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.

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Causes of Uterine Fibroids

• Hormonal Influence – The hormones produced by the ovaries – progesterone and estrogen – appear to influence the growth of uterine fibroids. It’s believed that because these hormones stimulate the regeneration of the uterine lining with every menstrual cycle, they may also cause fibroids to develop or enlarge.
• Genetics – There is significant evidence that genetics play a role in a woman’s risk of suffering from uterine fibroids. Those who have a sister, grandmother or mother with fibroids are more likely to develop fibroids themselves.
• Pregnancy – With pregnancy comes a dramatic increase in estrogen and progesterone levels. Because of this, it’s not uncommon for uterine fibroids to grow quickly during pregnancy.
• Other Factors – Certain other factors are also known to increase a woman’s chances of having uterine fibroids. These include being African-American, overweight or over the age of 30.

What Are the Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids do not cause symptoms in most women. However, those who do exhibit symptoms may experience:

• Excessively heavy periods
• Abnormally long periods, often lasting seven days or more
• Pain or feelings of pressure in the pelvic region
• Frequent urges to urinate, which may be accompanied by difficulty
• Otherwise unexplained constipation
• Leg or lower back pains

In rare cases, a fibroid can outgrow its blood supply, which results in acute pain. Because it can no longer obtain the needed oxygen and nutrients, the growth starts to die. Byproducts of this tissue breakdown can affect nearby healthy tissue, causing pain, and in rare cases, fever. If a fibroid is attached to the uterine wall by a stalk, it may become twisted. In this case, the fibroid loses its blood supply, and pain may occur.

The number, location and size of fibroids often determines the symptoms associated with them:

• Submucosal: These fibroids extend into the uterine cavity and tend to cause long periods accompanied by heavy bleeding. These can make becoming pregnant difficult.
• Subserosal: This type of fibroid affects the exterior of the uterus, and in some cases, may put pressure on the bladder, resulting in frequent urges to urinate. When these develop in the back of the uterus, they may push against the rectum or spinal nerves, causing feelings or lower back pain.
• Intramural: Intramural fibroids develop inside of the uterine muscle tissue. When they grow large enough, they warp the uterus’ natural shape. This results in long periods, excessive bleeding, pain and feelings of pressure.

Uterine fibroids aren’t typically problematic. However, in rare instances, they can prove dangerous. If you experience sudden, sharp pain in your pelvic region or severe vaginal bleeding, contact Dr. Sherry Thomas. As a world-renowned urogynecologist, Dr. Sherry can work with you to determine the most appropriate treatment for your needs.

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