Fibroids are abnormal growths that are commonly found on a woman’s uterus. While these uterine fibroids are not cancerous, they can cause some painful symptoms. The most common symptoms associated with uterine fibroids are heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure and lower back pain. The best way to treat uterine fibroids is to remove them with a myomectomy, a surgical procedure that will restore your uterus back to normal and eliminate your painful symptoms.

Prior to your myomectomy, you will have to fast for several hours leading up to the surgery. You may also have to abstain from taking some of your medications if they slow down the blood clotting process. There are different types of surgical methods that may be used during your myomectomy. The method used will ultimately be determined by the size and location of your uterine fibroids.

During an abdominal myomectomy, the surgeon will gain access to the uterus. The fibroids will then be removed from the uterus. An abdominal myomectomy is primarily used to remove large fibroids. It can also be used if you have a lot of uterine fibroids that need to be removed.

If you only need one or two fibroids removed from the outside of your uterus, then you may get a laparoscopic myomectomy. With this procedure, the surgeon inserts a thin tube with a camera. The uterine fibroids are broken up into small pieces and then removed.

A hysterscopic myomectomy may be used to remove fibroids that are on the inner wall of the uterus. This surgical method begins with a lighted instrument being inserted into the vagina. A sterile salt solution is then used to expand the uterus. The surgeon will then remove the fibroids and let them wash out of the body with the sterile salt solution.

Once you are able to go home after your myomectomy, you will have to restrict your activities and diet until fully healed. You may notice some vaginal spotting during the recovery process, but this is completely normal. While you will experience fertility improvement after your myomectomy, you should wait at least three months after the surgery before attempting to get pregnant. This will give the uterus plenty of time to heal and ensure there are no complications with the pregnancy.

During a consultation with Dr. Sherry Thomas at her office in Agoura Hills, you can learn about all of the available treatments for uterine fibroids. Dr. Sherry Thomas can create a customized treatment plan for the safest and most effective results. Contact her office today to schedule your appointment.