The short answer
A myomectomy removes the fibroids and keeps your womb, so you can still try for a pregnancy, but new fibroids can grow later. A hysterectomy removes the womb, so fibroids cannot come back and periods stop, but you cannot carry a pregnancy afterwards. For most women the deciding question is whether you want, or may want, to carry a pregnancy in future.
Book a myomectomy, from ₦1,000,000Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
The two operations in plain words
Myomectomy: the surgeon opens the womb, shells out each fibroid, and stitches the wall of the womb back in layers. The womb stays, your periods continue, and pregnancy remains possible.
Hysterectomy: the surgeon removes the womb, usually with the cervix. Your ovaries are often left in place if they are healthy, so your hormones carry on. Periods stop for good and pregnancy is no longer possible.
Both can be done through a cut on the tummy, and some can be done by keyhole surgery. Your surgeon will explain which approach suits your fibroids.
When a myomectomy usually makes more sense
- You want to try for a baby, now or in the future
- You are not sure yet, and do not want to close the door
- Keeping your womb matters to you, for any reason, including faith or how you see yourself
- Your fibroids can be removed without damaging too much of the womb
When a hysterectomy usually makes more sense
- You have finished having children and are sure
- You have had a myomectomy before and the fibroids have returned
- There are a great many fibroids, or adenomyosis as well, so a myomectomy would leave the womb badly scarred and symptoms likely to continue
- You want a permanent end to heavy periods
- You are close to menopause and the fibroids are troubling you
How they compare
Blood loss and transfusion: both can involve bleeding. A myomectomy with many large fibroids can bleed more than a straightforward hysterectomy. Building up your blood beforehand matters for both.
Recurrence: after a myomectomy, new fibroids can grow and some women need further treatment years later. After a hysterectomy, fibroids cannot return.
Recovery: with a cut on the tummy, both usually take around six weeks before you feel close to normal, and longer before heavy lifting. Keyhole operations are usually quicker to recover from.
Future pregnancy: after a myomectomy, especially where the cavity of the womb was opened, your obstetrician may advise a planned caesarean for any future birth. After a hysterectomy, pregnancy is not possible.
A small risk to know about before a myomectomy
Rarely, bleeding during a myomectomy cannot be controlled any other way, and the surgeon has to remove the womb to save the woman's life. This is uncommon, but it is the reason the surgeon will discuss it with you and ask for your consent beforehand. Ask your surgeon how likely this is with your fibroids, and what they would do to reduce bleeding.
The decision is yours
In Nigeria, family, a husband or a mother-in-law often has strong views on this. Their support matters, but the operation is on your body, and the consent is yours to give. A good gynaecologist will give you time, answer every question, and never rush you into removing your womb. If you are unsure, a second opinion is reasonable, and you can book one on Mezo.
What it costs on Mezo
Two units of blood cross-matched and available are included.
Common questions
I am 42 with fibroids and no children. Should I still have a myomectomy?
If you want to try for a pregnancy, a myomectomy is usually the operation that keeps that option open. A gynaecologist will also talk honestly about fertility at your age, and may suggest seeing a fertility specialist alongside the surgery.
Will a hysterectomy put me into menopause?
Not if your ovaries are kept, which is common when they are healthy. Your hormones carry on, although menopause may come a little earlier than it otherwise would. Removing the ovaries before menopause does bring on menopause straight away.
Which operation costs less?
On Mezo a myomectomy is from ₦1,000,000 and a hysterectomy is from ₦1,600,000. Your written all-in quote follows the assessment, because the number and size of the fibroids change the operation.
Can my husband refuse to sign for a hysterectomy?
You are the patient, and the consent is yours. Many women like their partner to be part of the conversation, and the surgeon can explain the reasons to both of you together.
The procedures
Related health guides
More patient guides
Sources and further reading
The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- Fibroids. NHS. Patient information.
- Hysterectomy. NHS. Patient information.
Links last checked 22 October 2026.
Medical disclaimer: This guide is general information and does not replace advice from your own doctor. Where your centre's instructions differ from this guide, follow theirs.