Her Option - Frequently Asked Questions

A: Menorrhagia is the clinical name for very heavy menstrual bleeding. It is typical for a menstrual period to occur about every 28 days and to last four to five days. Women with menorrhagia often experience their periods more frequently, with more intensity and for longer periods of time than what is typical. Hemorrhaging, profuse bleeding over many days, clotting and severe cramping also can accompany these periods. Return to the top of this page.

A: There can be many causes for excessive menstrual bleeding, such as a hormone imbalance, polyps, uterine fibroids as well as more rare medical conditions. Complications from pregnancy and certain illnesses also can result in heavy periods. Sometimes, these conditions can be treated and the excessive bleeding resolved. Other times, the reason for the heavy bleeding is unknown. Return to the top of this page.

A: It is interesting to note that according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 90% of hysterectomies are performed for noncancerous conditions, such as excessive menstrual bleeding. Endometrial ablation is a more recent treatment option that may not have been available to your mother. This proven, state-of-the-art procedure often can replace hysterectomy for the treatment of bleeding disorders. With endometrial ablation, your uterus and hormones remain intact. In fact, many physicians believe you should try a first-line defense-such as endometrial ablation-before pursuing a more radical approach like hysterectomy. Return to the top of this page.

A: Following are the typical signs and symptoms of excessive menstrual bleeding: Periods that last for more than seven days Profuse bleeding that soaks through more than 10 pads a day Menstrual flow that includes blood clots The need to use double sanitary protection Cramping in your abdomen during your period Nausea, dizziness, weakness, fatigue and anemia When evaluating heavy menstrual bleeding, how much you bleed may not be as important as how much your bleeding affects you. For example, if your periods infringe on your ability to live your life to its fullest by preventing you from leaving the house, that is not healthy. It is important that you first work with your doctor to try to determine the cause of the bleeding. Once a diagnosis is made, your doctor will provide you with treatment options and advise you if endometrial ablation is one of them. Return to the top of this page.

A: There are many reasons women choose Her Option: Her Option offers a high success rate in reducing bleeding The uterus and natural hormones remain intact The procedure is performed in the comfort of your doctor's office rather than a hospital operating room One single treatment is all that should be needed Return to the top of this page.

A: Her Option Cryoablation Therapy uses subzero temperatures (cryoablation) to reduce or eliminate excessive menstrual periods. A slender probe is gently inserted vaginally through your cervix and into your uterus. The probe is so slender it requires little to no cervical dilation. From the tip of the probe subzero temperatures are applied symmetrically to your uterine lining (the tissue responsible for menstrual bleeding) to eliminate it. When the uterine lining is reduced, there is less tissue to shed each period and therefore dramatically less or no menstrual bleeding. Return to the top of this page.

A: The procedure typically takes 20 to 30 minutes and is performed in your doctor's office. Return to the top of this page.

A: Most women do not experience pain during the procedure. You may feel a sensation similar to menstrual cramps. Taking an over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen before the procedure can help reduce any discomfort. Return to the top of this page.

A: You may rest under supervised care for one to two hours following the procedure. Most women are able to return to their regular activities the next day. Return to the top of this page.

A: There are two types of ablation procedures-cryoablation and thermal ablation. Her option uses cryoablation (cold temperatures) to eliminate the uterine lining. Because cold is a natural pain killer, anesthesia generally is not needed during this procedure. Thermal ablation, however, uses energy or heat to destroy the uterine lining and generally requires some form of anesthesia. Unlike some thermal ablation procedures, Her Option does not require cervical dilation or painful enlargement of your uterus. It is reassuring to learn that cryoablation has been used for years in medical treatments and gynecologists are very familiar with it. Return to the top of this page.

A: The decrease in bleeding after a Her Option procedure varies from woman to woman. For some women, periods return to more "normal" levels. For others, bleeding is completely eliminated or they experience spotting just a few days a month. Return to the top of this page.

A: Her Option is so effective that 91% of patients surveyed at two years post-treatment were very or extremely satisfied with treatment results.1 A full 96% of patients would recommend Her Option to a friend.1 Return to the top of this page.

A: There are 10% of cases in which endometrial ablation will not be effective and may require additional treatment, such as a hysterectomy. Return to the top of this page.

A: Her Option may be the right option for a woman who is pre-menopausal, experiences excessive uterine bleeding is due to benign causes and does not intend to become pregnant in the future.

There is the potential for thermal injury to adjacent organs. Every medical treatment has risks and complications. Talk to your doctor.

[1] Townsend DE, Duleba AJ, Wilkes MM. Durability of treatment effects after endometrial cryoablation versus rollerball electroablation for abnormal uterine bleeding: two-year results of a multicenter randomized trial. Am J Obstet Gynecol Mar. 2003 v. 188(3) p.699-701.

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