How does myomectomy work?

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the muscle or lining of the uterus. During myomectomy, the surgeon separates each selected fibroid from healthy uterine tissue and removes it. The uterus is then repaired. Fibroids inside the womb may be reached through the vagina and cervix with a hysteroscope. Others may require keyhole surgery or an abdominal incision.

The aim is to reduce symptoms such as heavy periods or pelvic pressure while keeping the uterus. New fibroids can develop later, and symptom improvement depends on which fibroids are removed and whether another condition contributes to the symptoms.

Before surgery, imaging maps the fibroids and helps select the route. Tell your team about medicines, anaemia, previous operations and future pregnancy plans. Afterward, soreness, tiredness and vaginal bleeding may occur. Follow instructions about activity, wound care, bathing and sex, and attend follow-up so healing and any remaining symptoms can be reviewed.

You can compare [Myomectomy](/treatments/gynaecological-surgery/myomectomy/) with [Uterine Fibroids](/conditions/uterine-fibroids/), [Heavy Periods](/symptoms/heavy-periods/) and [Pelvic Pain](/symptoms/pelvic-pain/). Other options may include [Radiofrequency Fibroid Ablation Device](/technology/radiofrequency-fibroid-ablation-device/) or [Uterine Artery Embolisation](/treatments/gynaecological-surgery/uterine-artery-embolisation/).

Contact your surgical team for fever, worsening pain, increasing redness or discharge, or bleeding that becomes heavier rather than settling. Seek urgent care for faintness, severe abdominal pain, breathlessness, chest pain or inability to keep fluids down. A sudden change after an initial improvement deserves assessment because it can indicate infection, bleeding or another postoperative problem.

Ask which surgical route is recommended and why, how the incision in the uterus will be repaired, what recovery restrictions apply, and how the operation may affect future pregnancy. Ask whether [Hysterectomy](/treatments/gynaecological-surgery/hysterectomy/) or other fibroid treatments should be considered.