Why You Should Not Turn to Endometrial Ablation to Deal With Heavy Periods
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Recently, I have been hearing so many women talk about a procedure that is ‘changing their lives.' This procedure is apparently becoming very common but, honestly, it seems so very odd to me. Every time I hear about one more person having it done, I feel more compelled to share my thoughts about it.
I think this procedure is just one more glaring example of our medical system's insistence on treating symptoms without treating the cause…one more BANDAID.
WARNING:
Before we continue, I must warn you!!! This post will be about PERIODS: clotting, heavy flow, tampons, etc. If that bothers you or is TMI, feel free to read some of the other great articles on Oh Lardy, like this comprehensive article on the benefits of bone broth, My September Stitch Fix Review or our natural cough remedy!!! 🙂
Now that you have been warned, let's forge ahead!!
Endometrial Ablation
What is the procedure I am talking about? The procedure is called Endometrial Ablation and it is generally performed to lessen or stop a heavy period.
According to The Mayo Clinic, during endometrial ablation, the endometrial lining of the uterus is destroyed with the goal of reducing the flow of the period and in some women, stops the period completely.
Endometrial ablation treats excessive menstrual blood loss, which may be indicated by:
- Unusually heavy periods most months.
- Enough blood loss to soak through a pad or tampon every hour on the heaviest days.
- Anemia from excessive blood loss –The Mayo Clinic
The opposing walls of the myometrium collapse onto each other, and the damaged tissue contracts and develops into a scar. Any endometrium remaining after the ablation is trapped beneath the scar, preventing further bleeding. –Medscape
There are a variety of ways to perform this procedure (extreme cold, free flowing hot liquid, microwave, etc) but the gist is that the uterine lining is destroyed, scarred forever. It usually succeeds in lessening the flow of your period or stopping it completely.
Um…What?! A Permanently Scarred Uterus?
I first heard about this months ago at a dinner party. I overheard a woman talking about a friend of a friend who had this procedure done. Normally, when I am part of conversations about health and wellness that I don't fully agree with (which, honestly, is more often than not), I either zone out, smile and nod or walk away and find another conversation to be a part of. Everyone is entitled to their opinions and what they think is best for themselves and their families. Getting into debates isn't generally appropriate in most circumstances.
However, when this person mentioned ablation, it was the first I had ever heard about it. I basically spit out my wine and said ‘That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard.'...OUT LOUD. It was one of those moments where you think you said something in your mind but, nope, you didn't and you can almost see the words in a talk bubble floating in the air. Oops! 🙂
I let it go at that thinking maybe this person had some sort of extreme circumstance, some rare experience that required ablation to be performed. None of my business.
Over the past few months, I keep hearing about more and more women who are having this procedure done (or considering it) to try to lessen or stop their periods. Most seem to be in their late 30s early 40s, but some have been in their early to mid 30s. One woman told me her doctor pushes it on every woman who is done having children as a way to get rid of the ‘inconvenient period', and the inconveniently heavy period that seems to come along in one's late 30s. I thought she was joking….Sadly, she wasn't.
Normal or Bizarre?
Does this not sound bizarre to anyone else? Destroying the lining of your uterus to stop your period?
From what I have read, and from what my doctor tells me, as you age, your hormones change and your period does too.
Hey, I have been there! Over the past few years, I have most definitely experienced changes that were inconvenient and, frankly, just plain gross.
In my later 30s, my period got crazy heavy, full of clots. It was gross and sometimes had the potential to be embarrassing. Would I have liked it to stop? Of course. Who wants to go through tampons every 45 minutes or have an accident on your pants? No one.
At my annual gynecological exams, my doctor always asks me about my period, the nature of the flow, the changes. He has never once mentioned ablation as an option. In fact, I recently mentioned to him about this procedure becoming common and let me just say he had nothing positive to say about that.
For me, he suggested I read a book on premenopause and encouraged healthy diet and natural progesterone cream, if needed. For me, using the natural progesterone changed my life. It balanced everything out! And, while I still get my period (as I should because that is NORMAL!), it isn't the crazy heavy, clotty nightmare of the past couple of years. He is continuing to help me fine tune the CAUSE of the changes in my period, not treating the symptom with a giant bandaid.
Now for full disclosure, I am not a doctor. I am certainly not commanding people to get or not get ablation nor am I prescribing an alternative. I am just sharing my thoughts on the matter and giving some testimonies and articles that have been helpful to me and other friends in the wellness field.
I am very uncomfortable with the massive pushing of this permanent procedure on women and strongly believe there will be repercussions from this in the long term.
Endometrial ablation is deemed safe and effective by the FDA. But let's be honest…a label of ‘safe' by the FDA really isn't a gold standard guarantee. EVERY drug that has been taken off the market and/or labeled as dangerous was at one point deemed ‘safe' by the FDA (Vioxx, DES, Accutane, Darvocet, Meridia, to name a few, see below for resources).
Are there complications from endometrial ablation? I am honestly not sure. But a cursory look at PubMed showed some interesting studies: Long term complications, effects of undiagnosed deep adenomyosis, risk factors of pain and possible hysterectomy, and difficulties in performing a biopsy (i.e. hard to diagnose endometrial cancer, the most common uterine cancer).
