Myomectomy for Fibroid Removal in Wellesley, MA | Brigham Wellesley OB/GYN Associates
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If you’ve just heard the word myomectomy for the first time, take a breath. Maybe you’ve been dealing with heavy periods for years, or a routine scan turned up fibroids you didn’t know were there, and now you’re staring down a word that sounds intimidating but is actually one of the most well-understood procedures in gynecology.
At Brigham Wellesley OB/GYN Associates, our goal is to walk you through what myomectomy is, why it might be recommended, what your options are, and what to expect from recovery if you choose to pursue this treatment for fibroid removal.
To learn more about myomectomy in Wellesley and if it’s the right path towards healing for you, contact our office at (781) 235-4000 or request an appointment by completing our online form.
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What Is a Myomectomy?
Uterine fibroids are the noncancerous growths that develop in or on the wall of the uterus and cause excessive periods during menstruation and debilitating discomfort. A myomectomy is a surgery to remove uterine fibroids while leaving the uterus itself intact, which is what sets it apart from other surgical procedures for fibroid removal like hysterectomy, which removes the uterus entirely. If you’re hoping to become pregnant in the future, or you simply want to keep your uterus for hormonal reasons, a myomectomy is usually the path recommended first.
Fibroids are extremely common. Estimates show that most women will develop at least one by age 50, though many never cause symptoms and never need treatment at all. Surgery only really enters the conversation when fibroids cause severe problems like pain, heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure, or fertility difficulties.
Types of Myomectomy
There isn’t just one way to perform a myomectomy. The right approach depends on the number, size, and location of your fibroids.
Hysteroscopic Myomectomy
A hysteroscopic myomectomy is the least invasive approach and is used for fibroids that grow inside the uterine cavity. Your surgeon accesses the uterus through the vagina and cervix, using no incisions at all, and a thin scope to remove the fibroid. Recovery is typically the fastest compared to other options, often requiring only a day or two of rest.
Laparoscopic or Robotic-Assisted Myomectomy
Laparoscopic or robotic-assisted myomectomy uses several small incisions in the abdomen and a camera to guide the surgery. This minimally invasive approach is well-suited to a moderate number of fibroids that aren’t too large. Patients usually go home the same day or after one night, with a recovery window of two to four weeks.
Abdominal Myomectomy
Abdominal myomectomy involves a single larger incision, similar to a C-section. It’s typically reserved for larger fibroids, a high number of fibroids, or cases where minimally invasive tools can’t safely reach everything. Recovery takes longer, usually four to six weeks, but it remains the most reliable option for complex cases.
Your Brigham Wellesley OB/GYN will walk you through imaging results and explain exactly why one approach makes more sense than another for your body.
Signs You Might Be a Candidate for Myomectomy in Wellesley, MA?
Your OB/GYN may bring up myomectomy if you’re experiencing:
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
- Pelvic pain or a feeling of pressure or fullness
- Frequent urination caused by a fibroid pressing on the bladder
- Pain during intercourse
- Difficulty conceiving, or recurrent miscarriage linked to fibroid location
- A fibroid that’s growing quickly or is unusually large
Not every fibroid needs to come out. Small, symptom-free fibroids are often just monitored. The decision to move toward surgery is a conversation about your specific symptoms, fibroid size and location, and your plans for the future, including whether you want to preserve your fertility.
What to Expect on the Day of Your Myomectomy
On the day of your myomectomy, you’ll arrive at our elite surgical facility where you’ll be checked in and prepped for surgery. An anesthesiologist will administer general anesthesia whether your myomectomy is performed by laparoscopic, robotic, or abdominal approach. The surgery itself generally takes about one to three hours, depending on the complexity of your case.
Afterward, you’ll spend time recovering as anesthesia wears off. Depending on the type of surgery, you’ll either head home that same day or stay overnight for monitoring. Our team will send you home with clear instructions on how to manage discomfort, activity restrictions, and warning signs to watch for along with how to reach your surgeon with any concerns.
What to Expect from Recovery After Myomectomy
After a myomectomy, most patients feel back to normal within a few days. Expect some fatigue and soreness for one to two weeks, with a full return to normal activities around four weeks. It’s normal to experience some cramping, light bleeding or spotting, and fatigue in the days following surgery. What’s not considered normal is a fever, heavy bleeding, or worsening pain. if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, notify your OB/GYN right away.
Why Would a Myomectomy Be Performed Over a Hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is a surgery that removes the entire uterus. Since this surgery eliminates the possibility of future pregnancies, this option is usually only recommended for women who have reached menopause or have completed their families. If this procedure is performed before a woman has reached menopause, the patient may experience hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and other menopause-like symptoms.
Why Patients Choose Brigham Wellesley OB/GYN Associates
Fibroid surgery isn’t just a technical procedure to us, it’s something we understand touches fertility, pain that’s often been dismissed for years, and big decisions about your body. Our team takes time to review your imaging carefully, explain your options in plain language, and build a surgical plan around what matters most to you, whether that’s future pregnancy, symptom relief, or simply getting your life back from years of heavy periods.
Schedule Your Myomectomy Consultation in Wellesley, MA
If fibroids have been affecting your daily life, you don’t have to keep managing around them. Schedule a consultation with the leading experts in obstetrics at Brigham Wellesley OB/GYN Associates in Wellesley, MA today by calling (781) 235-4000 or request an appointment through our online form. We look forward to helping you take back control of your health, fertility, and comfort.
Myomectomy Frequently Asked Questions
Will my fibroids come back after a myomectomy?
New fibroids can develop over time, especially if you choose a myomectomy and your uterus remains intact. Many patients never experience a recurrence or require further treatment.
How long will I be out of work?
This depends heavily on the type of surgery and the physical demands of your job, but you should expect anywhere from a few days for hysteroscopic procedures to several weeks for abdominal surgery. If your job is more sedentary in nature, you may be able to return sooner, but if your job involves long hours of standing or manual labor, prepare to take the required time off to fully allow your body to heal.
Is myomectomy painful?
You’ll have some postoperative discomfort, which we manage with either over-the-counter or prescribed medication. Most patients describe it as manageable and improving noticeably each day.
Can fibroids come back and require a hysterectomy later?
It’s possible, though not normal. Many patients never need further surgery after a successful myomectomy removal of their fibroids.