There is help for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
Thermal Ablation of the Endometrium with the "balloon"
Thermal ablation is an effective technique for treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding without resorting to hysterectomy. About 85% of women experience a significant decrease in menstrual flow or no flow at all. These changes are permanent because a large portion of the endometrial lining is eliminated.
- A silicon balloon is inserted into the endometrial cavity and filled with hot water for an eight-minute cycle, thermally destroying the lining of the uterus.
- Heavy menstrual bleeding is a subjective problem--clots, changing every hour, accidents, anemia, missing work.
- Ablation is indicated for heavy bleeding with a normal uterus--no fibroids or polyps--when hormones offer no help.
- Ablation should not be done in women who want more children.
- Thermal ablation is an outpatient procedure with a one-day recovery.
- The procedure is safe and effective and half the cost of a hysterectomy.
Pine Tree Women's Care is a Program of Franklin Memorial Hospital.