Hmmm…
Why Treat the Symptom NOT the Cause?
This prodcure seems to me to be one more example of our medical system treating a symptom and not getting to the root of the issue…the actual cause of the heavy periods. From what I understand, periods get heavy and clotty for a variety of reasons, usually hormonal in nature. If the uterine lining is destroyed, the periods are gone (or lightened) but did the reason for the heavy periods get addressed? Of course not.
I think there have to be repercussions down the road from this procedure. The body is always striving toward balance and this procedure doesn't seem to be helping in that matter. I know it is deemed ‘safe' now but I am really curious to see what happens in 20 years.
This procedure seems incredibly short sighted. Not getting at the root of the changes that occur during premenopause, or that may be going on at other times in a woman's life for a variety of reasons.
Two Books That Changed My Premenopausal Life
I have read two books that have completely opened my eyes to what goes on during premenopause and how to help your body change naturally…no uterus burning required. The first is the one recommended by my doctor that I mentioned above. Both of these books have changed my life!
What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Premenopause: Balance Your Hormones and Your Life from Thirty to Fifty
by Dr. John R. Lee
“Are you a woman between 35 and 50 experiencing PMS, migraine headaches, sudden weight gain, fatigue, irritability, tender or lumpy breasts, memory loss, fibroids, or cold hands and feet? If so, you may be experiencing symptoms of premenopause. Even if you're a decade or more away from menopause, your hormones may already be out of balance, usually caused by an excess of estrogen and a deficiency of progesterone, say the authors of What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Premenopause.
John Lee, M.D., is a well-known advocate of the benefits of natural progesterone and the author of What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause. The authors recommend natural progesterone cream to balance your hormones, eliminate premenopausal symptoms, and make you feel better. They also discuss the dangers of xenohormones–substances not found in nature that have hormonal effects–frequently found in pesticides, solvents, plastics, and hormone-treated meat.
The book presents common symptoms of premenopause with suggested natural treatments (progesterone cream, diet, vitamins, and herbs) and substances to avoid, plus additional chapters on diet and exercise. Many case studies help to bring the information into perspective. If you are premenopausal (or close to someone who is), this is a valuable resource.” (learn more here)
The Hormone Cure: Reclaim Balance, Sleep and Sex Drive
by Dr. Sara Gottfried
ALL TOO OFTEN WOMEN ARE TOLD that feeling moody, asexual, tapped out, dried up, stressed out, and sleep deprived is just a part of being female. Or they’re led to believe that the answer can be found only at the bottom of a bottle of prescription pills. Dr. Sara Gottfried, a Harvard-educated physician and nationally recognized, board-certified gynecologist, refuses to accept that being a woman means feeling overwhelmed or that popping pills is the new normal.
In The Hormone Cure, she shares the unique hormone-balancing program that she has used to help thousands of women reclaim wellness, verve, and optimal health. The Hormone Cure is a groundbreaking book that demonstrates how balancing your hormones can cure underlying health issues and result in restored sleep, greater energy, improved mood, easy weight loss, increased productivity, and many more benefits. Dr. Sara Gottfried’s The Hormone Cure will transform your life. (learn more here)
It makes me sad to hear about so many women going through hormonal changes and being told that it is okay and totally normal to permanently scar the lining of the uterus to lessen/stop a heavy period. I am very curious to see where the overuse of this procedure will land us in 10-20 years (and my suspicion is it will not end well).
What are your thoughts? Would you undergo endometrial ablation? Have you already undergone the procedure? If so, are you happy and comfortable with the results? Would love to hear more…both pro and con about the procedure!!
More Reading:
Make Your Period More Pleasant by Mary Vance, NC
Hormone Balancing: Is It Possible to Achieve Normally? by Homemade Mommy
Top Tips for Hormone Balance by Mary Vance, NC
Estrogen Dominance: The Hormonal Imbalance That Causes Edema, Weight Gain, Infertility, Low Thyroid, Varicose Veins and More! by Butter Nutrition
4 Tips to Balance Your Hormones Right Now by Mary Vance, NC
1o Steps to Kissing PMS and Hormonal Imbalance Goodbye For Good by Butter Nutrition
10 Ways to Balance Hormones Naturally by Don't Mess With Mama
Why I Stopped Using Tampons and Pads by Food Renegade
Saving the Menopausal Woman with Homeopathy by Homeopathy Works
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Sources:
http://prescriptiondrugs.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=005528
http://www.drugwatch.com/vioxx/recall/
http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-a-drug-recall?page=2
http://www.drugwatch.com/accutane/recall.php
i am one of those women that had an endometrial ablation. I was in my early 40’s and my periods were extremely heavy. I wasn’t able to leave the house for a day and a half because I bleed so heavily. I was exhausted during these few days each month.
I admit, my diet wasn’t the greatest then and maybe it would have made a differnce if it was optimal. However, I do not regret having the ablation done. No more periods, no more PMS. I was given back my life and couple years later I hot menopause.
Would i recommend it?? Yes and I have. My sister had it done and it only lessened her periods which helped her greatly. My best friend had an ablation and her periods are a thing of the past also.
