Surgery choice

Myomectomy vs hysterectomy: do I have to lose my uterus?

Many women are still told hysterectomy is the only option. In experienced hands, uterus-sparing surgery is possible in the great majority of fibroid cases — including large and multiple fibroids.

Op. Dr. Berra Önsoy — Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist
Medically written & reviewed by
Op. Dr. Berra Önsoy · Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist
Istanbul, Turkey · 29 years of clinical practice · 8 min read · Consults in English & Turkish

Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa (English) MD, 1997. Ob-Gyn residency at Taksim Training & Research Hospital (2001). Private practice in Istanbul focused on endometriosis, myoma surgery, high-risk pregnancy and aesthetic gynaecology.

Clinical focus
  • Endometriosis surgery
  • Myoma (fibroid) surgery
  • High-risk pregnancy
  • Aesthetic gynaecology
  • HPV & colposcopy
Last medically reviewed: 15 January 2026View full clinical credentials·Verify on:drberraonsoy.cominstagram.com
Key takeaways
  • Hysterectomy is not the only answer for fibroids.
  • Myomectomy is possible for most fibroid burdens with expert hands.
  • Preserving the uterus offers benefits beyond fertility.

What myomectomy is

Myomectomy removes fibroids while preserving the uterus. It is the standard of care for women who want to retain fertility, avoid hysterectomy for personal or cultural reasons, or preserve the hormonal and structural role of the uterus.

When myomectomy is possible

Modern gynaecological surgery makes myomectomy possible for most fibroid burdens — including multiple fibroids and fibroids up to 15–20 cm. The main determinants are surgical expertise, imaging planning, and access to laparoscopic reconstruction techniques.

Hysterectomy remains a valid choice — and sometimes the safest — when a woman has completed her family, has extremely severe disease, or specifically prefers a one-off definitive solution.

The advantages of keeping your uterus

Beyond fertility, the uterus preserves pelvic floor support and normal hormonal signalling. Studies show slightly higher rates of urinary incontinence, pelvic prolapse, and hormonal changes following hysterectomy compared to myomectomy — even when ovaries are preserved.

Uterus-sparing surgery in Turkey

In Istanbul, myomectomy is offered as the default for women wanting to preserve their uterus, including for large or multiple fibroids that a UK hospital might quote as hysterectomy-only. A specialist consultation reviews your MRI and outlines exactly which technique is planned.

Frequently asked questions

How many fibroids can be removed in one myomectomy?

In experienced hands, 20 or more fibroids can be removed in a single operation.

Will my fibroids come back after myomectomy?

New fibroids can develop over years — about 25% of women need further treatment within 10 years — but the removed fibroids do not regrow.

Is myomectomy riskier than hysterectomy?

Blood loss can be higher, but overall complication rates in specialist centres are comparable.

Could a doctor-led plan help you?

A 30-minute video consultation with Dr Berra Önsoy — reviewing your imaging and giving you a clear personalised plan for uterus-sparing fibroid surgery.

Request a video consultation

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