Category: Uterine Fibroids

Am I a Candidate for Myomectomy for Fibroids?

Posted on November 18, 2024January 8, 2026 by Rita Sharma, MD, FACOG in Myomectomy, Uterine Fibroids

The answer depends on several factors. If you have symptomatic fibroids, meaning painful periods and heavy bleeding, you could be a candidate for myomectomy. If you want to have children in the future, myomectomy may be the procedure to relieve your fibroid symptoms and still keep your uterus. Keep reading to find out about the types of myomectomy and which might be best for you.

It’s All About the Fibroids

Many women have no symptoms of fibroids and need no intervention unless that changes.

For those who do suffer from symptoms, how many symptomatic fibroids you have, their size, and their location all contribute to being a good candidate for a myomectomy. If you want to keep your uterus intact, this is accomplished with a myomectomy.

Fibroids are benign growths made of tissue and muscle that can grow inside the muscle of the uterus or even elsewhere in the pelvis. A myomectomy removes only the fibroids and leaves the uterus, so a woman can conceive in the future.

Types of Myomectomies

There are several types of procedures available to remove fibroids. Once Dr. Rita Sharma has determined how many fibroids there are and their location, you may get a recommendation for which is best for you.

Minimally Invasive Hysteroscopic Myomectomy

The surgeon inserts a thin lighted scope into the vagina and through the cervix to the uterus. Once the fibroid is visualized, Dr. Sharma can then remove it with minimal downtime.

This type is best for mucosal fibroids.
You can go home the same day.
Recovery can be just a few days.

Minimally Invasive Robotic (Laparoscopic) Myomectomy

This type is performed under general anesthesia. Tiny incisions are made in the abdomen, and a lighted camera called a laparoscope is inserted into one incision. Instruments are placed in the other ports to perform the procedure. Sometimes this is done robotically, which helps the surgeon remove the fibroids. They are cut into smaller pieces to be removed.

Most patients remain in the hospital for one night.
Recovery takes two to four weeks.
If the fibroids are too large, the surgeon will continue with another type.

Abdominal Myomectomy

Also known as an open myomectomy, this procedure requires an incision in the abdomen under general anesthesia. The surgeon removes the fibroids from the uterine wall. This type is chosen when fibroids are larger and more numerous.

This procedure requires one to two days in the hospital.
Recovery can take up to four to six weeks.

Final Thoughts

There is always a chance fibroids can grow back, especially if the patient is younger. It’s important to discuss with Dr. Sharma the best type of myomectomy for you.

Most women get relief from the symptoms of fibroids after a myomectomy.

Contact Dr. Rita Sharma at (770) 723-1545 if you are experiencing severe symptoms of fibroids and want more information about a myomectomy.

Sources:

Myomectomy | Conditions & Treatments | UCSF Health
Myomectomy (clevelandclinic.org)
Myomectomy (Surgery for Uterine Fibroid Removal) (webmd.com)
Types of Myomectomy | Stanford Health Care

What Are the Reasons for a Hysterectomy?

Posted on February 6, 2024January 8, 2026 by Rita Sharma, MD, FACOG in Hysterectomy, Uterine Fibroids

Each year almost 600K hysterectomies are performed. It is a surgery to remove the uterus. Afterward, patients won’t be able to become pregnant, and they will no longer have their period. Depending on the reason for the surgery, your surgeon may also remove the fallopian tubes and the ovaries. That’s a lot of surgeries, so for what reasons is a hysterectomy performed?

Our board-certified OBGYN, URPS, Dr. Rita Sharma is highly trained in performing a hysterectomy. Contact our gynecology clinic in Tucker, GA to schedule a one-on-one consultation. Call us at (770) 723-1545.

Prepare for Your Surgery and Get the Facts

First and foremost, find out why your physician is recommending a hysterectomy. Is it to relieve symptoms of a condition? Will you go into early menopause? What exactly will be removed? Ask about any possible complications or side effects, and be clear about how your life will change before deciding to go forward.

The best preparation is to understand why you are having the surgery and how it may improve your life.

Reasons Why A Hysterectomy Is Performed

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition where the tissue that lines the uterine wall grows abnormally outside the uterus. It causes severe pain, and irregular periods and can also lead to infertility. Unfortunately, this condition can recur even after surgery. Ask Dr. Sharma about this possibility.

Cancer/Cancer Prevention

Cancer may be the most serious reason for a hysterectomy, and it accounts for about 10% of all surgeries. It is recommended if you have cancer of the uterus, cervix, endometrium, or ovaries. It can be considered if you have abnormalities that could lead to cancer.

Uterine Fibroids

Hysterectomy is an option for treating uterine fibroids. They are non-cancerous growths inside the uterus causing pain, heavy bleeding, and bloating, and may affect fertility. There are procedures to remove the fibroids but preserve the uterus. Talk with Dr. Sharma about your options.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

PID is a bacterial infection that causes severe pain. It can be treated with antibiotics if caught early enough, but removing the uterus is an option.

Hyperplasia

This is a condition that causes the lining of the uterus to become thicker resulting in pain and heavy bleeding. It can also lead to cancer. Discuss hysterectomy with Dr. Sharma and decide if it’s right for you.

Uterine Prolapse

A hysterectomy is usually a last resort with a prolapse. This is when the uterus drops downward onto the vagina due to muscle weakness. It can cause urinary incontinence and difficulty with bowel movements. Exercises and devices can be tried first, but if not successful, a hysterectomy may be recommended.

Other reasons can include the following:

Severe bleeding after a vaginal or cesarean delivery
Heavy irregular menstrual bleeding not managed by other treatments

Recovery After a Hysterectomy: What to Expect

If your ovaries were removed, you may experience menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, loss of libido, and insomnia. Discuss treatment options like hormone replacement therapy to help relieve the side effects of menopause.

You will walk around as soon as possible after the surgery to avoid blood clots in the legs. Dr. Sharma will monitor your recovery and restrict strenuous activities, sexual intercourse, and heavy exercise for several weeks. Recovery will take anywhere from four to six weeks.

Consider all the benefits and side effects of a hysterectomy before making a decision.

Contact our board-certified OBGYN, Dr. Rita Sharma at (770) 723-1545 if you want to discuss your options at our office in Tucker, GA.

Are Fibroids Preventable?

Posted on April 7, 2022January 5, 2023 by Rita Sharma, MD, FACOG in Uterine Fibroids

Let’s begin by telling you that you can have fibroids but suffer no symptoms. If so, you are exceptionally fortunate! At the same time, there is no need to tell a woman who has symptoms that they can be traumatic and interfere with your daily life. These women already know that the side effects are extremely painful, and you wouldn’t wish them on your worst enemy. So the burning question may be: are fibroids preventable?

Continue reading “Are Fibroids Preventable?” →