If you’re done having babies and eating a clean diet doesn’t help, I would highly recommend and endometrial ablation.
I had mine done in October and its been a nightmare.
I was good for 5 weeks and now I’m bleeding every 10-15 days for a week.
I am very unhappy and my doctor who is board certified and known in my area is just making excuses why it didn’t work- now I might have to do it all over again and my insurance will not cover all of it. So over 2400.00 out of pocket and problem still exists.
DO MORE research before you agree!!!!!!
I had this procedure done on April 8, 2017. I am one that doesn’t take medications or try to put a bandage on something. I want to get to the source. I fell into the pool of people who have been convinced by the doctor, staff and women who said this would be the best thing I would ever do for myself. NO MORE PERIODS, is what they all said. I am 50 years old and have struggled with my period for 8 years. I have to admit, I was desperate to have some relief. I had a cycle every 21 days and bled for 10 days. That didn’t leave me very much time in between cycles. The bleeding was extremely heavy and painful. My cycle would prevent me from outdoor activities as well as my daily life activities became more difficult. I bled through the largest tampons every 30 minutes for 3 days. Trying to get a good night’s rest during this time was impossible! To say the least I became desperate. When my doctor recommended the novasure ablation and how highly he spoke of the procedure is chose to have it done. I believe it was NOT a good choice. Never did the doctor once mention that the procedure could fail! Mine did! Adenomyosis is what he said is the POSSIBILITY of why mine FAILED. Again not a reasonable explanation of the failed ablation. The recovery has not been fun. I continue to bleed, have pain and severe bloating. I regret doing this procedure and pray that I will not have further complications from having it done. I am still left with very difficult menstrual cycles and no satisfactory explanation of why this procedure failed. I am very
Wow! This was certainly one of those articles that needed to be written and you wrote it well! I love how you respect the choices of others, yet bring awareness.
As a mom who has made some big mistakes, I have not heard of this before. As as Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, we have a business of helping Children (and sometimes Moms) find their best health. So from my perspective, I am concerned for the woman and the potential loss of ability to have children. (Emotionally, we all know how women can change their minds!)
I have not had the pain of bleeding, but certainly have had other pains. So this part warrants sympathy. But the answer lies in discovering better health, not eliminating organs or functions of our organs IMHO. Generations of women have gone through this and survived without this burning, so that encourages me. The body is always communicating throughout our stages of life; telling us that we need something (minerals, water, vitamins).
Since I deal with children, this also concerns me with the affects on the body. Since menstruals flush out and clean our cervix; prematurely stopping this could really disable the body from correcting and/or completing a transitional change!
There was a time where people removed tonsils because they kept getting inflamed and it caused children to get sick. This seems very similar. Now many “grown up kids” are missing their “first line of defense” against pathogens because of a misunderstood “inconvenience”.
Hopefully more women will be encouraged to support the transition with diet, natural progesterone, and other lifestyle changes (detoxing chemicals). Thanks for the great article.
Thanks, Mandy!
4 years ago, at age 50, I had had enough. 25 years of bleeding for 20 days per month 7-8 of them the tampon and pad per hour scenario. I went to a new Gyno. For the 25 years I was told “that is what happens after you have babies”. I went to the new doctor with every intention of getting the ablation procedure. I begged for it. She calmly said she would do what I asked her to do, but some things can just not be undone later. She asked for the opportunity to treat me and get the problem solved because guess what… It WAS NOT normal!!! We decided on the IUD because a side effect of it that it can lessen or stop periods. It stopped mine. I never had a period again! I realize the IUD can have its own issues, but it totally worked for me. I recently had it removed and still have no periods. It is very liberating! Check out all your options. I’m glad I did.
I read this and I just had to comment… I know nothing about endometrial ablation, but I am passionate about healthcare (and writing, as one would have it), and this article is really, really terrible.
The title is: “Why you should not have endometrial ablation.” The article does not give any valid reason to not have the procedure. This is fear mongering in its shining moment. The reason you give not to have a procedure is completely flawed logic; don’t have a procedure because some drugs were taken off the market after being found ineffective?? Don’t have a procedure because the description of what it is scares me??
No physician was consulted. No credible resource to describe the procedure. No information on what an alternative might be for someone who is suffering. No acknowledgement of the excrutiating pain some women experience from endomentriosis. No research at all.
This type of information is dangerous to spread to the public. Impressionable people who are suffering and in pain may stumble across this article and be too scared to even consider a treatment that may truly benefit them.
There is no problem with sharing thoughtful, well researched and considered alternative perspectives on healthcare. That is necessary. Reacting emotionally to a description of a procedure and then writing an article telling people not to get that procedure (yes, it says in the article you’re not instructing them, but the title literally says people should not have this procedure) is unethical.
Thank you for commenting. I am sorry you do not like the article. We are all entitled to our opinions and that is what this article is…My opinion. The drugs I referenced were taken off the market not because they were ineffective but they turned out to be extremely dangerous. My point for mentioning those examples was that the FDA labels things safe and effective (which is a good thing) but, to me, that isn’t a ‘gold standard’ as there are times when something ‘safe and effective’ turns out to be anything but…and sadly it is after it causes harm to many people. It doesn’t mean that happens all the time BUT I always hear ‘but the FDA says it is safe’ and to me that doesn’t mean very much.
