Myomectomy (Uterine Fibroid Removal Surgery): Types, Procedure, Recovery and Fertility Guide (2026)

TL;DR

Myomectomy is a surgical procedure to remove uterine fibroids (non-cancerous growths in the uterus) while preserving the uterus, making it the preferred option for women who want to retain fertility (ACOG) (Mayo Clinic). There are four main types: abdominal (open), laparoscopic, hysteroscopic and robotic-assisted. Fibroids affect an estimated 20 to 70% of women of reproductive age (Cleveland Clinic), and myomectomy is recommended when they cause heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, pressure symptoms or infertility. Recovery ranges from 2 to 4 days for hysteroscopic to 4 to 6 weeks for abdominal myomectomy. Most women can attempt pregnancy 3 to 6 months after surgery, as advised by their doctor.

Quick Answer

Myomectomy is surgery to remove uterine fibroids while keeping the uterus intact, preserving fertility. Types include abdominal, laparoscopic, hysteroscopic and robotic-assisted, chosen based on fibroid size, number and location. Recovery takes 2 days to 6 weeks depending on the type. Most women can try to conceive 3 to 6 months after surgery with doctor approval.

Author: Mylo Editorial Team, Mylo Parenting Desk Medically reviewed by: Dr. Shruti Tanwar, MBBS, MS (Obstetrics & Gynaecology) Guideline alignment: FOGSI (Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India), ACOG and RCOG clinical practice Last updated: 11 June 2026

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Surgical decisions about fibroids depend on your age, symptoms, fibroid characteristics and fertility goals. Always consult a qualified gynaecologist for personalised evaluation and treatment planning.

Key Takeaways

• Myomectomy removes fibroids but preserves the uterus, unlike hysterectomy (Mayo Clinic)
• Uterine fibroids affect 20 to 70% of women of reproductive age (Cleveland Clinic)
• Four types: abdominal, laparoscopic, hysteroscopic, robotic-assisted
• The choice depends on fibroid size, number and location
• Recovery: 2 to 4 days (hysteroscopic) to 4 to 6 weeks (abdominal)
• Wait 3 to 6 months before trying to conceive after surgery (ACOG)
• Fibroids can recur in 15 to 30% of women within 5 years (NCBI)
• Some women need C-section delivery after myomectomy due to uterine scarring

What Is a Myomectomy?

A myomectomy is a surgical procedure to remove uterine fibroids (myomas or leiomyomas), which are non-cancerous growths that develop in or on the uterus (Mayo Clinic).

The defining feature of myomectomy is that it removes only the fibroids and repairs the uterus, keeping the womb intact. This makes it the preferred surgical option for:

1. Women who want to have children in the future
2. Women who wish to keep their uterus for personal or cultural reasons
3. Women whose symptoms are caused specifically by fibroids

This is different from a hysterectomy, which removes the entire uterus and ends fertility permanently (ACOG).

Why Is Myomectomy Done? (Who Needs It?)

Doctors recommend myomectomy when fibroids cause significant symptoms (ACOG) (Cleveland Clinic):

Not all fibroids need surgery. Small, symptom-free fibroids are usually just monitored with regular ultrasounds (NHS).

What Are the Types of Myomectomy?

The surgical approach depends on the size, number and location of fibroids (Mayo Clinic) (Cleveland Clinic):

1. Hysteroscopic Myomectomy (No Incision)

• For submucosal fibroids (inside the uterine cavity)
• A thin telescope (hysteroscope) is passed through the vagina and cervix
• Fibroid is shaved away using a resectoscope or morcellator
• No cuts on the abdomen
• Day-care procedure; home the same day
• Recovery: 2 to 4 days

2. Laparoscopic Myomectomy (Keyhole Surgery)

• For fibroids on the outer wall or within the muscle (subserosal, intramural)
• 3 to 4 small incisions (0.5 to 1 cm) on the abdomen
• Camera and instruments remove fibroids
• Less pain, smaller scars, faster recovery than open surgery
• Hospital stay: 1 to 2 days
• Recovery: 2 to 3 weeks

3. Robotic-Assisted Myomectomy

• Similar to laparoscopic but uses robotic arms for enhanced precision
• Better suturing of the uterine wall in complex cases
• Available in major Indian metro hospitals
• Recovery similar to laparoscopic: 2 to 3 weeks
• Higher cost than laparoscopic

4. Abdominal (Open) Myomectomy

• For large (over 9 to 10 cm), numerous or deeply embedded fibroids
• A horizontal "bikini line" incision (similar to C-section) or vertical incision
• Direct access allows removal of many fibroids and strong uterine repair
• Hospital stay: 2 to 4 days
• Recovery: 4 to 6 weeks

Comparison Table

Costs vary by city, hospital tier and insurance coverage. Most Indian health insurance plans cover medically indicated myomectomy.

