What will my period be like after the procedure?
The decrease in bleeding after an ablation will vary from woman to woman. For the majority of women the bleeding is completely eliminated or they experience some minor spotting during their cycle. For some women, periods return to more “normal” levels.
Are the results effective immediately?
For most women the results are noticeable within 2-3 cycles. For some women, it could take up to 6-12 months but the periods should diminish with each passing cycle.
Will I need hormone replacement therapy?
No. Unlike a hysterectomy, which affects ovarian function, this has no effect on hormonal function. However, many women report reduced PMS symptoms after having this procedure.
Can I get pregnant after this procedure, or is this a form of sterilization?
Ablation should only be considered by women who have finished childbearing. However, it is not a contraceptive procedure. While it diminishes fertility it does not prevent pregnancy. Women who have had ablation should continue using a reliable birth control method. The FDA has not approved this as birth control or permanent sterilization. Non-incisional permanent birth control ESSURE (Hot link) can be done before this procedure.
Are there any complications?
- Risks associated with anesthesia
- Pain, cramping, menstrual pattern changes
- Nausea/vomiting, or fainting
- Vasovagal response
- Watery vaginal discharge
- Bleeding/Spotting
- Regret
- The procedure is not reversible
- May not be effective and require additional treatment
Are there any adverse effects?
Fortunately this procedure is minimally invasive and risks are rare, especially in experienced hands
- Injury to adjacent tissue
- Perforation of the uterine wall
- Complications with pregnancy
- Infection
- Post ablation tubal sterilization syndrome
Will my insurance cover it?
Insurance may cover it if we find it to be a medical necessity. About 80% of the procedures performed are covered. What we need to do is bring you in for a consultation where a more detailed assessment will be completed; the information will then be forwarded to your insurance provider for approval.
What causes heavy periods?
There may be many causes for heavy bleeding, such as hormone imbalance, polyps, fibroids as well as other medical conditions and illnesses. Other times, the reason for the heavy bleeding is unknown.
How do I know if my periods are heavy enough?
It is typical for a period to occur about every 21-35 days and to last 4-6 days. When evaluating heavy bleeding, how much you bleed may not be as important as how much your bleeding affects your daily activities and infringes on your Quality of Life:
- Periods that last more than 7 days
- Periods so heavy that patients soak 12 or more pads or 24 tampons in a day
- The need to use double protection
- Weakness, fatigue and anemia
Is it better than a D and C or and IUD?
A D & C is not a treatment but a diagnostic test for abnormal uterine bleeding. An IUD is a device inserted into the uterus that locally releases a steady amount of progesterone, which can help control bleeding and act as a contraceptive. It is the better option if childbearing is not complete. It is not permanent and usually removed in 5 years.
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