Healing after a myomectomy

After a myomectomy, you can look forward to relief of uterine fibroid symptoms and potential increased fertility. But our San Antonio OBGYNs encourage you to focus your energy on myomectomy recovery first.

How long does myomectomy recovery take?

The recovery time from a myomectomy varies based on your health and the type of surgical procedure you had. If you have a laparotomy, it may take up to six weeks to return to normal activity. A laparoscopy recovery is shorter, with regular activity resuming within two to three weeks. A hysteroscopy has the shortest recovery time of only a few days.

Doctors’ advice for recovery

Regardless of your surgery type, our San Antonio OBGYNs offer guidelines to promote a healthy myomectomy recovery.

• Quality sleep and plenty of rest time will improve healing.
• Walking at a slow, steady pace can improve blood flow in the legs and prevent blood clots.
• A balanced diet of vegetables, fruits, lean proteins and whole grains is beneficial.
• Drink plenty of water to avoid constipation, which is common after surgery.
• A daily fiber supplement can also help prevent constipation.
• Keep your incisions clean and dry, watching for signs of infection, including redness and drainage.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions for pain medication.
• Use a heating pad to help with pain (but not while sleeping, to avoid the risk of burns).
• Keep your follow-up doctor’s appointments.
• Consult with your doctor about when you can try to get pregnant or begin fertility treatment.

What should I avoid doing after a myomectomy?

Just as important as the “to-dos” are those things to avoid as you recover after a myomectomy.

• Do not lift anything heavier than 10 pounds for a week. (Laparotomy may require a longer time period for myomectomy recovery activity restrictions.)
• Do not have sexual intercourse for six weeks.
• Avoid intense exercise for six weeks. Then, gradually increase activity over time.

Following these guidelines will benefit your healing, but be patient with yourself during your myomectomy recovery. Give your body the time it needs to recover. If you have questions about myomectomy surgery or recovery, contact Legacy Women’s Health for an appointment.