Gynecological Issues
Heavy Periods / Abnormal Bleeding
If your periods last longer than 7 days or if your flow is heavy, making it difficult for you to maintain your regular lifestyle during your period, you should see your doctor. Most problems associated with abnormal bleeding are not serious and can be easily treated so you can return to your normal lifestyle. Others can be serious—like ectopic pregnancy or certain types of cancer—and should be checked immediately.
About 1 in 5 women experience unusually heavy menstrual bleeding also known as menorrhagia. Today there are more treatment options than ever before. Your doctor will discuss your symptoms, your diagnosis and the treatment options that are right for you.
Here are some of the treatments associated with heavy periods and abnormal bleeding:
Hormone Therapy
Hormones given in a variety of different ways are sometimes used to control some abnormal bleeding. Your doctor may prescribe birth control pills to help make your periods more regular. Hormones also can be given as pills, an injection or through an IUD that releases hormones in the uterus.
Hysteroscopy
Hysteroscopy is a minor, in-office surgical procedure that is used for the diagnosis and treatment of uterine problems. During a hysteroscopy, a thin telescope-like device is inserted through the vagina and cervix to take a look inside the uterus.
Hysteroscopy is used to:
Determine the causes of abnormal bleeding
Diagnose abnormalities in the uterus that cause infertility
Diagnose and biopsy abnormal growths, fibroids and adhesions
Hysteroscopy can be performed with local, regional or general anesthesia. In most cases, your doctor can perform your hysteroscopy in the comfort and convenience of our offices.
Dilation and Curettage (D&C)
A D&C is a minor surgical procedure that involves dilating the cervix and using an instrument to scrape the inside of the uterus. A D&C can be used to diagnose and treat abnormal uterine bleeding or to treat fibroids. A sample of the tissue removed will be sent to the lab to check for abnormal cells.
Endometrial Ablation
NovaSure® is an endometrial ablation procedure that provides an effective and minimally invasive outpatient alternative to hysterectomy. It is not appropriate for abnormal uterine conditions and your Pap test and biopsy must be normal.
This simple, safe procedure for heavy menstrual bleeding requires no incision and can be performed in the comfort of our office if you do not have medical risk factors.
During the NovaSure procedure,
Your cervix is dilated slightly and a slender wand is inserted. This wand is used to extend a mesh device that expands to the dimensions of your uterine cavity.
A safe, electrical energy is delivered through the mesh for approximately 90 seconds.
The mesh is then retracted and the wand removed, so no part of the device remains in your body after the procedure.
Hysterectomy
Nearly 1 in 3 women in the U.S. will have a hysterectomy before the age of 60. Fortunately, today’s woman has many more options than those available to her mother or grandmother. Our doctors have extensive experience in all methods of hysterectomy including abdominal, vaginal, laparoscopic and robotic surgeries.
We are leaders in our area in the use of robot-assisted surgery using the da Vinci Surgical System. The da Vinci® System offers the most advanced, highly effective, minimally invasive treatment option for hysterectomy. Through tiny, 1-2 cm incisions, our doctors can operate with greater precision and control, minimizing the pain and risk associated with large incisions while increasing the likelihood of a fast recovery and excellent clinical outcomes.