What is an endometrial ablation?
What is considered heavy bleeding?
Am I too old (or too young) to have an endometrial ablation?
Can you get an endometrial ablation for pelvic pain?
What is an endometrial ablation procedure like?
What are the benefits of Cerene®?
What is the recovery process for an endometrial ablation?
Who should not receive an endometrial ablation?
Uterine ablation, medically known as endometrial ablation, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat heavy menstrual bleeding.
The procedure works by ablating (scaring) the tissue in the lining of the uterus, which is called the endometrium.
Because the endometrium is the tissue that causes bleeding, ablating this tissue may reduce menstrual bleeding to normal levels, lighter levels, or, in some women, completely stop bleeding altogether.
Heavy menstrual bleeding is a common problem. A period with bleeding totaling over 80 ml (or soaking a menstrual product within an hour or two) is considered heavy or excessive.
Do you...
● Change your saturated pads or tampons frequently?
● Wear more than one pad at a time, or need to use both a tampon and a pad?
● Bleed for longer than a week during your period?
● Have symptoms associated with low red blood cell count, such as f or shortness of breath.
● Avoid activities, work, or social events due to your menstrual bleeding?
Endometrial ablation is most often recommended for women between the ages of 35 and 50 who struggle with long or heavy periods. You may have a long or heavy period if your period lasts longer than seven days or is so heavy that it affects daily activity or causes issues with anemia.
However, the procedure may also benefit those who deal with abnormal uterine bleeding like bleeding between periods or other issues.
Pelvic pain can occur before and during menstruation and is usually described as cramps in the pelvis or lower abdomen. The severity can vary from month to month.
Pain prior to menstruation is called premenstrual syndrome (PMS). When pain is so severe that you can’t enjoy your normal, day-to-day activities, it’s referred to as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
PMDD usually, though not always, dissipates once menstruation begins.
Pain during menstruation is called dysmenorrhea. This pain may feel like cramps in the abdomen, or like a nagging pain in the thighs and lower back.
Because the endometrium is the tissue that causes bleeding, ablating this tissue may reduce menstrual bleeding, and therefore reduce pelvic pain associated with menstrual bleeding.
Endometrial ablation is generally an outpatient procedure, meaning women can go home the same day. It can be performed in a hospital or a clinic setting.
At Epiphany, we perform most endometrial ablations in our clinic using Cerene®.
Cerene® is a specific form of endometrial ablation that is efficient and effective in treating abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB).
Cerene is a one-time, five-minute procedure that uses nitrous oxide to freeze and ablate the endometrium.
How does Cerene® work?
The Cerene® procedure typically involves the following steps:
● The woman is given local anesthesia or light sedation to ensure comfort during the procedure.
● A slender device is inserted through the cervix into the uterus.
● Cerene is a five-minute procedure that uses nitrous oxide to freeze and ablate the endometrium.
● The device is retracted, and the procedure is complete.
The benefits of Cerene® include:
● Short Procedure Time: The entire process takes about five minutes to perform, with the active treatment phase lasting approximately 2.5 minutes.
● Minimal Anesthesia Required: Cerene can often be performed using local anesthesia or light sedation, reducing the risks associated with general anesthesia.
● Quick Recovery: Most women return to their normal activities within a day or two.
● High Success Rate: Many women experience a significant reduction in menstrual bleeding, and some may stop having periods altogether.
Cerene® offers a promising solution for women seeking relief from heavy menstrual bleeding without undergoing major surgery or relying on hormone therapy.
As with any medical procedure, it's crucial to discuss all options, benefits, and risks with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment based on individual health needs and life circumstances.
Cerene® has enabled many women to experience improved quality of life through a simple, one-time procedure, marking a significant step forward in the management of abnormal uterine bleeding.
Recovery after endometrial ablation is typically quick, with most women resuming normal activities within a few days.
However, it's important that you follow your doctor’s instructions, regardless how good you’re feeling.
It's common to experience nausea, frequent urination, and cramping. Some vaginal discharge may occur which may start as bloody and shift to watery and then cease over several weeks.
Additionally, the discharge may last for a short amount of time, or a few months, and may come and go.
Book a visit at Epiphany. We are conveniently located in Fairhope, AL.
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