Frequently Asked Questions - Gynecology

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Feel free to bring you questions to your doctor.

What is Menorrhagia? Menorrhagia is excessive menstrual bleeding commonly referred to as heavy bleeding and about 1 in 5 women suffer from this condition. If your bleeding lasts seven or more days per cycle, or is so excessive that you need to change protection nearly every hour, you may have menorrhagia. Only your doctor can tell you for sure.

Women suffering from menorrhagia can experience fatigue, anemia, embarrassing accidents, and restricted activity. And there are now more treatment options available to you.

What Are The Treatment Options?

What is a Colposcopy?

What is Endometriosis?

What are Fibroids?

What are Fibrocystic Breast Changes?

What is Menorrhagia?

What is Hormone Replacement Therapy?

What is Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)?

What is a Laparoscopy?

What is a Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP)?

What is Menopause?

Why should I perform a monthly breast exam?

What is Osteoporosis?

What is a PAP Test?

What is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?

What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?

What is Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)?

What are Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

What are Thyroid Disorders?

What are Vaginal Infections?

Drug Therapy is typically the first treatment option, consisting of oral contraceptives or other hormones that treat hormonal imbalances. This therapy is effective only about 50% of the time, and usually must be continued in order to remain effective. Some women have undesirable side effects, including headaches, weight change, and nausea.

Dilation and curettage (D & C) is frequently the second option if drug therapy is ineffective. It is a common surgical procedure that involves scraping of the inside of the uterus. However, for the majority of women with menorrhagia, it's only a temporary solution that reduces bleeding for a few cycles.

Endometrial ablation. If you do not plan to have any more children, your doctor may suggest minimally invasive surgical treatment options. Several methods are currently available:
	Conventional endometrial ablation removes the lining of the uterus with an electrosurgical tool or laser. This method effectively reduces bleeding in approximately 85% of patients, and most women return to work within 3 days. Risks include perforation of the uterus, bleeding, infection, or even heart failure due to fluids used to open up or distend the uterus.
	A new generation of endometrial ablation devices is now available. These devices vary in the way they abolish the lining of the uterus. Some use heated fluid, others radiofrequency, and still others freezing. Your provider can discuss the best option available for your specific condition.

What Can I Expect After Having An Endometrial Ablation Procedure? The following are some of the post-operative discomforts associated with any endometrial ablation procedure.

You may experience some post-operative uterine cramping and discomfort shortly after the procedure, which can generally be treated with mild pain medication such as Ibuprofen (e.g. Advil® or Motrin®.)

Some patients may experience nausea and vomiting as a result of the anesthesia. Watery and/or bloody discharge after an endometrial ablation is also common for several weeks after the procedure.

Most women can return to normal activities within a day or two of their treatment. Sexual activity can be resumed in 7 to 10 days.

Are There Any Post-Procedure Complications? You should call your physician if you develop a fever higher than 100.4ºF, worsening pelvic pain that is not relieved by ibuprofen or other medication prescribed by your physician, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, dizziness, bowel or bladder problems, and/or a greenish vaginal discharge.

Can I Still Become Pregnant After Endometrial Ablation? It is important to know that although the chances for pregnancy are reduced following an endometrial ablation procedure, it is still possible to become pregnant.

However, pregnancy following endormetrial ablation is very dangerous for both the mother and the fetus and you should use some form of birth control if you decide to have endometrial ablation. Please discuss these options with your physician.

Hysterectomy or surgical removal of the uterus is the only definitive treatment for menorrhagia. Hysterectomy is a major procedure, performed in the hospital most often under general anesthesia, and is accompanied by surgical risks, hospitalization, and, depending on the technique used, a recovery period of up to 6 weeks.