Recovering from myomectomy is more than a physical process. It is a journey towards feeling like yourself again. Understanding the body changes after myomectomy helps you navigate this healing period with confidence, knowing what to expect at each stage and when to celebrate the small victories along the way.
This article will guide you through what the healing process can feel like and how your body may respond to it. We will share some steps to help you manage your recovery and regain your well-being.
What Happens During Myomectomy?
Myomectomy surgery can be performed in different ways, depending on the size, number, and location of your fibroids.
Laparoscopic myomectomy uses keyhole surgery with small cuts, allowing for faster recovery and often same-day discharge.
Open myomectomy involves a larger incision across the lower abdomen, providing better access for more complex cases, but it requires a longer healing period. Your surgeon will recommend the approach that best suits your individual circumstances.
Discovering the Body Changes After Myomectomy
Your body has just undergone significant surgery, and the weeks ahead will bring both expected changes and welcome improvements. Here is what you can anticipate during your recovery journey.
The First Days: Meeting Your New Body
The initial days after myomectomy require patience and rest. You will likely experience pain around the surgical site, which your medical team will manage with prescribed medication. Do not be surprised if you feel more tired than usual. Your body is channelling enormous energy into healing.
Your surgeon will encourage gentle leg movements and short walks to prevent blood clots, even though movement may feel uncomfortable at first. You will likely notice soreness and tenderness around your scar, which is entirely normal. The recovery timeline varies considerably depending on your surgical approach.
If you have had a laparoscopic myomectomy, you might return home the same day or after a brief hospital stay. Most women resume normal activities within two to four weeks.
Open myomectomy involves a more substantial recovery period—up to six weeks before returning to your usual routine. Understanding these differences helps set realistic expectations for your healing timeline and the body changes afterwards.
Helpful Tips for the Recovery Phase
Recovery requires mindful attention to your body’s signals. Light vaginal bleeding or discharge may continue for several weeks as your uterus heals. This is normal, though you should contact your healthcare provider if bleeding becomes heavy or you develop a fever.
During the first week, avoid lifting anything heavier than 5–10 pounds—roughly the weight of a full kettle or a small handbag. If you have had open abdominal surgery, these restrictions extend longer. Your body needs time to heal and repair itself, and rushing this process can lead to complications.
Sexual activity, including vaginal intercourse, should be avoided for around six weeks to allow proper healing. When you do resume intimacy, proceed gently and communicate openly with your partner about any discomfort.
Most importantly, increase your activity levels gradually. Think of recovery as climbing a gentle hill rather than leaping back to your previous routine. Listen to your body, it will tell you when you are ready for more.
The Return of Your Cycle: First Period After Myomectomy
Your menstrual cycle should return four to six weeks after surgery, though timing varies between individuals. That first period after myomectomy can feel different from what you experienced before. Some women notice lighter bleeding, which is a welcome change if fibroids previously caused heavy flow. Others find their period arrives earlier or later than expected as their cycle adjusts.
You might experience cramping that feels different from your pre-surgery periods. This does not necessarily mean something is wrong, as your uterus is still healing and finding its new rhythm. Over the following months, your cycle usually settles into a pattern, often more comfortable and predictable than before the procedure.
If your periods were previously heavy and painful due to fibroids, the improvement can feel remarkable. Many women describe relief at experiencing normal menstrual flow for the first time in years. However, if you notice concerning changes such as extremely heavy bleeding, severe pain, or anything that feels unusual for you, don’t hesitate to contact your surgeon.
Looking Ahead: Energy, Fertility, Confidence
The long-term body changes after myomectomy often exceed expectations. As healing progresses, you will likely notice returning energy levels. Tasks that once felt exhausting become manageable again. The constant fatigue caused by heavy bleeding gradually lifts, revealing the strength you had forgotten you had.
For women hoping to conceive, myomectomy often improves fertility prospects by removing obstacles that prevent pregnancy. The surgery creates a healthier environment for conception and carrying a baby to term.
Bear in mind that some women who have had a myomectomy are advised to deliver via caesarean section, depending on the extent of the surgery. Discussing your birth plans with your obstetrician ensures you receive appropriate guidance when the time comes.
Beyond the physical improvements, many women describe emotional growth after myomectomy. There is a sense of feeling lighter, not just from the removal of fibroids, but from being freed from the symptoms that once dominated daily life. You might find yourself feeling more confident, more capable, more present in your own body.
Your Healing Journey Matters
The body changes after myomectomy unfold over weeks and months, not days. Each person’s experience differs, influenced by the surgical approach, the characteristics of the fibroids, and the individual’s healing capacity. What remains constant is the result: a healthier, more comfortable relationship with your body.
At London Women’s Centre, we understand that recovery extends beyond the operating room. If you have questions about myomectomy or concerns about your healing journey, our team is here to provide the expert, compassionate care you deserve. Your well-being matters, and supporting you through every stage of recovery is our priority.
