Alternatives to hysterectomy

Women experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding who wish to avoid major surgery now have less invasive options in the form of endometrial ablation, or the removal of the uterine lining. Most women have little or no menstrual bleeding after endometrial ablation, and can usually return to their normal activities in a day or two. Our office performs two procedures for treating heavy periods: NovaSure and Thermachoice.

Heavy menstrual bleeding

Unusually heavy or long-lasting menstrual periods, a condition known as menorrhagia, affects nearly 20 percent of women. If your periods regularly last longer than 7 days, or if you have to change pads or tampons every 1 to 2 hours, you may have menorrhagia.

Heavy period symptoms

Signs and symptoms of unusually heavy periods may include:

• Periods that last more than 7 days
• Heavy bleeding that soaks through one or more pads or tampons every hour
• The need to use both pads and tampons for more protection
• Heavy bleeding that includes large blood clots
• Heavy menstrual bleeding that interferes with your daily activities

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Endometrial ablation

Women are often embarrassed to discuss their heavy menstrual periods with their doctor, or they think their heavy bleeding is normal. Women may also fear being told that they need a hysterectomy. As a result, only a small percentage of women with menorrhagia actually seek treatment. However, minimally invasive procedures are now available that can successfully treat menorrhagia in an outpatient setting with minimal side effects

Endometrial ablation is a procedure that reduces or eliminates menstrual bleeding by permanently removing the lining of the uterus. No incisions are necessary for an ablation procedure — your doctor will insert tools through the vagina and the cervix to reach your uterus. The tools and the method vary slightly depending on the type of ablation procedure performed.

Our office offers two types of endometrial ablation: NovaSure and Thermachoice.

Ablation side effects

Endometrial ablation is appropriate only for women who are finished having children. Ablation procedures carry the same risks associated with any minimally invasive surgical procedure, including pain, bleeding or infection. Endometrial ablation cannot be reversed. Schedule an appointment with one of our doctors today to see if endometrial ablation is right for you.

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For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact the Center for Women’s Health at 913-491-6878.