How Fibroid Surgery Helped Woman Restore Her Hope for Motherhood

Maria Cedeño’s dream of becoming a mother may indeed turn into reality. And she credits Cleveland Clinic Martin Health for giving her back that hope.

The 39-year-old Jensen Beach resident is a behavioral analyst who works with children with learning disabilities. She had put her family plans on hold to focus on her studies and career. But now she is engaged to be married and hoping to become a mother someday too.

Maria had been dealing with irregular periods since February 2023. An in vitro fertilization (IVF) specialist she had been seeing discovered that Maria had several large fibroids (growths made of muscle and tissue that grow in and on the wall of the uterus) and recommended she see a gynecologist. A friend referred her to Katerina Alexander, MD, an OB/Gyn with Cleveland Clinic Martin Health.

“Seeing Dr. Alexander was the best thing I could have done,” Maria says. “Since then, it has been like a blessing. She is kind and a good listener. We connected the first time we met.”

Left: Maria Cedeño being prepped for uterine fibroid surgery at Cleveland Clinic Martin North Hospital. Right: Cedeño post-surgery. Pictures courtesy of Cleveland Clinic.

Dr. Alexander presented two options to Maria for the surgical removal of the fibroids: traditional open surgery or minimally invasive surgery through the vagina. After conducting an MRI and a vaginal ultrasound, it was determined that open surgery to clear the fibroids from the uterus would be more beneficial, as there were multiple large fibroids that were partially inside and partially outside the uterus.

On January 2, 2025, Maria underwent open surgery for her fibroids at Cleveland Clinic Martin North Hospital. Dr. Alexander removed six fibroids and was able to preserve Maria’s uterus. Maria spent three days recovering in the hospital and praised the staff for being very accommodating in providing her all the care she needed.

“I didn’t even feel that I had a surgery. I was up and walking the same day and I only needed pain medication for one day,” Maria says.

Maria Cedeño pictured with her fiancé at a social event following her surgery. Pictures courtesy of Maria Cedeño

After the surgery her periods returned to normal, and she says she feels great overall. She has recently been able to resume IVF treatment and intends to have Dr. Alexander take care of her during pregnancy and childbirth.

“Cleveland Clinic doctors and staff are so passionate and professional and so caring in the way they treat patients,” Maria says. “They are always on top of their game.”