Living with heavy periods shouldn’t be something you simply deal with each month. Instead, you should be researching options to treat prolonged menstrual bleeding in Howard County.
One of the best treatments available is endometrial ablation. Here’s what you need to know about this minimally invasive surgery, including how it works, the benefits, and what to expect during recovery.
What Is Heavy Menstrual Bleeding?
Heavy menstrual bleeding is a condition that causes prolonged or abnormally heavy periods. Common signs of heavy flow include:
- Soaking through one or more pads or tampons every hour
- Needing to use two pads or tampons
- Waking at night to change pad or tampon
- Passing large blood clots
- Bleeding for more than seven days
Heavy periods can be caused by hormonal imbalances, uterine fibroids, polyps, and even certain medications. But in some instances, there’s no specific cause.
The condition is diagnosed with a physical exam as well as diagnostic tests. Your healthcare provider will ask about your menstrual cycle, including how long it lasts, how often you change tampons or pads, and whether you pass clots.
A pelvic exam may be performed to check for abnormalities along with other tests such as a pap smear, ultrasound, blood tests, or an endometrial biopsy.
In some instances, a hysteroscopy may be performed to visually inspect the uterus.
These tests are needed to rule out hormonal imbalances, fibroids, or fibroids.
What Is Endometrial Ablation?
Endometrial ablation is a procedure that destroys the endometrium, which is the lining of the uterus. This is the layer that is removed during menstruation.
By damaging or removing this lining, the procedure greatly reduces, or even stops, abnormal uterine bleeding.
It’s a safe, effective option for women who haven’t had success with other treatments, but is reserved for women who aren’t planning to get pregnant again.
The procedure can be performed using various techniques, including heat, cold, electrosurgical, and microwave ablation.
The method that’s used depends on your unique anatomy and your provider’s recommendation.
What Are the Benefits?
There are many reasons why this treatment is one of the go-to options for treating heavy menstrual bleeding. Some key benefits include:
- Significantly lighter periods, or no monthly bleeding at all
- The procedure is quick, usually taking an hour or less
- There are no incisions
- It’s performed in an outpatient setting
- There’s a short recovery period
Most importantly, this procedure improves quality of life. Heavy periods cause discomfort, fatigue, and even embarrassment.
Is It Safe to Treat Prolonged Menstrual Bleeding in Howard County With Endometrial Ablation?
Endometrial ablation is generally safe and effective. As with any procedure, there are some potential risks, but when performed by the right doctor, the risks are minimal.
It’s important to have a detailed conversation with your provider to ensure that you’re a good candidate for this treatment.
Some conditions, such as a recent pregnancy or uterine abnormalities, could disqualify you from this procedure.
What Is Recovery Like?
Recovery is quick and easy for most women. For a day or two after treatment, you may experience mild to moderate cramps, which can be treated using over-the-counter pain relievers.
You may also experience bloody or water discharge, along with fatigue.
Most patients return to their normal daily activities within three days.
Your doctor may recommend avoiding tampon use, sexual activity, and strenuous exercise for one to two weeks. Be sure to follow all post-op care steps to ensure your recovery is as easy as possible.
Choose Us to Treat Prolonged Menstrual Bleeding in Howard County
Endometrial ablation can be a life-changing procedure for women who experience heavy bleeding each month.
Wondering if this procedure is right for you? Want to learn more by discussing with a doctor?
Contact our office online or give us a call at 410-314-0001 to schedule an appointment today!
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