Is Myomectomy Painful? Debunking Myths

Medicine Made Simple Summary

Pain is one of the biggest fears when someone is told they may need a myomectomy. The truth is, the surgery itself is done under anesthesia, so you do not feel pain during the procedure. After surgery, some discomfort is normal, but modern pain relief methods make recovery far more comfortable than most people expect. The amount of pain depends on the type of surgery and your body’s healing process. This article breaks myths, explains what pain actually feels like, how long it lasts, and how doctors manage it so you can feel prepared, not afraid.

First, the Most Important Truth

You do not feel pain during a myomectomy. The surgery is done under anesthesia, so you are asleep or fully numbed when the procedure happens. Many people imagine they will “feel everything” during surgery. That never happens.

Pain begins only after surgery, once the anesthesia wears off. Even then, doctors do not let you suffer. Medication and nursing care start immediately after surgery.

Key things to understand:

• No pain during surgery
• Pain management begins before you wake up
• Doctors monitor discomfort closely
• Pain relief is part of standard care, not optional

Why People Think Myomectomy Is Extremely Painful

Fear comes mostly from stories, not reality. Online forums often highlight extreme cases. People who recover smoothly rarely post about it.

Another reason is confusion between older open surgeries and modern minimally invasive surgery. Today, many myomectomies use small cuts rather than large openings.

Common reasons behind fear:

• Horror stories on social media
• Confusing open surgery with all surgeries
• Fear of the unknown
• Bad childhood memories of hospitals
• Lack of explanation from doctors

Pain sounds terrifying when you don’t understand it.

What Kind of Pain Are We Talking About?

Post-surgical pain is not one single sensation. It happens in layers and changes as the body heals.

Most women describe it as soreness rather than sharp pain. The feeling is similar to muscle ache after intense exercise combined with internal tenderness.

You may experience:

• Mild cramping like a period
• Tenderness near the incision
• Gas pain after laparoscopy
• Abdominal tightness
• Fatigue rather than pain

Pain does not worsen over time. It improves every day.

Does the Type of Myomectomy Affect Pain?

Yes. The type of surgery strongly influences how pain feels.

Hysteroscopic myomectomy causes the least discomfort because there is no abdominal cut. Laparoscopic and robotic methods cause moderate soreness. Open surgery causes the most pain initially due to a larger incision.

General comparison:

• Hysteroscopic: mild discomfort and cramps
• Laparoscopic / Robotic: muscle soreness and bloating
• Open surgery: deeper pain for a few days, then improvement

Doctors choose the method based on safety, not comfort alone.

How Long Does Pain Last?

Pain reduces steadily. It does not stay the same forever.

Most women feel the maximum discomfort in the first 24–48 hours. After that, improvement is noticeable daily.

Typical healing pattern:

• First 2 days: soreness, tightness
• First week: pain reduces
• Second week: movement improves
• After one month: most discomfort gone
• After two months: near complete recovery in open surgery

With laparoscopy, recovery is faster.

How Is Pain Controlled?

Pain management today is advanced and effective. Doctors plan pain control before surgery even begins.

You are given medications through the vein at first. Later, oral medicines are prescribed. If pain is not controlled, dosages are adjusted.

Pain relief methods include:

• IV painkillers
• Oral medications
• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Local anesthetics
• Muscle relaxants
• Walking and positioning support

You are never expected to endure pain silently.

Common Fear: “Will It Hurt More Than Fibroids Pain?”

Most women report the opposite.

Fibroid pain lasts for years. Surgical pain lasts for days.

After surgery, pain has a clear direction. It fades.

Fibroid pain is uncertain. It repeats.

That is why many women later say they wish they had done it sooner.

Emotional Pain Is Real

Fear makes pain feel worse.

When a person is tense, every sensation feels stronger. Worry slows healing. Muscles stiffen. Sleep reduces. Appetite drops.

Ways to reduce emotional pain:

• Talk openly with your doctor
• Ask specific questions
• Avoid online panic articles
• Rest without guilt
• Accept help

Calm heals faster than stress.

When Pain Means Something Is Wrong

Some pain is normal. Some pain must never be ignored.

See your doctor urgently if you experience:

• Fever
• Increasing pain after improvement
• Swelling around the incision
• Foul-smelling discharge
• Severe bleeding
• Persistent vomiting

These are rare, but always addressed.

Will I Be Able to Sleep After Surgery?

Yes. You may feel uncomfortable but sleep is supported with medication and care.

You may need pillows. You may wake often in the first few nights. This is normal.

Tips for sleeping:

• Sleep on side with pillow support
• Take medicine before bed
• Avoid flat lying if sore
• Do not strain
• Nap often

Rest = recovery.

Can I Reduce Pain Naturally?

Yes. Medicine works better with good habits.

Helpful practices include:

• Walking gently
• Drinking warm fluids
• Eating light food
• Breathing deeply
• Supporting your abdomen
• Wearing comfortable clothes

Healing needs movement and nourishment.

Will There Be Long-Term Pain?

Long-term pain is uncommon.

Most women feel better than before after healing completes.

There may be internal scarring in rare cases. But pain that continues beyond healing is not common.

The usual outcome is relief, not suffering.

When Pain Feels “Worth It”

• When bleeding normalises.
• When anemia disappears.
• When pressure vanishes.
• When walking feels easy.
• When pregnancy becomes possible.

The body forgets pain quickly. It remembers relief forever.

Conclusion

Myomectomy is not painless. But it is not unbearable. It is controlled discomfort with a purpose. Freedom from suffering has a price, but it is short. Living with fibroids costs much more.

If pain is the only reason you are delaying care, book a consultation. A doctor’s explanation helps more than ten late-night searches. Relief begins with understanding.