Menorrhagia occurs in 1 out of every 5 women and is defined as unusually heavy and/or long-lasting menstrual periods. Many women do not seek treatment because they are embarrassed to discuss their periods; they think their bleeding is normal because it has always been that way; or they are afraid of the treatment options. If your period lasts a long time or is so heavy you need to change pads or tampons every 1 or 2 hours, then you may have menorrhagia.
There are several different ways to treat your heavy periods, including hormones, hormone-releasing IUD and D&C; and for women who are finished having children, hysterectomy and endometrial ablation are also options.
Endometrial ablation is a procedure that permanently removes the lining of the uterus through the quick delivery of radio frequency energy. Your Arbor ObGyn physician can perform endometrial ablation in the office with* or without general anesthesia that can put an end to your heavy periods and the resulting symptoms. Approximately 95% of patients experience little to no significant pain during the procedure and it does not require incisions. Patients go home the same day and are typically back to work in 1 or 2 days. Most women see a great decrease in their level of menstrual bleeding with about 91% of women reporting normal bleeding or less and 40-50% reporting no bleeding at all. Many women also had a significant reduction in painful periods and PMS symptoms.
You and your doctor can decide which treatment option is best for your menorrhagia.
*Your physician may discuss IV anesthesia with a Board Certified Anesthesiologist during office ablation.