Surgical removal of uterine fibroids is one of the most discussed topics in women's health. Despite medical advances, there are still many misconceptions about this issue, causing fear, anxiety, and delays in treatment. Many women panic when diagnosed with fibroids, imagining an immediate and painful surgery. But the truth is, most of these fears are based on myths that have no medical basis. In this article, we have gathered five common myths about the surgical treatment of uterine fibroids and explained why you shouldn't believe everything you read in forums and comments.
Myth 1: Fibroid removal always means removing the entire uterus
This is one of the worst and most persistent myths. Many women are convinced that surgery automatically means a hysterectomy—the removal of the uterus. In practice, however, this is far from reality.
Modern gynecology offers various types of fibroid surgery. In most cases, this involves a myomectomy – the removal of the tumor without affecting the uterus. This is especially important for women who want to become pregnant. Only in rare cases, when the fibroid is too large, grows rapidly, complications arise, or there is a suspicion of cancer, do doctors recommend a hysterectomy. However, doctors always try to preserve a woman's reproductive capacity whenever possible.
Myth 2: After surgery, having children is no longer possible
The removal of uterine fibroids doesn’t mean that a woman loses the ability to become pregnant or give birth. On the contrary, in some cases, the surgery increases the likelihood of pregnancy, especially if the fibroid has interfered with embryo implantation or caused miscarriages.
Indeed, much depends on the size and location of the fibroid, as well as the method of removal. After surgery, you should follow your doctor's recommendations, wait a certain period of time (usually 6–12 months), and undergo routine checkups before planning a pregnancy. However, surgery does not mean a woman is infertile. Most women become pregnant and give birth successfully after a myomectomy.
Myth 3: Every surgery is dangerous and leads to complications.
Every surgical procedure carries certain risks, but modern methods for removing fibroids are significantly safer than they were 20–30 years ago. Today, minimally invasive methods such as laparoscopy and hysteroscopy are used, allowing tumor removal with minimal tissue damage and rapid healing.
In addition, advances in anesthesia, antiseptics, and postoperative care can significantly reduce the risk of complications. If the surgery is performed according to the indication and in an experienced clinic, the likelihood of serious complications is extremely low. Most fibroid removal surgeries are successful and without serious consequences. You can search for "fibroid doctor" to find an experienced and qualified specialist in your area.
Myth 4: After the surgery, a woman's life changes forever
This myth fuels many fears: from the inability to exercise to a complete change in her sex life. In fact, it all depends on the specific situation. If one or more tumors were removed during laparoscopic surgery, a woman can return to a normal life after recovery (usually 2–6 weeks): work, travel, exercise, and sexual activity.
Indeed, you will need to observe restrictions for some time after the surgery: avoid lifting heavy objects, excessive strain, and sexual activity. However, these restrictions are temporary. If the fibroid caused pain, heavy menstruation, and discomfort before the surgery, the woman's quality of life can be significantly improved after treatment. After fibroid removal, most women feel better, not worse.
Myth 5: It's better to do nothing until the fibroid grows large
Some women postpone surgery out of fear of surgery, thinking that if the fibroid doesn't bother them, they can just live with it. The problem is that fibroids grow unnoticed and can eventually cause serious symptoms: heavy bleeding, anemia, pressure on the pelvic organs, pain, and infertility.
The larger the fibroid, the more difficult it is to remove. Larger tumors require more traumatic procedures, take longer to heal, and are more likely to cause complications. On the contrary, the earlier the fibroid is detected, the simpler and easier the treatment. Sometimes surgery can even be avoided by using medication or minimally invasive methods. Early diagnosis is the key to simple and safe treatment.