The description of the procedure doesn’t ‘scare’ me. Rather the idea of this procedure currently being pushed on women regularly (not only in extreme circumstances) is very short sighted (in my opinion) and is not getting to the CAUSE of the problem in the first place. Our health care system is full of bandaids and this procedure seems to be one more of them. This procedure has been around for awhile but it seems that more recently it is being recommended to women who do not fit the ‘extreme’ symptoms.
I absolutely give information on alternatives as far as books and other articles. The reasons for heavy bleeding/period changes are numerous and there are several resources to read about in that regard. My intention is to give people something to think about, an alternative viewpoint, my opinion.
Thanks again for commenting.
Kalin P. Thank you for posting this comment.
Thank you for pointing out the pointing out this poorly written article.
Kalin, I 100% agree with you. Horrible article. I know not to Google anything, but I need to do the research, regardless of what my OBGYN says, for myself. I have Ablation scheduled for September 12. I am 46 yrs old, have 2 kids, and done having kids. For the past 1.5 yrs or so, my periods have become extremely heavy, extremely painful, developed insomnia, more moodiness/irritability, and lack of energy. At first I thought it was periomenopause. After several panels of blood work and an ultrasound by a new OBGYN, it was determined that my uterine lining is thick, therefore causing the heavy bleeding and irregular periods (when since my last child 7 yrs ago have been every 28 days), and the extreme pain. I am having the Minerva Treatment and although there are pros and cons out on the Wonderful World of the Web, I am trusting my doctor and doing the procedure.
This article does nothing more than place fear in people that are already worried and nervous. Good thing I don’t let something so irresponsible and uneducated change MY decision to try and make my life better. My children need their mom 100% present for them and right now, I don’t want to do anything because I’m always in pain and exhausted. An opinion is just that and everyone is entitled to have one, but to comment on a medical issue, unless you have PhD after your name, it’s best not too.
Hi Trisha, how did your procedure turn out in the end? I am considering it and will be turning 45 this year.
Stephanie, I had the ablation done in November of 2017. I was 46 my periods were so irregular and the flow was what seemed unstoppable. My gyno ran a series of tests took a biopsy to clear me and offered me more than one choice including iud and the ablation. I chose the ablation and it was life changing. My period never came back I didn’t even bleed post procedure. It took a few weeks to feel normal again. But for me it was definitely worth it.
Thank you for pointing that out. I know I’m years late, getting mine done in 3 weeks but I was looking for a silver lining and found none. Thank you.
I have to agree. The same sensationalism could be used for wisdom teeth removal, (cutting bones out of your head) laser eye surgery (burn the inside of your eyes), or any number of other perfectly normal helpful surgeries.
Or heck, even pregnancy for that matter – gestating a parasitic creature in your abdomen that can physically suck the minerals out of your bones, override your immune system and mess with your blood pressure? The extraction process of which is extremely painful even in the best possible conditions and still kills … about 17 out of every 100,000 cases in the USA (more than any other wealthy country – that’s an interesting Google thread to get sucked into)? Worried about scar tissue? Let’s learn about perineal tears (make sure you turn off image search before giving that a google)!
The perfectly normal use of a uterus to grow a baby is far more likely to cause harm than an endometrial ablation – this concern about ablations seem wildly out of proportion. Actually if we’re going to worry about the risks other woman are taking with their reproductive organs maybe we SHOULD be writing articles about risks and complications of pregnancy that rarely get discussed before hand.
Everyone’s health needs are different and it never hurts to get a second (trained medical) opinion but this article does a huge disservice to all the woman who have or could have their lives greatly improved with this surgery. Plenty of people would prefer one permanent surgery to taking artificial hormones every day for 20 or 40 years to manage debilitating/abnormal periods.
Personally, I had the surgery (along with a tubal ligation) in my early 20s. It was very straightforward surgically and an absolute godsend. My doctors and I explored the other options but that was by far the best outcome for me. My ‘underlying condition’ was an unlucky roll of the DNA dice and no amount of healthy lifestyle made any difference to the issues I was having. Eleven medication and period free years later and I couldn’t be happier. I’ve literally had dental work that was more painful and had more recovery time than my ablation did. In the big picture of my medical history my ablation was honestly pretty trivial.
Agree. This article doesn’t state facts. There are many steps that need to take place before an ablation would even be considered. It is not for women who plan to have more children. There are risks and benefits with any procedure and it is up to each individual to decide if the benefit out weighs the risk. The author is entitled to her opinion, but that’s all it is. There is no science behind what she has to say.
Thank you for your comment. I agree 100% with you! I just had my EA done 2 weeks ago and no regrets. I also had to get a tubal, d&c, and an ovarian cyst removed. Since age 12 my period has been long 8-10 days and huge heavy clots. It became longer and heavier the older I got. Only when I was taking birth control pills it was 7-8 days long (close to normal). Now at 46 I was bleeding at least 17 out of 28 days every month. I was on day 21 of my period the day I had my EA. Now it’s just some sporadic watery discharge for hopefully not too much longer. If for some reason the huge clots and lengthy periods return then I’ll get the uterus removed. I would recommend to try the endometrial ablation first if a woman is having trouble with her period like I had and she’s done having kids. It’s totally worth it!
