Heavy Periods and Endometrial Ablation
http://www.countywomanmagazines.com/articles/274/1/Heavy-Periods-and-Endometrial-Ablation/Page1.html
Richard G. Tucker, D.O., FACOOG (Dist.)
Dr. Richard Tucker is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology. He is Past President and Distinguished Fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists. He is a clinical associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and the University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey/SOM. Dr. Tucker is affiliated with Regional Women's Health Group, LLC and maintains his private practice in two New Jersey locations in Mount Laurel and Manahawkin. He is on the medical staff at Virtua Memorial Hospital of Burlington County and Memorial Ambulatory Surgery Center. By Richard G. Tucker, D.O., FACOOG (Dist.)
Published on March 26, 2010
One in five women experience abnormal heavy menstrual bleeding which can lead to extreme fatigue, anemia, and limited activity for fear of embarrassing accidents. This can place severe restrictions on a woman’s personal life as well as cause problems in the work-place with additional costs due to time lost.
One in five women experience abnormal heavy menstrual bleeding which can lead to extreme fatigue, anemia, and limited activity for fear of embarrassing accidents. This can place severe restrictions on a woman’s personal life as well as cause problems in the work-place with additional costs due to time lost.
In the past, aggressive therapy consisted of hysterectomy. But major surgery has its risks and severely limits a woman’s ability to return to full activity for a considerable amount of time both at home and at work.
Fortunately, with today’s technology, there is a new treatment option which is quick, safe and has a short recovery period. This new treatment is called Endometrial Ablation. This means that the lining of the uterus (endometrium) is treated to reduce its buildup thereby shortening, lessening, or eliminating periods. It does not affect the ovaries, so it does not interfere with normal hormonal production, thereby eliminating the need for hormonal replacement therapy.
Initially, the lining of the uterus was treated with lasers or equipment borrowed from urologists to remove or resect the endometrium down to the underlying muscle. Now, more sophisticated devices are being used which are safer and treatment can be performed without general anesthesia.
The following are new endometrial ablation methods that are placed through the vagina and into the lining of the uterus:
Most women see a significant reduction in their menstrual bleeding. Many women notice less menstrual cramping, less PMS symptomatology, and some even stop bleeding altogether without menopausal symptoms since the ovaries are not treated.
This new minimally invasive therapy for excessive menstrual bleeding is:
In the past, aggressive therapy consisted of hysterectomy. But major surgery has its risks and severely limits a woman’s ability to return to full activity for a considerable amount of time both at home and at work.
Fortunately, with today’s technology, there is a new treatment option which is quick, safe and has a short recovery period. This new treatment is called Endometrial Ablation. This means that the lining of the uterus (endometrium) is treated to reduce its buildup thereby shortening, lessening, or eliminating periods. It does not affect the ovaries, so it does not interfere with normal hormonal production, thereby eliminating the need for hormonal replacement therapy.
Initially, the lining of the uterus was treated with lasers or equipment borrowed from urologists to remove or resect the endometrium down to the underlying muscle. Now, more sophisticated devices are being used which are safer and treatment can be performed without general anesthesia.
The following are new endometrial ablation methods that are placed through the vagina and into the lining of the uterus:
- Radio Frequency (Electrical Energy) – a precisely measured amount of energy is delivered through a slender hand held device
- Balloon – a small balloon is placed and filled with hot water
- Hot Water (Hydrothermal) – fluid is introduced and is heated to a precise temperature
- Freezing (Cryoablation) – a small device is inserted and the temperature is dropped to freeze the lining
- Microwave – a small probe delivers energy to heat the lining
Most women see a significant reduction in their menstrual bleeding. Many women notice less menstrual cramping, less PMS symptomatology, and some even stop bleeding altogether without menopausal symptoms since the ovaries are not treated.
This new minimally invasive therapy for excessive menstrual bleeding is:
- an alternative to hysterectomy.
- done in the office.
- a treatment affording a rapid recovery with return to a normal lifestyle and cost savings for patients and employers.
- able to reduce or eliminate excessive menstrual periods.