One in five women of child-bearing age suffer from heavy and excessive bleeding during their monthly cycle. For many women, the problem may be so severe as to become incapacitating. In the past, the removal of the uterus, a hysterectomy, was the only option for women. Now, a new minimally invasive procedure, Endometrial Ablation, may correct this all-too-common problem. Physicians at Medical West currently perform this procedure on qualifying women.
Endometrial Ablation is an outpatient procedure that allows patients to return to normal activity within a day or two. The procedure involves removing the lining of a woman’s uterus, in contrast with a hysterectomy, in which the entire uterus is removed. For most women, the ablation stops all menstrual flow.
The advantages to Endometrial Ablation are numerous. The procedure is minimally invasive with no surgical incision or organ removal. It is a safe and cost effective procedure compared with a hysterectomy. It is an outpatient procedure, enabling women to resume normal activities within a few days. Additionally, a woman’s hormone status is unaffected by the procedure.
Candidates for this procedure include women who suffer from prolonged, excessive menstrual flow and are incapacitated or limited in their activities every month, women who have undergone D & C procedures without success, women who have been treated with various hormonal therapies without response, and women who no longer wish to become pregnant.
Women who prefer to retain their fertility should not consider ablation, as the procedure destroys the lining of the uterus. Women with pelvic pain or other serious conditions may also be ineligible for this treatment.
Dr. Francois Blaudeau and Dr. Richard Stephen of Medical West are currently performing Endometrial Ablation. For more information or to make an appointment, call 996-WEST.