Thank you for your response. As I was reading this article I was thinking, I respect the authors opinion, however this article is one sided. Not everything is about hormones. It could be about the bleeding and what it is doing to the overall health of the person. Definitely an article that should have offered more details from both sides. Just my two cents.
I had an ablasion last year and yes, it was life-changing! The person who commented above, calling it an “inconvenience” has clearly not experienced the debilitating periods that some women, myself included, have to suffer through each month. I knew going in that it was not a fix, but it didn’t involve medication, and all the side effects that go along with that, and promised considerable relief. I knew it was a Band-aid, but I had been miserable for so long and couldn’t continue living that way anymore. I essentially checked out for days every month- pain, exhaustion from losing so much blood, not being able to go too far from a bathroom, and the mega-doses of ibuprofen. My doctors tried various birth-control pills, an IUD, antidepressants…. I couldn’t deal with all the side effects, especially with limited benefit.
My periods are not completely gone now. I still have cramps and the “inconvenience” but I can now function through it. I only regret not doing it years ago!
Unfortunately, as you said, our healthcare system doesn’t care about finding and treating the cause. I had already tried that and I gave up.
Yes – many people who’s periods are not detrimental to their ability to live their daily lives don’t seem to grasp the severity of what others can experience. Not understanding is fine, but dismissing the seriousness is a problem. The gaslighting of denying people’s self-reported experiences is a huge disservice to all our sisters.
I had it done two years ago. It was the best, and I believe, the only thing that would have worked for me. Honestly it has made enormous change in my quality of life. No more pms, no more almost bleeding to death, no more being run down after periods that lasted weeks. I have no regrets.
My mom had an ablation years ago. Dealing with similar issues myself, my gyno (different state) said that in no way, shape, or form does she endorse this operation. Apparently once done, it prevents doctors from identifying any future issues that may arise in that region.
My doctor says the same thing! -tm
I had this procedure done over 11 years ago, because I didn’t know any better and wanted to fix the problem. I was having terrible hair loss and thought that it was causing me to lose hair because of the loss of iron from the abnormal flow. I don’t even remember if the ablation worked, because I continued to lose hair and was so worried over that that I demanded a hysterectomy! Talk about bandaids…
I had the hysterectomy, and upon going in, my doctor found I had endometriosis. The original plan was to leave my ovaries in place, but it was so bad that they had to take one. Fast forward to me learning more about diet and lifestyle, and in 2009, I went gluten free after reading an article about a woman who reversed her hair loss. Also while learning about gluten, I found that it was highly linked to endometriosis and I thought, “Hey, I had that!”… just another thing to convince me that gluten could be the cause of my problem. So many things cleared up and were better from going GF, but my hair loss did not stop. I stayed GF, not because it was fun or easy, but because I felt SO much better!
Not until I did a candida cleanse and changed my diet to a clean eating/paleo/primal lifestyle in 2012 did I realize how many mistakes I had made in the past… and yes, I had my tonsils removed in 2011 because I didn’t know any better. Since I experienced feeling great from cleaning up my diet, I have been passionate about diet/lifestyle and am so disheartened about what is offered as “food” nowadays. Full of pesticides and GMOs, we are as sick as ever. Many don’t even realize the difference that diet makes. I feel that if I had changed what I ate back in 2001/20002, I would’ve not only enjoyed the benefits of a more normal period, I would’ve been so much healthier overall. I’ve seen family members enjoy pregnancy after years of infertility, weight loss, healthy blood pressure, as well as people coming off of medications (statins included), and the list goes on and on– from simply eating clean. Food can either feed disease, or it can be our medicine. Don’t fully rely on the FDA (not our friend) or a bottle of pills to fix problems. The power is in your hands to make the change for good.
I felt I had to share this to show others that there are alternatives like this article talks about. Don’t feel judged or get defensive, it doesn’t matter to me how YOU feel. Truly consider what is being shared and why it’s being shared… to lovingly help others, not to make them feel worse.
Thank you for sharing your experience!!
Can you tell me what you basically ate by changing your diet? I had an ablation done and low and behold… the following month, I am experiencing the same period as I did before the ablation.
I also had this done in my early 40’s due to my heavy periods causing anemia and the inconvenience of the flooding was terrible. I admit after having it done, I was not a lucky one and still had my periods, not as heavy though but still somewhat heavy. Now I am 47 and am having super heavy periods again and clotting. Along with this I have extreme fatigue and lightheadedness and headaches during. I do use a bioidentical progesterone cream but that seems to do nothing to slow this down. I am looking forward to seeing my gyn next week for some help. The ablation did not really work for me unfortunately so not really worth it. It was much more painful afterwards that I thought it would be post op.
