Uterine fibroid removal is a major medical procedure; before you decide to undergo it, it is important to ask your doctor some important questions. This will help you better understand the process, potential risks, and consequences and make an informed decision. Here are six important questions you should discuss with your doctor before surgery.

1. What are my alternative treatment options?
The first question you should ask your doctor is about any possible alternative treatment for uterine fibroids. These may include medication, less invasive procedures, or even observation if the fibroids are not causing significant symptoms. Some possible alternatives include hormone therapy, which uses drugs such as a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist to shrink fibroids. 

Ultrasound ablation, which uses ultrasound to destroy the fibroids, and uterine artery embolization, which blocks the blood vessels supplying the fibroids and causes them to shrink, are also options. It is important to discuss the pros and cons of each method with your doctor and understand why fibroid removal may be the best option for you.

2. How can surgery affect my fertility?
If you plan to have children in the future, this question is crucial. Fibroid removal may affect your fertility, depending on the location, size of the fibroids, and the type of surgery. The doctor should explain what type of surgery will be used: myomectomy (only fibroids are removed) or hysterectomy (removal of the entire uterus). 

It is also important to know how the surgery may affect your chances of getting pregnant, as fertility may be preserved after a myomectomy in some cases, but there are also risks. Also, discuss the possibility of a natural birth or the need for a cesarean section, depending on the type and extent of the procedure. Discuss all possible scenarios with your doctor and make sure you understand how the procedure may affect your reproductive health.

3. What are the risks associated with the surgery?
Fibroid removal surgery, like any surgical procedure, carries certain risks. The doctor must explain in detail all possible complications that may occur during and after the surgery. The main risks include infection, possibly after surgery, significant blood loss during or after the procedure, the risk of damage to nearby organs such as the bladder or bowel, and scarring that can affect future fertility. Understanding all the potential risks will help you prepare and reduce anxiety before the procedure.

4. What is the recovery process after surgery?
Knowing what to expect during recovery will help you better prepare for this phase. Ask your doctor about the length of your stay and how long you will spend in the hospital after surgery. 

Ask for recommendations and precautions for self-care at home. It is important to know when you can return to normal activities and sports, how much pain to expect, and how to manage it. The doctor should provide detailed instructions and recommendations to ensure recovery goes as smoothly as possible.

5. What might be the long-term consequences?
Some of the consequences of the operation may not appear until long after the procedure. It is important to discuss any long-term effects with your doctor, such as changes in your menstrual cycle and how the surgery may affect the regularity and intensity of your periods. 

Discuss possible complications, such as the risk of adhesions, scarring, or other problems that could affect your health in the future. It is also important to inform yourself about the need for further treatment and the likelihood of the recurrence of fibroids or other gynecological problems. 

6. What is your experience in performing such operations?
One key factor in the success of the procedure is the experience and qualifications of the fibroid doctor. Ask your doctor how many similar procedures they have performed, what the results were for previous patients, and whether they have specialized training in gynecological surgery. 

An experienced doctor will be able to minimize the risks and ensure a more favorable outcome of the procedure. Don’t hesitate to ask about the qualifications and experience of the specialist to whom you entrust your health.