About this topic
The uterus is an organ where the baby grows when a woman is pregnant. The uterus is also called the womb. The uterus is in the lower belly. Some women develop tough balls of muscle in the womb. These balls of muscle are called fibroids. You may have fibroids inside or outside of the womb. You may also have fibroids in the wall of the womb, which is the most common place. Fibroids may cause pain or pressure in the pelvic area. Fibroids may also cause too much bleeding during menstruation. ‚
A myomectomy is a procedure to take out the fibroids. Your doctor may suggest this surgery if you have fibroids and: ‚
- Want to get pregnant
- Have heavy menstrual bleeding
- Have pain or pressure from the fibroids
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what you need to do.
- You may expect some bleeding from your vagina for a few weeks. Wear sanitary pads to absorb the blood. Do not use tampons or douche until your doctor says it is OK.
- You may feel belly pain for a few days. Take your drugs as ordered by your doctor. Do not drive if you are taking pain drugs.
- Take daily walks around your block once you are able. Walking may help prevent blood clots.
- Talk to your doctor about how to care for your cut site. Ask your doctor about:
- How to care for your cut sites
- When you may take a bath or shower
- If you need to be careful with lifting things over 10 pounds
- When you can go back to your normal activities like work, driving, or sex
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep your visits. Together you can make a plan for more care. Ask the doctor about when you may become pregnant after the surgery. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Prevent infection
Will physical activity be limited?
You may have to limit your activity. Do not swim or go in a hot tub until your doctor says it is OK. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Fibroids come back
- Injury to the uterus
- Possibly needing a C-section for future deliveries
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection such as a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, pain with passing urine, wound that will not heal, or pain.
- Signs of wound infection such as swelling, redness, warmth around the wound; too much pain when touched; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge; foul smell coming from the cut site; cut site opens up.
- Blood is soaking through your bandages
- Bleeding from the vagina suddenly gets heavier
- Trouble passing urine
- Feeling faint, sweaty, or very dizzy all of a sudden; this could be a sign of inside bleeding
- Pain is not helped by taking drugs
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my procedure.
- I can tell you how much vaginal bleeding is normal and what I can use for it.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have large amounts of vaginal bleeding, or if I feel faint or dizzy.
Where can I learn more?
Better Health Channel ‚
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Myomectomy ‚
National Institute of Child Health & Human Development ‚
http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/uterine/conditioninfo/treatments/Pages/surgical-treatments.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