This is great! I have a question though…when your doctor suggested reading the book about pre-menopause, were your hormones out of balance in your bloodwork? I’m only asking because I have every single one of these symptoms. I will be 30 in a couple weeks, I can’t lose weight anymore to save my life, I get terrible headaches, PMS, incredibly inconvenient periods that last for a minimum of 2 weeks, with a couple of “can’t leave the house days”. My doctor said “welcome to 30, that’s what happens” umm…no it doesn’t lol. My blood work came back “perfect”, everything in the normal range. I am paleo, I work out often…so I’m over here with some ridiculous answer from my military provided doctor (who I can’t change) like a sitting duck…it really is the #1 cause of my stress for the past year. I need a miracle I think since my doctor clearly can’t help me, and I don’t move back to the states until 2016. Yikes.
My doctor recommends saliva testing for hormones. I read the book first, then came back and did the testing. Yes, they were a bit out of whack. 🙂 You can also do saliva testing yourself through a variety of labs online. But I am not sure if that works given you are out of the country?
Did they also check your thyroid, and not JUST TSH (which actually only tests your pituitary glands ability to stimulate your thyroid)? To get an adequate view into thyroid function you have to get the following in addition to TSH:
-Free T4
-Free T3 (the actual active form your body can use)
-Total T3
-TPO and Thyroglobulin antibodies (to check for Hashimoto’s, the most common cause of hypothyroidism)
-Optionally, Reverse T3 (insurance may not cover this one)
I have Hashimoto’s but ironically I never tested positive for TPO or Thyroglobulin antibodies. And my completely personal opinion, because I did test positive for it, is to request an ANA Screen, which according to my Rheumatologist was caused by my Hashimoto’s.
I am one of the 20% of patients who found Hashimoto’s through fine needle aspiration of my thyroid nodules, which is apparently the “gold standard” for diagnosis. I’m pretty sure it is my Hashimoto’s causing my hormone issues.
I wish you luck, don’t give up looking!
So you heard someone talking at a party and then did a little internet research and talked to ONE doctor about what she thinks? Wow, impressive reporting.
I am one of those people who had an ablation. And I am one of those people that will say it was life changing. My doctor didn’t push it on me, and I waited to do it until I had exhausted all my options.
The idea that eating well and supplements is a cure for everything has got to stop. Yes, I follow a healthy diet, see a holistic doctor, take supplements as she recommends but this done get rid of polyps growing out of control. Or several of the other reasons why this procedure can be used or help women get their life back.
I had one and it worked great for a few months. after that though the periods came back even heavier. The end result was a hysterectomy. During the biopsy after my hysterectomy they found cancer in my uterus. If the ablation had worked the cancer would have gone undetected. The doctor said the cancer was causing the uncontrollable bleeding. The ablation is a very useful tool; however, make sure the underlying cause of bleeding is not cancer related.
Wow! So glad they were able to catch the cancer. Stay well!
Thank you for your article. After having a fibroid removed when I turned 50, it grew back and I begin to bleed 6 months later. I bled for 4 months straight! No sex, no intimacy with my husband, no exercise because it was just too painful. I gained 10 pounds. My doctor recommended the procedure after trying so many other things. I was scared! Did a lot of research, talked with my primary care physician and decided to go ahead. Fast forward 7 months. No bleeding, sex is good, I have begun running and have lost 15 pounds. I still ovulate as I get menstrual cramps every month, but no bleeding. I eat organically, exercise regularly and feel great! Your point about 10 to 15 years from now is well taken, but my life has completely changed, not to mention my marriage – thanks to the ablation.
What kind of ablation did you get?
Thank you, thank you, thank you for this post. It is very timely for me, as last week I had a very embarrassing “red invasion” at work in front of two men at my desk. I’m talking puddle at my feet!
Subsequently, I went to see my GYN who performed a biopsy (came back negative, thank God!) and gave me an RX for low dose BC to treat the symptoms. I have yet to start taking the BC because I’m not keen on the idea of increased cardiovascular issues, among others, that go along with it.
As a result I was considering this as an option. I will be getting the books now, for sure.
I am one of those women who suffered for 2 yrs of uncontrollable periods. I basically had it continuously. I was at my wits end. They tried everything until they recommended this procedure. I was so excited to finally get an end to my misery. In the end, the instrument malfunctioned and I almost died. They burned through my uterous and my colon. All of the bile from my colon went into my body literally poisoning me from the inside. I almost died. They had to go back in and give me a hysterectomy. They couldn’t go through my c-section scar so now I have a huge ugly scar from top to bottom on my stomach. I almost ended up with a colostomy bag for the rest of my life due to the damage on my colon and rectum. My scar now is so painful almost 3 years later and I still have to wear dresses because the zipper and seam on the pants still hurt. I would think twice about doing this procedure. Good Luck!
Oh wow, April. What a horrifying story. That is just terrible.
I’m so glad to stumble upon this website! My doctor told me I need to think about getting an ablation done or a hysterectomy due to heavy and prolonged periods. I did a search on ablation because I need to make a decision. Nevertheless, after reading this, I decided not to have it done. April, I heard about the side effects of ablation, but it wasn’t until I came upon your reply and the others, that I was able to decide what to do. I am sorry that you and other ladies had to go through all that. 🙁 I will continue doing research to see what natural remedies I can find. Hopefully, I won’t have to do the procedure.
How did u get on Evie? I was told ablation or hysterectomy due to anaemia and my heavy periods due to thick lining of the womb. Reading this I am glad I have. I have family history of differe t cancers and this terrifies me that it can’t be picked up after having the ablation. I was not told this by my gynae.