How Should You Prepare for a Myomectomy?

Standard pre-surgery preparation includes (Cleveland Clinic):

1. Detailed consultation: Discuss fibroid mapping (ultrasound or MRI), surgical approach and fertility plans
2. Pre-operative tests: Blood work (CBC, blood group, sugar), urine test, ECG, chest X-ray if needed
3. Imaging: Pelvic ultrasound, sometimes MRI for precise fibroid mapping
4. Medication review: Stop blood thinners (aspirin, warfarin) as advised; inform doctor of all medicines and supplements
5. Iron correction: If anaemic from heavy bleeding, iron supplements or transfusion may be needed first
6. Hormonal pre-treatment (sometimes): GnRH agonists may be given for 2 to 3 months to shrink fibroids and reduce blood loss (RCOG)
7. Fasting: Usually 8 hours before surgery
8. Arrangements: Transport home, 1 to 2 weeks of household help, leave from work

What Happens During the Myomectomy Procedure?

A typical myomectomy follows these steps (Mayo Clinic):

1. Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia for laparoscopic, robotic and abdominal; sometimes spinal or general for hysteroscopic
2. Access: Through the cervix (hysteroscopic), keyhole incisions (laparoscopic/robotic) or one abdominal incision (open)
3. Fibroid localisation: Surgeon identifies fibroids using direct vision, camera or ultrasound guidance
4. Removal: Fibroids are cut away from the uterine muscle; large fibroids may be removed in pieces (morcellation)
5. Uterine repair: The uterine wall is stitched in layers; this repair quality matters for future pregnancy safety
6. Closure: Incisions are closed with sutures
7. Recovery room: Monitoring for a few hours before shifting to the ward or discharge

Duration: 1 to 3 hours depending on the number and size of fibroids.

What Is Recovery Like After Myomectomy?

First Few Days

• Mild to moderate pain managed with prescribed painkillers
• Light vaginal spotting for a few days to 2 weeks (normal)
• Walk early (within 24 hours) to prevent blood clots
• Avoid lifting anything heavier than 5 kg

Weeks 1 to 6

• Hysteroscopic: Back to normal life in 2 to 4 days
• Laparoscopic/Robotic: Office work in 1 to 2 weeks; full activity in 2 to 3 weeks
• Abdominal: Office work in 3 to 4 weeks; full activity including exercise in 4 to 6 weeks
• Avoid intercourse, tampons and swimming until your doctor clears you (typically 4 to 6 weeks)

Follow-Up

• Stitch removal or wound check at 7 to 14 days (for open surgery)
• Follow-up ultrasound as advised
• Discuss the conception timeline at your post-op visit

Conception after myomectomy: Most surgeons advise waiting 3 to 6 months before trying to conceive, allowing the uterine wall to heal fully (ACOG). If the uterine cavity was opened during surgery, your doctor may recommend planned C-section delivery in future pregnancies to avoid uterine rupture during labour.

What Are the Risks and Complications of Myomectomy?

Myomectomy is generally safe, but as with any surgery, risks exist (Cleveland Clinic) (NCBI):

Important consent point: In very rare cases of uncontrollable bleeding, the surgical team may need to convert to a hysterectomy. Discuss this possibility with your surgeon before signing consent.

Myomectomy vs Hysterectomy vs Other Options: How Do They Compare?

(ACOG) (NHS)

Can You Get Pregnant After a Myomectomy?

Yes, most women can. Myomectomy is often performed specifically to improve fertility (ACOG).

Key facts:

• Removing cavity-distorting (submucosal) fibroids improves conception and reduces miscarriage rates (NCBI)
• Wait 3 to 6 months after surgery before trying to conceive
• Inform your obstetrician about your myomectomy at the first pregnancy visit
• If the uterine muscle was deeply cut, a planned C-section is usually advised
• Pregnancy after myomectomy is considered slightly higher risk and needs closer monitoring

Indian Context: What Indian Women Should Know

1. High prevalence: Fibroids are among the most common gynaecological conditions in Indian women aged 30 to 45 (FOGSI)
2. Cultural preference for uterus preservation: Myomectomy is often preferred over hysterectomy in India for fertility and cultural reasons; discuss both options openly with your doctor
3. Cost range: INR 40,000 (hysteroscopic, government or tier-2 hospitals) to INR 3,00,000 (robotic, metro private hospitals)
4. Insurance: Medically indicated myomectomy is covered by most Indian health insurance policies and many corporate plans; check waiting periods for pre-existing conditions
5. Government schemes: Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) covers fibroid surgery at empanelled hospitals
6. Anaemia first: Many Indian women with fibroids are anaemic; iron correction before surgery is standard practice (ICMR)
7. Second opinion: If hysterectomy is suggested as the first option for fibroids and you wish to keep your uterus, seek a second opinion from a fibroid or fertility specialist

Myths vs Facts About Myomectomy and Fibroids

FAQs: Myomectomy

Is myomectomy a major surgery?

