Unfortunately, when it comes to menstruation, some additional issues can arise that make it even more complicated, painful, or inconvenient to do deal with every month. For several reasons, some women may experience heavy flow every period, significant bleeding between periods, or periods that last a long time. While these symptoms can be caused by various reasons, dealing with them can be less than okay. If you suffer from heavy or long periods, your doctor may suggest you consider undergoing a procedure called endometrial ablation. We are going to look at what this procedure actually entails and the pros and cons of endometrial ablation.
Heavy Period Causes
While no two women have identical menstruation patterns or details, some do experience heavier bleeding than what would be considered “normal” or significant bleeding between two periods. There are several reasons as to why this occurs, and they include:
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Fibroids or polyps – these are cell growth masses, usually benign, that can grow in the uterus
- IUD – this is a non-hormonal birth control
- Bleeding disorders –while uncommon but diseases like Von Willebrand make it difficult to stop bleeding
- Adenomyosis – this condition is caused when the endometrial tissue growth causes the uterine wall to thicken
- Endometriosis – this condition is categorized by the growth of endometrial tissue outside of the uterine cavity
- Cancers – even more unlikely but the most severe of the potential causes, uterine cancer’s common symptom is heavy or abnormal bleeding
Solutions to the Problem
Prior to recommending endometrial ablation, your doctor may investigate your hormonal balance and rule out any serious conditions that may be the root cause of the heavy menstrual cycles. A common solution is using an intrauterine device (IUD) to help relieve heavy or problematic periods. However, this does not always work and leaves some women looking for another solution to their problem.
Upon hearing your doctor mention this procedure as a possible solution, your first thought may be, “what is endometrial ablation?” At a high level, this procedure is done to surgically destroy – ablate – the lining of the uterus (endometrium) with expected results being that the menstrual flow reduces or, in some cases, is stopped altogether. There are numerous methods of this procedure, and they all require no incisions to be made.
- Electrosurgery
- Cryoablation
- Hydrothermal
- Heated balloon
- Microwave
- Radiofrequency
Pros and Cons of Endometrial Ablation
Like with most medical procedures, there are going to be expected benefits and inherent risks involved, and endometrial ablation is no different.
Pros
- Reduced or eliminated heavy bleeding or menstruation
- Normal daily life during the menstrual cycle
- Boosted moods and energy levels
- No effect on sexual enjoyment
- No incisions or scars
- Uterus and all other pelvic organs remain intact
Cons
- Not recommended for women still wishing to have children; it can create pregnancy complications
- Some women may still bleed
- Hysterectomy may still be needed in the future to stop a bleeding problem
- Pain or infection can occur as a result of the procedure
- Heat or cold damage to proximal organs
- Potential puncture injury risk from the procedure
- Weight loss after endometrial ablation (this is, however, recommended for women who are overweight)
There may be more endometrial ablation pros and cons that should be assessed on a woman to woman basis. What to expect after an ablation of the endometrium really varies by the type of procedure, individual recovery, and any differences in anatomy that would require deviation from the typical procedure.
All in all, it is best to consult with your doctor on the steps and measures that may work best for you when it comes to solving the issue of heavy bleeding with your periods. Dr. Andrew Krinsky provides exceptional obgyn care in Tamarac, Fl and has more than three decades of experience helping women feel great and live their lives to the fullest. Visit our website to learn more about how we can help you.
