No longer will you have to schedule your life
around your period.
Endometrial Ablation Treatment for Heavy Bleeding
Endometrial Ablation is a safe and effective treatment for irregular and/or heavy periods. It is an option when the cause of the bleeding is from a benign or non-cancerous condition such as hormonal abnormalities, uterine polyps or fibroids. This procedure is appropriate when medication treatments are not preferable or effective. Endometrial Ablation is only an option once child bearing is complete.
What is an Endometrial Ablation Procedure?
An Endometrial Ablation is an outpatient procedure which involves first looking in the uterus with a hysteroscope (camera) to diagnose uterine polyps or fibroids. Next, the Novasure, a triangular mesh wand is introduced through the cervix and expands to fill the uterus. The NovaSure delivers a precisely measured radio frequency through the mesh for about 90 seconds. This causes the endometrial lining to shed and then prevents it’s regrowth and in this way decreases bleeding.
The Out-Patient Endometrial Ablation Procedure:
Prior to the day of the procedure:
- Most women will have an ultrasound of the uterus as an outpatient to measure it’s size and look for uterine polyps or fibroids.
- A sample of the endometrium is taken in the office to exclude the possibility of cancer.
On the day of the procedure:
- The procedure can be done under local or general anesthesia. At Women’s Health Wise, we will discuss which option is best for you.
- A hysterscope (camera) is inserted in the uterus to diagnose uterine polyps or fibroids which may or may not need to be removed prior to the ablation.
- The Novasure is inserted into the uterus and is used to perform the ablation.
What are the Benefits of Endometrial Ablation Therapy?
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- An Ablation is less invasive and has a shorter recovery than a hysterectomy.
- It is less costly than a hysterectomy and is covered by most insurance companies.
- Reduces problem bleeding by about 91% in patients. Over 50 % of women will not have any further bleeding. Of the remaining 50%, most will have lighter and less painful menstrual cycles, however a few may have no improvement.
- Premenstrual symptoms (PMS) are often reduced as bleeding and pain are decreased.