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See Dr Morton’s manage periods and understand endometriosis and enhance women’s health through life
One in five women suffer significantly with extraordinarily heavy periods (menorrhagia) to the extent that it greatly interferes with their quality of life. Some women say they can manage with double or triple protection (two pads and a tampon) while others, despite this, lack the confidence to leave their own home. Work can be affected and family relations may be strained. A small proportion of women develop such a low red blood cell count that they become tired and anaemic requiring regular iron tablets or even blood transfusions!
Are heavy periods ruining your life?
Years ago, the only real solution available to those who have decided that they no longer want children, was a hysterectomy; a procedure in which the womb is removed surgically. This often required large cuts in the tummy with the associated risks of surgery, as well as a prolonged recovery with a pronounced impact on work, driving and general mobility. Though it is true that technology and surgical technique has improved so that this procedure can be offered through keyhole surgery or via a vaginal route, it is still major surgery with genuine potential risks. There may also be long-term disturbance to bladder, bowel or sexual function.
Modern technology, in addition to offering us minimally invasive hysterectomy, has conjured up the real alternative of ‘endometrial ablation’. This is a procedure in which the lining of the womb, which usually sheds every month causing a period, is literally cooked using heat treatment. This requires no cuts anywhere on the body and can take anywhere between 90 seconds and eight minutes. After the procedure, the woman may experience some cramps and will have some bleeding for a few days that settles to a discharge lasting 4 to 6 weeks.
A hysteroscopy can confirm if you are a suitable candidate
Before an endometrial ablation is advised that a procedure called a hysteroscopy, where a tiny camera is placed inside the womb, together with a biopsy is performed to ensure you are a suitable candidate. It is important to remember that this procedure is not suitable for those who continue to plan for more children, as pregnancy is not recommended and may be impossible following this procedure. Although pregnancy is unlikely this procedure is not a contraceptive! Additionally, it is not suitable for those with particularly large wombs or those who require surgery because of abnormal cells.
Results are remarkable, with 30-40% of women having no further heavy periods and around 90% being completely satisfied requiring no additional surgery. The procedure can be conducted as a day case with women coming in the morning and going home in the afternoon. In some situations it may even be performed with local anaesthetic in a doctor’s office or treatment room.
Serious risks are minimal and recovery is very fast, with many women returning to full activity after only a few days.
All women should consider endometrial ablation as a true low risk alternative to hysterectomy when heavy periods are spoiling their quality of life. Your gynaecologist will help you to learn if your situation is suited to this procedure. Don’t be one of life’s ‘putter-uppers’ if there is a simple solution to your problem.