Putting A Stop To Heavy Periods
Monthly cramps and a menstrual flow that can vary from heavy to light are normal. While most women’s pain is tolerable, certain conditions like menorrhagia can make an individual’s monthly cycle even more unwelcome than usual. Menorrhagia is a condition that can cause a woman’s period to last longer than 7 days. Additionally, during menstruation, the flow is heavier and can include blood clots the size of a quarter or larger.
What causes menorrhagia?
Usually, menorrhagia is a side effect of other underlying conditions. For example, if a woman has polyps or non-cancerous tumors in the uterus known as fibroids, heavy and longer menstruation is possible. Cervical cancer, hormonal imbalances, and some birth control, such as intrauterine devices (IUDs), can also contribute to abnormal menstrual bleeding.
Uterine ablation explained
For people facing routinely high menstrual flow, uterine or endometrial ablation might be the best treatment to manage the frustrating symptoms. Uterine ablation is a noninvasive treatment often performed as an outpatient procedure. During the process, a thin layer of endometrium tissue is removed from the uterus. Doing so helps to reduce bleeding but is usually only performed on women who have decided not to have children in the future. A variety of methods can be used to complete the procedure.
What to expect
Depending on the method used to complete the treatment, women may have slightly different experiences. Most people will be required to stop eating and drinking for at least 8 hours before the scheduled procedure. Patients will be asked to disclose health information such as potential pregnancies and if any prescription medications are being taken. While uterine ablations are considered minimally invasive, some women may be given medicine to aid in relaxing or given local or general anesthesia. As a result, bringing a person to drive after the procedure is recommended.
Reduced bleeding
The most obvious benefit of uterine ablation is that subsequent menstrual flows aren’t as heavy. Whereas a woman may need to change a pad or tampon once an hour before the procedure, future periods are defined by lighter flows. As a result, a person who undergoes minimally invasive surgery may experience less blood loss and a better quality of life.
Taking control of menstruation
No woman should endure painful periods or unusually heavy flow during menstruation. However, not all individuals are good candidates for the procedure, as the treatment is not recommended for women considering pregnancy in the future. If uterine ablation is an option, taking the time to speak with a physician about the risks and benefits, as well as what to expect during and after the procedure, can aid patients in making an informed decision.
