By EKalman August 29, 2025 - 12:20am

Uterine fibroids, while often benign, should not be treated lightly. While many women suffer fibroids without any noticeable symptoms, others find them quite unpleasant. Excessive monthly blood and an expanding abdomen, for example, can be unpleasant and cause difficulties.

Let’s look at these and other symptoms and explain when a uterine fibroid surgery is essential to treat uterine fibroids.

What Are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas or myomas, are noncancerous growths that form in the uterus. They are widespread, affecting over 30% of women of reproductive age. These growths might be microscopic, pea-sized nodules or enormous masses that deform the contour of the uterus. When fibroid symptoms become severe, a hysterectomy or myomectomy may be required.

Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids
Several symptoms suggest fibroids, including:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding;
- Menstrual periods last more than a week;
- Pelvic discomfort or pressure;
- Frequent urination;
- Difficulty emptying bladder;
- Constipation;
- Backache or leg aches;
- Pain during sexual intercourse.

Signs You Need a Myomectomy
A myomectomy is a surgical operation that removes uterine fibroids. It protects the uterus while eliminating fibroids. While not all fibroids require removal, the following are signs that a myomectomy may be necessary:

- Severe symptoms that affect quality of life
If fibroid symptoms are interfering with your everyday activities, a myomectomy may be advised to relieve the discomfort;
- Fertility concerns
If you have trouble getting pregnant or carrying a pregnancy to term owing to fibroids, a myomectomy may be needed;
- Rapid fibroid growth
If fibroids rapidly expand in size or quantity, it may signal an underlying problem that necessitates surgical intervention.

Myomectomy Preparation
Before having a myomectomy, your doctor will thoroughly examine you to assess your health and select the best method for the treatment. Imaging studies, like ultrasounds and MRI scans, may be used to determine the size, number, and location of the fibroids.

Procedure
Myomectomy procedures can be performed using a variety of approaches, including:
- Abdominal myomectomy - involves making a big incision in the abdomen to reach the uterus;
- Laparoscopic myomectomy - involves making small incisions in the belly and using a laparoscope to guide surgical tools to remove the fibroids;
- Hysteroscopy - is used to remove fibroids within the uterus. A hysteroscope is a narrow, illuminated tube that is inserted via the vagina and cervix into the uterus.

Risk and Complications
Myomectomy is usually regarded safe, however like with any surgical operation, there are certain risks and potential problems, including:
- Excessive bleeding;
- Infection;
- Damage to the surrounding organs;
- Formation of scar tissue;
- Adverse responses to anesthesia.

Your surgeon will walk you through these potential issues and take the necessary precautions to reduce them.

Recovery
The length of time it takes to recover from a myomectomy is determined by the kind of operation and individual characteristics. An abdominal myomectomy typically needs a four to six-week recovery time, although minimally invasive procedures may require just two to four weeks.

During the healing period, you may feel discomfort, exhaustion, and have vaginal bleeding or discharge. Your doctor will provide you post-operative instructions, such as pain management and activity limits.

Cost
The cost of a myomectomy is determined by the kind of treatment, hospital costs, surgeon fees, anesthesia, and post-operative care. It is best to visit your gynaecology surgeon for a more accurate estimate.

How Does a Myomectomy Influence Fertility?
One of the primary benefits of myomectomy is its ability to preserve fertility. Myomectomy, which removes fibroids while keeping the uterus intact, can improve reproductive results for women who are experiencing infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss caused by fibroids.

However, the success of fertility preservation is determined on the size, quantity, and location of fibroids, the woman's age, and general reproductive health.

Myomectomy vs. Hysterectomy
The woman's age and reproductive goals mostly influence her decision between myomectomy and hysterectomy for fibroids therapy. Myomectomy is often the preferred therapy for young women who want to maintain their fertility but are concerned about fibroid recurrence.

For older women who don’t plan to have children, a hysterectomy (womb removal) minimizes the chance of recurrence and provides a permanent cure to fibroid symptoms, but it also removes the capacity to procreate. A hysterectomy is typically advised when:
- Large or numerous fibroids;
- Recurrent fibroids;
- Significant fibroid symptoms;
- Other serious gynecological disorders.

When to Visit a Doctor
Consult your doctor if you have the following symptoms:
- Heavy menstrual blood and pelvic discomfort;
- Problems with conception.

They will do a complete evaluation and offer the best therapy alternatives for you. Uterine fibroids can cause discomfort and agony. A myomectomy can help women suffering from uterine fibroid symptoms, such as infertility and fast fibroid development, while also preserving their reproductive health.