Thank you for writing this and for the helpful ppl thatve had this done as it has opened my eyes for sure.
Hello,
I too had the procedure after my daughter was born at 42. My periods were horrific- heavy, accidents, 7 FULL days, and then after two weeks, 7 FULL DAYS AGAIN. I was exhausted. Anemic. I felt very unattractive, and always bloated. My baby was 18 months old and I saw no return to the sexy woman I had been.
I opted for the surgery and it has been a blessing, but not without complications.
I have had some unexplained abdominal pain on occasion, but no periods. My hormones are on a roller coaster, but, probably the same as it would be at 49 if I had not had the surgery. My main issue with the hormones is that since I have no result (i.e. period) from the pms, it throws me for a loop because I don’t know why I’m moody and irritable.
I have started taking an antidepressant and it helps.
I agree with you that 10 – 15 years down the road anything could happen, however, I have my life back. I feel sexy. I have lost weight and I feel like me again. It’s worth the unknown future to have a normal today. But isn’t everything unknown. Cancer, heart attacks, strokes, etc. We don’t know what malady we will have to deal with at 70 or 80 years old.
My girls have a normal, happy Mommy. My husband has a sexy and responsive wife.
I get annual exams and I am healthy. So, I am thankful for the procedure. As with any medical procedure, there are side effects and people react differently.
my two cents……
A moment locked in my memory forever is waking up after getting my ablation. I did not do the laser ablation, my doctor felt the scolding hot water method would work better for me. He took a type of balloon and blew it up so every part of my uterus was touching it. Then he ran scolding hot water through it for 7 1/2 minutes. I have never felt pain like that in my entire life. I woke up screaming in pain. It took them an extra 2 hours to finally get my pain under control after this procedure. It felt like my insides were on fire. I still to this day tear up when I talk about it, and will never recommend this particular procedure to anyone.
I suffered from heavy periods with blood clots my entire life. My periods were so painful and heavy I could not leave my house. I can remember just going and sitting on the toilet and just bleeding. I could hardly get out of bed at times and on those days I just folded multiple towels in half and layed them underneath me in case I bled through my pad. Which was inevitable. No point in tampons, I would bleed through them within minutes, my husband being a paramedic would give me an IV at times just to give me fluids because I could barely eat or drink during these 10 days.
Now, the ablation did work. It slowed my periods down and I was actually able to leave the house and do normal things while I was on my period but I still had this horrible pain in my uterus area that wouldn’t go away, so after a year of dealing with this pain I went back to my doctor. He thought it could be endometriosis and recommended birth control. I made him give me a hormone test which came back normal. So I refused the birth control because when I take birth control I become a ragging b*tch. I felt my husband and 2 little boys did not deserve to have deal with me like that. So, the plan was to go in and look to see if there was endometriosis, if there was the plan was to do a hysterectomy. My doctor found no endometriosis but he chose to do the hysterectomy anyway because he said he found something in my uterus. The biopsy came back as normal uteran tissue. So now, I’ve had an ablation and a hysterectomy and I’m only 30 years old. All I want is for this pain I’m still having to go away. Its in my pelvic region and is still there after the hysterectomy.
I go back to my doctor and tell him I’m still having this pelvic pain and now its painful to have intercourse. He basically told me I was crazy. But, reluctantly sends me to a bladder specialist which everything came back normal and then that doctor sent me to a pelvic pain specialist. This new doctor diagnosed me with vulvar vestibulitis. Which is basically nerve pain in the vagina. He sends me to a physical therapist who figures out after her exam that my pelvic bones are broken, and that I probably broke them delivering my first child who is 10 years old now. She readjuste my pelvic bones and after the 12 weeks of therapy the pelvic pain I had felt for so long was finally gone. I’m still dealing with the nerve pain. In September, my doctor wanted to do yet another surgery. The surgery is removing a U shaped pocket of nerves just inside the vagina. Which I refused. I got online and researched my diagnosis more and found a more holistic approach. So far, my symptoms have stayed at bay. The book that I feel has saved my life is ” Heal Pelvic Pain” by Amy Stein M.P.T.
My advice to other women would be – I know how hard it is to live with on going pain. The option of an ablation is your choice! Do not let doctors scare you into a procedure you are not sure you want. Do your own research! And Your doctor does not know everything. My doctor looked me in the eye and told me there’s no way a holistic approach will work on my nerve pain and it is!! I hope my story has helped in some way.
Wow, thank you for sharing your story! I am glad you finally found the reason for your pain and hope the nerve pain subsides over time! -tm
I find it sad that women jump all over other women for questioning gynecological practices…yes, this is a blog post not a scientific article. The author made that very clear. Honestly., I wish that people would stop IGNORING diet as the cause of most disease and believing every word their doctor (most often a man who has no regard for their body), a person who profits from procedures and surgeries, who is part of big medicine and big pharma, is giving better advice. Do you ask the doctor to show studies to prove every recommendation? Do you ask hi,m to wait while you call other doctors for their opinions? You are holding a blogger to a higher standard than your MD. ANY invasive medical procedure affects your body … If it turns out you have autoimmune disease, like I have, any procedure causes a lot of inflammation in your body. I am living with 3 autoimmune disorders, feeling great on an anti-inflammatory diet, under the care of an M.D. who believes in nutrition for healing and I am healthy and happy instead of taking methotrexate, cancer drug which is what the mainstream doctors said I had to do to fight this debilitating disease. In my mid 40s, destroying my e
Immune system with chemo drugs, I doubt I could have lived a long. Healthy, happy life. Now I hope to. Balance your body, don’t fry it. It’s not your enemy.