It depends on the type. Hysteroscopic myomectomy is a minor day-care procedure with no incisions. Laparoscopic and robotic are minimally invasive. Abdominal myomectomy is major surgery requiring 4 to 6 weeks of recovery (Cleveland Clinic).

Myomectomy kya hota hai? (Hinglish)

Myomectomy ek surgery hai jismein uterus ke fibroids (rasoli) nikale jaate hain lekin uterus ko bachaya jata hai. Ye un mahilaon ke liye best option hai jo future mein maa banna chahti hain. Iske 4 types hain: hysteroscopic (bina cheera), laparoscopic (keyhole), robotic aur open (bada cheera). Recovery type ke hisab se 2 din se 6 hafte tak hoti hai.

How long does myomectomy surgery take?

Typically 1 to 3 hours, depending on the number, size and location of fibroids. Hysteroscopic procedures for a single small fibroid may take 30 to 60 minutes.

How painful is myomectomy recovery?

Pain is mild to moderate and well controlled with prescribed painkillers. Hysteroscopic recovery involves mild cramping for 1 to 2 days. Laparoscopic recovery involves shoulder tip pain (from gas) and incision soreness for a few days. Abdominal myomectomy has the most discomfort, peaking in the first week (Mayo Clinic).

When can I get pregnant after myomectomy?

Most surgeons advise waiting 3 to 6 months to allow the uterine wall to heal completely (ACOG). Your gynaecologist will give a personalised timeline based on how deep the uterine incisions were.

Can fibroids come back after myomectomy?

Yes. New fibroids develop in approximately 15 to 30% of women within 5 years of myomectomy (NCBI). Risk is higher in younger women and those with multiple fibroids. Regular follow-up ultrasounds help catch recurrence early.

Myomectomy ke baad delivery normal hogi ya C-section? (Hinglish)

Ye depend karta hai ki surgery mein uterus ki muscle kitni deep kaati gayi thi. Agar uterine cavity tak cheera laga tha, toh doctor planned C-section recommend karte hain taaki labour ke time uterus phatne (rupture) ka risk na ho. Agar fibroid bahar ki taraf tha aur cheera shallow tha, toh normal delivery possible ho sakti hai. Apne obstetrician ko surgery ki details zaroor batayein.

What is the difference between myomectomy and hysterectomy?

Myomectomy removes only the fibroids and keeps the uterus, preserving fertility. Hysterectomy removes the entire uterus, permanently ending periods and fertility. Myomectomy is preferred for women who want children; hysterectomy may be considered for women done with childbearing who have severe symptoms (ACOG).

Is myomectomy covered by insurance in India?

Yes, medically indicated myomectomy is covered by most Indian health insurance policies and by Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) at empanelled hospitals. Check your policy for pre-existing condition waiting periods (usually 2 to 4 years for fibroids diagnosed before buying the policy).

What size of fibroid needs surgery?

There is no single size cutoff. Surgery is decided by symptoms, location and fertility impact, not size alone (NHS). A 2 cm fibroid inside the cavity causing infertility may need removal, while a symptom-free 5 cm outer fibroid may just be monitored. Generally, rapidly growing fibroids or those above 9 to 10 cm are more likely to need open surgery.

Will my periods become normal after myomectomy?

For most women, yes. Removing fibroids that caused heavy bleeding typically results in lighter, more manageable periods within 2 to 3 cycles after surgery (Cleveland Clinic). If heavy bleeding continues, see your doctor for further evaluation.

What should I eat after myomectomy for faster recovery?

Focus on healing foods:

• Protein: Dal, paneer, eggs, chicken, fish (tissue repair)
• Iron-rich foods: Palak, methi, beetroot, dates, jaggery (replenish blood loss)
• Vitamin C: Amla, oranges, lemon (iron absorption and wound healing)
• Fibre and fluids: Fruits, vegetables, 2.5 to 3 litres water (prevent constipation, which strains the incision)
• Avoid: Fried foods, excess sugar, alcohol and smoking (slow healing)

References (Citations for E-E-A-T / GEO Trust Signals)

1. Mayo Clinic. "Myomectomy." https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/myomectomy/about/pac-20384710
2. Cleveland Clinic. "Myomectomy." https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/16823-myomectomy
3. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). "Uterine Fibroids." https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/uterine-fibroids
4. ACOG. "Hysterectomy." https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/hysterectomy
5. NHS UK. "Fibroids." https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/fibroids/
6. NHS UK. "Fibroids: Treatment." https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/fibroids/treatment/
7. NCBI / StatPearls. "Uterine Myomectomy." https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546680/
8. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG). https://www.rcog.org.uk/
9. FOGSI (Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India). https://www.fogsi.org/
10. ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research). https://www.icmr.gov.in/