Heavy Bleeding

Heavy periods are a common problem affecting up to one in five women during their lifetime. Many don’t realize that this problem can be treated and accept it as part of “being a woman.” Others think that major surgery is the only answer and avoid seeking care. There is a successful option to a hysterectomy for abnormal bleeding called an endometrial ablation.    

Ablation involves the destruction of the lining of the uterus. After placing the patient under anesthesia, a narrow instrument is passed through the cervix into the uterine cavity. Typically using electrocautery, laser, or heat, the lining of the uterus is destroyed. This lining, which normally sheds every month, becomes scarred down, lessoning menstrual flow. Many women stop having periods entirely.

This procedure is ideal for several groups of women. There are those who prefer a more conservative treatment for their problem instead of major surgery with a hysterectomy. Other women have commitments such as work or family. They simply don’t have six weeks to take off for major surgery and recovery. And still others may be at high risk for major surgery because of problems such as heart or lung disease.

For the last 20 years, this procedure has been done in the day surgery setting with the patient under anesthesia. Now advances in technology allow us to perform the procedure in the office under a local block. The procedure is called cryoablation and uses a freezing technique to destroy the lining of the uterus. This is the same technique used for years on liver tumors, prostate cancer, and uterine fibroids. The system, produced by American Medical Systems, Inc. is called Her Option cryoablation system.

There are many reasons that women choose the Her Option cryoablation, including:

• High success rate
• No incisions
• No being “put to sleep” with general anesthesia, no IVs
• No disruption in natural hormone production
• Can be done in the office instead of the hospital
• Single treatment, takes less than an hour
• Return to daily activities the next day

This procedure is not for everyone. Treatment options need to be tailored to each individual patient. The indications, risks, benefits and alternatives need to be discussed with each patient and her physician. Then an informed decision can be made. 

If you suffer from heavy periods, call today for a consultation or second opinion. Take the next step in improving the quality of your life. This procedure is standard medical therapy and typically covered by insurance.