Ablation for heavy periods

[Anonymous]

I'm considering ablation for heavy periods. How was the procedure for you? Was it performed in a doctor's office? What was the recovery like? How are your periods now.

[Anonymous]

I did this 2.5 years ago and it was the BEST thing I've ever done.

It was the hot water kind of ablation. Doctor's office. Mildly annoying cramps; 10 minute procedure. Did have heavier cramps on the way home (someone must drive you home) but they were gone by the time I got home.

Then you get to lie around for a day or two (but you don't really need to, it's just be super-safe)

The next month, I "started my period" in the middle of a hike at a National Park. ha ha, it was a mild watery light pink dribble; didn't make it through my hiking shorts. AWESOME!

Now I will tell you that over time, I did start getting light periods. But no clotting or horrible cramps like before. Now I'm in peri-menopause so my periods are infrequent, but still very light.

I *highly* recommend the procedure.

[Anonymous]

I was interested in it because I am done having kids, but my doc said not to bother at my age (34). She said it would just come back. She suggested a Mirena for 5 or so years first.

[Anonymous]

I had it done when I had an ovarian mass removed, so I had it done during another surgery.

Recovery from the ablation was pretty easy. A few days with some light discharge. I haven't had a period since. Nothing. I am still cycling, but no bleeding.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was interested in it because I am done having kids, but my doc said not to bother at my age (34). She said it would just come back. She suggested a Mirena for 5 or so years first.

There is a chance the lining could grow back over time (I'm the PP who had the ablation and I do get a mild period now, 2 years later). There is also a chance it won't; I think it's 50/50. But it's usually not the way it was before.

The thing about it I like is that it's a physical fix, not a chemical one. I personally don't like messing around with my hormones. An ablation is purely mechanical…you are still having all the normal hormonal changes, but just don't have the period. (Not like being on the pill and your body thinks its pregnant, for example.)

[Anonymous]

try Lysteda

[Anonymous]

I don't know about using it for birth control, although you can not get pregnant after. I had one done 2 years ago and it helped my very heavy, painful, fibroid induced periods in an amazing way. Most pain gone. Periods are light. Used Dr. rangnath at cap women's care Rockville MD. He was great all around.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't know about using it for birth control, although you can not get pregnant after. I had one done 2 years ago and it helped my very heavy, painful, fibroid induced periods in an amazing way. Most pain gone. Periods are light. Used Dr. rangnath at cap women's care Rockville MD. He was great all around.

You CAN get pregnant and it's really dangerous if you do.

I had it done by a doctor in the same practice and he stressed that with me.

I had it done last year. It's done under general anesthesia and I was under for less than 15 minutes. I think the procedure took around five minutes. I had a little bit of cramping while coming out of anesthesia so they gave me a Motrin and that's all the pain relief I needed.

[Anonymous]

I had mine two years ago, just before my 45th birthday. My periods are slowly getting heavier, but nothing like they were before. I used to go thru a super plus tampon AND a pad in less than an hour. Now I don't need a pad and can go hours. I can't believe I waited to do it.

I had it done at 9am on a Tuesday, was home by 11am and back at work the next day. As another poster said, you need someone to drive you home. Heather Sine from Capital
Women's Care did it at their out patient center across from White Flint.

[Anonymous]

I had it done and had my tubes tied at the same time. Its a really easy procedure and very effective.

[Anonymous]

It has been so difficult not to brag about it to every damn stranger I meet!!! I'm surprised it's not a routine procedure in this town.

An older woman in my office mentioned that she'd decided once she couldn't have children, why have a period. She'd had her tubes tied in the 70s. The procedure now is totally different, of course, but the wisdom is the same. God bless Dr. Greene of Foxhall!!!

I don't get periods, but am very aware of ovulation and when my periods should be taking place. She was so thorough, I don't even spot.

I honestly thought I'd mourn. 42yo and barren. Nope! Loooooving it.

Oh, to answer you question, I had the burning kind, not the water bottle. Dr. Greene shut me down and I couldn't be more grateful.

Good luck.

[Anonymous]

I had one two years ago and haven't bled once since then. Also it alleviated all pms symptoms. I had mine done as an outpatient in the hospital, took two day off, very little cramping, watery pink discharge. It's the best thing I ever did!!!! Karen Massr in Fairfax did mine- she did the burning type, not hot water. I believe it's called Assure??

[Anonymous]

Has anyone had a complication from one? My doctor explained all the possible complications and I decided to wait (I am 49 so I don't know how much longer I will have periods anyway). But my bleeding is so heavy now and the cramps are crazy. They seem to be getting worse over time.

[Anonymous]

I had mine done almost exactly a year ago. No period since. Best decision I ever made. To the person who mentioned Lysteda, I took it for a few months and it did not seem to make a big difference. I am so grateful to no longer have to be worried that I will be bleeding profusely. Truly life changing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Has anyone had a complication from one? My doctor explained all the possible complications and I decided to wait (I am 49 so I don't know how much longer I will have periods anyway). But my bleeding is so heavy now and the cramps are crazy. They seem to be getting worse over time.

Go get it done. You could have your period for a few more years. Why go through all that bleeding and cramps?