uterus heals from the surgery.
Myomectomy Scars and Physical Appearance
The size of a myomectomy scar—and whether one will occur—depends on the surgical approach used. An abdominal myomectomy requires an incision similar to that of a cesarean section and often leaves a visible scar on the lower belly. While laparoscopic or hysteroscopic options leave fewer internal scars, some patients may also develop internal adhesions, which can cause pelvic discomfort.
Hormonal Shifts After Myomectomy
Though myomectomy doesn’t directly affect hormone levels, some people experience symptom relief from PMS, fatigue, or mood swings once fibroid-related symptoms improve. However, estrogen and progesterone levels typically remain the same, which means hormonal imbalances can still lead to the development of new fibroids in the future, especially if not all the fibroids were removed during the myomectomy.
Sex After Myomectomy
Some women may experience pain or tightness during intercourse after surgery, especially if scar tissue forms internally. Emotional concerns about discomfort or healing can also impact intimacy. Pain during sex after myomectomy may occur, especially if internal scar tissue is present.
Pregnancy After Myomectomy
Pregnancy after a myomectomy is often possible and can result in healthy outcomes. However, it’s essential to be aware of certain considerations that may arise, particularly depending on the size and location of the fibroids removed, as well as the depth of the uterine incision.
One of the most common recommendations for women who become pregnant after a myomectomy is a cesarean section (C-section). This is often advised to prevent the rare but serious risk of uterine rupture during labor, particularly if deep incisions were made into the uterine wall.
Other potential risks, though less common, can include:
- Placental complications, such as placenta previa or accreta.
- A slightly increased chance of miscarriage or preterm birth.
- Scar tissue from surgery that could potentially affect fertility or implantation, sometimes leading to a longer time to conceive.
Navigating fibroid treatment involves many considerations, from recovery to long-term outlook. If you’re exploring options or seeking a less invasive approach to managing your fibroids, learning about all available treatments can empower your choice.
How Long Does it Take the Uterus to Heal After a Myomectomy?
Depending on the type of myomectomy surgery you had, recovery can range from three to five days or two to four weeks. Abdominal myomectomy is the most commonly performed type and typically has a recovery period lasting between four and six weeks, while minimally invasive approaches may take less time. Some people who are not candidates for surgery or prefer non-surgical options may consider treatments like uterine fibroid embolization, which typically requires a shorter recovery time.
Why Myomectomy May Not Be the End of Your Fibroid Journey
Although myomectomy removes current fibroids, it doesn’t necessarily prevent new ones from developing. Individuals with multiple small fibroids at the time of surgery may face a higher risk of regrowth or the development of additional fibroids over time.
Due to this uncertainty of regrowth, many individuals explore other alternatives. Treatments like uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) can address multiple fibroids simultaneously and offer effective, lasting symptom relief without surgery, providing a different pathway for those seeking to avoid potential future procedures. USA Fibroid Centers reports a success rate of over 90% in helping patients manage fibroid-related symptoms with this minimally invasive approach.
How Fast Do Fibroids Grow Back After Myomectomy?
Fibroid regrowth after a myomectomy can occur within a few months, several years, or not at all. Regrowth varies based on hormone levels, age, and whether all your fibroids were removed.
UFE: An Alternative Treatment Option to Myomectomy Surgery
Uterine fibroid embolization is a non-surgical, outpatient procedure that uses small particles to block the blood supply to fibroids, causing them to shrink. This approach is performed without surgical incisions, resulting in a generally shorter recovery period compared to many myomectomy procedures.
Here’s a comparison of Myomectomy and UFE:
| Feature | Myomectomy | Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) |
| Type of Procedure | Surgical (requires incisions) | Non-surgical (minimally invasive) |
| Anesthesia Required | Yes | Local anesthesia with sedation |
| Hospital Stay | May require an overnight stay | Outpatient (go home the same day) |
| Recovery Time | 3–5 days (hysteroscopic), 2–4 weeks (laparoscopic), 4–6 weeks (abdominal) | 1–2 weeks on average |
| Scarring | Yes (visible or internal scars possible) | No incisions, no scarring |
| Impact on Hormones/Fertility | Uterus preserved, but risk of scar-related fertility issues | Uterus and ovaries preserved; minimal hormonal impact |
| Risk of Fibroid Regrowth | ~30% may need another surgery due to regrowth | ~90% success rate; fewer repeat procedures needed |
| Resume to Normal Activities | Rest for weeks; gradual resumption based on surgical type | Rest for weeks; gradual resumption based on surgical type |
Considering Your Fibroid Treatment Options
Understanding the various treatment options for uterine fibroids, including both surgical procedures like myomectomy and minimally invasive alternatives like UFE, is key to making an informed decision about your care. Each approach has its own benefits, risks, and recovery expectations.
If you are exploring fibroid treatment options or seeking a non-surgical solution, USA Fibroid Centers specializes in uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). Our expert team is dedicated to providing comprehensive information and advanced care to help you achieve lasting symptom relief and a better quality of life without surgery.
