Surgical treatment options for heavy periods
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This is an option if the above treatments do not help or are unsuitable.
- Hysterectomy is the traditional operation. This totally removes the uterus. It is 100% effective at curing heavy periods. Some advantages are that you no longer need contraception, and the risk of cancer of the uterus is removed. However, as with any operation, there is a small risk involved with hysterectomy. Also, you need to stay in hospital for several days, and it may take several weeks to recover fully.
- Removing or 'stripping' the lining of the uterus is an option. This is called endometrial ablation or resection. An instrument is passed into the uterus via the vagina. The aim is to remove as much of the uterus lining as possible. This can be done by various ways such as by a hot wire (diathermy), by a laser, by a special microwave treatment, etc. Some advantages over hysterectomy include:
- no scar.
- a short hospital stay.
- a quicker recovery time.
- Some disadvantages compared to hysterectomy are:
- you still need contraception.
- it does not always work. Symptoms do not improve in about 1 in 10 women who have this procedure.
- if it works initially, symptoms may return in the future. (Studies have shown that within four years about 4 in 10 women required further treatment for symptoms that had returned, and had a hysterectomy.) However, this technique is being refined and may become more effective.
Further help and information
Women's Health 52 Featherstone Street, London, EC1Y 8RT Helpline: 0845 125 5254 Web: www.womenshealthlondon.org.uk Operates a UK-wide enquiry service providing information on a wide range of women's health issues including periods.
Women's Health Concern PO Box 2126, Marlow, Bucks, SL7 2RY Helpline: 01628 483 612 Web: www.womens-health-concern.org Provides help and advice to women on a wide variety of women's health issues including periods.
© EMIS and PIP 2004 Updated: July 2004 Review Date: August 2005 CHIQ Accredited PRODIGY Validated
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KB, 5 months
i Had heavy periods tried mirena coil, tablets, but was only in early 30's so refused hysterectomy much to the disgust of my GP, changed GP, ended up having endometrial ablation, marvellous, 4 years on still barely have a show each month .
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