Ablation Specialist

What causes heavy bleeding?

Factors such as the following characterize heavy bleeding:

• Bleeding that lasts more than seven days
• Bleeding that contains quarter-sized or larger clots
• Periods that soak through pads or tampons every hour

These heavy bleeds can be the result of diseases and disorders that affect your reproductive system. Conditions that can cause heavy, irregular bleeding include:

• Fibroids
• Cancer
• Endometriosis
• Irregular ovulation
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Pelvic inflammatory disease

You may also develop heavy menstrual bleeding if you take certain medications, like blood thinners.

How are heavy periods diagnosed?

Your doctor reviews your medical history, your current medications, and the characteristics of your menstrual cycle. If you experience any other symptoms along with heavy bleeds, be sure to discuss them with your doctor.

To find the underlying cause of heavy bleeds, your doctor may use one or more testing options that include:

• Pelvic exam
• Biopsy
• Ultrasound
• Hysteroscopy

What treatments are available for heavy bleeding?

Depending on the cause of your bleeding issues, your doctor may recommend treatments like hormone therapies and anti-inflammatory medications.

If these treatments don’t provide you with relief, you may need to undergo an endometrial ablation procedure.

What is an ablation?

An ablation is a procedure where your doctor destroys the lining of your uterus to stop heavy menstrual bleeds. The doctors at Aventura OB/GYN & Associates use the Novasure® radiofrequency ablation technology for treatment.

Your doctor only recommends ablation if you no longer plan to have children. While pregnancy is possible following an ablation procedure, there are serious complication risks. For this reason, your doctor may put you on birth control to prevent pregnancy.

In some cases, sterilization may be the right option for you, and your doctor can discuss the benefits of this permanent birth control with you before an ablation.

What is Novasure®?

Novasure uses radiofrequency energy to destroy the lining of your uterus. Your doctor inserts a slim tube through your vagina and into your uterus. The tube deploys a special mesh that conforms to the contours of your uterus. Once the mesh is in place, the radio frequency energy begins to destroy the lining.

Using Novasure, your doctor performs the ablation without incisions or stitches. Recovery time is minimal, though you may experience several days of mild cramping and vaginal discharge. Over-the-counter pain relievers can keep you comfortable as you recover.