Endometrial Ablation
Most women don't realize heavy vaginal bleeding is not normal. Heavy bleeding is in fact a recognized condition for which treatments are available. In addition to hormone therapy, dilation and curettage (D&C), and hysterectomy, an increasingly popular option is endometrial ablation.
Endometrial ablation removes the endometrial lining of the uterus (endometrium), to treat heavy periods. Removing the endometrial lining decreases menstrual blood flow, and in many cases, can stop it completely. Heavy bleeding is most common for women between 40 and 50 years old. Losing too much blood can lead to anemia (low iron in the blood).
One in five women suffers from heavy periods or irregular bleeding. You may be suffering from heavy bleeding if:
- Your menstrual cycle seems abnormally long or heavy
- You are afraid of leaking through a pad or tampon in less than an hour
- You've been diagnosed with anemia from blood loss
Endometrial ablation is a short procedure performed as outpatient surgery or in the office depending on the type of ablation. There are no incisions as it is done through the vagina.
Endometrial ablation is for those women who are not planning to become pregnant. Pregnancy is not advised after an ablation.
Cryoablation
EvergreenHealth offers Her Option Cryoablation with ultrasound guidance in our office. This ablation is a safe and effective procedure that uses sub-zero temperatures to reduce your heavy periods to normal levels. The cold temperatures destroy the endometrium so there is less tissue to shed during each period. The natural analgesic effect of these low temperature reduce patient discomfort during the office procedure. Ultrasound guidance during this procedure lets your physician monitor the therapy as it happens, offering an additional level of safety. The treatment does not require general anesthesia. Instead, it is done with prescription medications and in some cases, local anesthesia.
Novasure
Novasure is a safe and effective ablation procedure that the physicians at EvergreenHealth perform in an out-patient surgical center using general anesthesia.
Novasure is a minimally invasive procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to destroy the endometrium. A slender wand is passed into the uterus through the vagina and the cervix. The end of the wand expands to conform to the inside of the uterus. Radiofrequency energy is then delivered for about 90 seconds. The wand is then collapsed and carefully removed from the uterus.
In most cases, women can expect the treated uterine lining to shed, like a period, for 7 to 10 days following the procedure.
For more information about Novasure ablation go to www.novasure.com.
