If the fibroids are asymptomatic, or cause you no issues, treatment is probably not needed. Whereas, if your fibroids cause you pain and other problems, treatments are available for you to choose from depending on the severity of the symptoms.
After myomectomy surgery, most women experience relief of bothersome signs and symptoms, such as excessive menstrual bleeding and pelvic pain and pressure. Fertility improvement. Women who undergo laparoscopic myomectomy, with or without robotic assistance, have good pregnancy outcomes within about a year of surgery.
After surgery, you may feel some pain in your belly for several days. Your belly may also be swollen. You may have a change in your bowel movements for a few days. And you may have some cramping for the first week.
Women always ask me if they'll lose weight after having UFE and the answer is you'll probably shed unwanted pounds if you treat your fibroids. If you have fibroids, you are most likely carrying extra weight. Eliminating the fibroids or shrinking them with UFE can often lead to weight loss.
Your doctor made a cut (incision) in your lower belly to remove the fibroids. You can expect to feel better and stronger each day. But you may tire quickly and need pain medicine for a week or two. You may need about 4 to 6 weeks to fully recover.
Most women feel better within the first week following surgery; however, do not lift, push or pull any heavy objects for a few weeks. Do not resume sexual intercourse until your doctor says it is OK. Full recovery takes about four to six weeks to allow for internal healing.
Clinical studies have repeatedly shown that hysterectomy, myomectomy, and UFE are equally effective treatment options when it comes to fibroid symptom relief. ¹ That said, these treatments differ significantly when it comes to patient experience and longer-term health considerations.
Myomectomy. A myomectomy is an operation to remove fibroids while preserving the uterus. For women who have fibroid symptoms and want to have children in the future, myomectomy is the best treatment option.
Uterine fibroids usually need treatment when they cause: Anemia from heavy fibroid bleeding. Ongoing low back pain or a feeling of pressure in the lower belly. Trouble getting pregnant.
People with asymptomatic fibroids do not require surgery or other treatments. However, other people experience abdominal pain, pressure, bloating, pain during sex, frequent urination, and heavy or painful periods. These individuals may require surgery.
Most experts believe that about 9-10 centimeters (about 4 inches) diameter is the largest size fibroid that should be removed laparoscopically.
Also known as an "open" myomectomy, an abdominal myomectomy is a major surgical procedure. It involves making an incision through the skin on the lower abdomen, known as a "bikini cut," and removing the fibroids from the wall of the uterus.
Certain procedures can destroy uterine fibroids without actually removing them through surgery. They include: Uterine artery embolization. Small particles (embolic agents) are injected into the arteries supplying the uterus, cutting off blood flow to fibroids, causing them to shrink and die.
Most women will not experience hormonal changes or depression, both of which are common with hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) patients. Women that are approaching the age of menopause, however, may be more likely to start menopause after UFE.
Uterine fibroid embolization is a very effective procedure with an approximate success rate of 85%. Most individuals who undergo the procedure have a dramatic improvement in their symptoms and a decrease in size of their uterine fibroids.
Fibroids themselves don't cause true weight gain. But some fibroids can become very large, and in some cases, weigh a few pounds. These larger fibroids can press on other structures in the abdomen or pelvis and appear to cause bloating and swelling around the abdomen.
In general fibroids that are larger than 10cm and are inside the uterine muscle (intramural) can be difficult to remove.
The hospital stay after abdominal myomectomy lasts from one to three days. The recovery time generally lasts up to six weeks. The surgery is typically very successful. It ensures that doctors can remove all of the fibroids.
With an open myomectomy, full recovery before getting back to your normal activities can take up to six weeks. After a laparoscopic myomectomy, you may go home the same day. Recovery at home is about two to four weeks.
You should be able to drive within the week and return to work in one to three weeks. Abdominal myomectomy — You will need to spend one to two nights in the hospital after undergoing this procedure.
Bring chap stick, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, pajamas or robe, socks, panties. Purchase a magazine or two to read, and some playing cards. Wash your clothes and bed linens a few days before the surgery. Go grocery shopping for really easy things to make when the woman comes home from the Hospital.
It is normal to have vaginal bleeding and discharge for 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. The discharge and bleeding should gradually decrease. For 6 weeks after surgery, you need to avoid strenuous exercise, lifting heavy objects, and sexual activity.