After having this procedure done, I personally wouldn’t recommend it, but others I know didn’t have the experience or the results that I had either. I suffered from extremely heavy periods, clotting and cramping that had continued to increase after my last child was born. I was having periods that would last in excess of 7 days, literally flooding and would stop for a week and start again. My Gynecologist first told me about this procedure after they did an ultrasound and biopsy to determine if there were any abnormalities (cancer, polyps, etc.). I was told that it was a safe, quick, simple, and painless procedure that would either completely eliminate my periods, or at least make them more manageable. At this point in my life I was looking for something…anything that would help.
When the procedure was discussed, I was told that I could have the procedure at the hospital and be put to sleep, or I could more conveniently be allowed to have the procedure in the office which would be substantially cheaper (it wasn’t cheap either way, but it was at least $2,000 cheaper by doing it in the office). I had insurance which covered some of the procedure, but money was a factor so I opted to have it done in her office.
I was given prescriptions that I was to fill and bring with me on the day of the procedure. I should have asked more questions regarding pain management, etc., but I just trusted that they knew what they were doing and that all would be well. I arrived at the office and upon being taken into a holding room, I was instructed to take the one Valium that I have been prescribed and brought with me. I was told that this would help me to relax. When I was taken into the actual room where the procedure was to be done, they spoke to me and explained every thing they were doing. I was told that they were numbing my cervix so I thought, “ok, well that will help the pain.” I was completely humiliated as there were numerous people in the procedure room as I was at this point told that I was the first patient to actually have this procedure done in office and they were training, etc. To make matters worse, because it was the first procedure they had to have a representative from the company that made the ablation equipment in the room as well. I am an extremely modest person due to my religious convictions so having a male in the room who was not my husband was extremely uncomfortable for me. I was told that he would stay in an area where he could not actually see the procedure, but who knows. I mean I was not thinking clearly as the Valium had already taken affect.
When they inserted the wand I was told that I would feel slight pressure as the liquid was filling the balloon (not really sure what it is or what it is called, but for lack of better words this is what I am calling it). I did feel quite uncomfortable, but it wasn’t any worse than my heavy cramping so I thought I could handle it. They then explained that the liquid would be heated and that it would have to remain in my uterus for almost 8 minutes. As they began to heat the liquid it was apparent that I in no shape or form had been given any type of pain medication. I literally could feel my insides burning away…it was so bad in fact that I started screaming and they asked me if they needed to stop the procedure. It was at this point that I was told I had to feel like that for the 8 minutes. I truly didn’t think I was going to be able to do it, but pressed through, literally crying and praying until at last it was over…..
I was placed in a recovery room and upon being released I was told I could take the other pill they had prescribed as I was leaving. I realized then that it was in fact a pain pill. Not sure why I wasn’t allowed to have some type of pain management during the procedure itself, but I personally think they didn’t know what they were doing. The pain was absolutely excruciating and I told myself that I should have paid the extra money to have it done in the hospital where they would have put me to sleep. No one should have had to go through that kind of pain with no pain medication.
Me recovery was horrific. I was not back up on my feet the next day like they said I would be. I bled heavily for well over a week before I called the doctor who told me that it could be normal. After another week, I called back and they said to give it more time. After another week, the bleeding did finally stop. I was still having periods, yet more manageable through the first year. Then they slowly faded off and I wasn’t having them at all any more. It as during this time that I made some very drastic changes in my lifestyle as far as diet. I have been eating a dairy free, whole foods diet as a vegetarian for almost two years now and I am a daily organic juicer. This lifestyle change has healed many chronic illnesses and side effects that I had been dealing with for years. I believe that a proper diet can heal the body…..like I said, I have been on this journey for almost two years now and guess what….my periods are returning at age 42, well I will be 43 in a few weeks. The best part about that is that I am happy about it because it proves that you can heal your body from the inside out. If I would have truly known and understood what I was doing to my body, I would have never done it in the first place. I have been completely traditional medication free from two years as well.
Thank you for sharing your story!
I too, believe this article is extremely irresponsible. It’s extremely hypocritical to speak about doctors “pushing” the procedure on women, when you’re clearly “pushing” your opinion, without any factual research, about a procedure you yourself have not even had. While you claim that you are not ‘scared’ by the procedure, you are in fact using flames to spell out the word BURN, and asking if someone is willing to undergo being “burned” to rid themselves of what are real medical issues. How is that without intention to ‘scare’ them out of considering the procedure? That is clearly intimidation.
The procedure DOES NOT make it impossible to diagnose any future issues, although it may indeed make it more difficult. So, that simply means having the procedure includes accepting that and being more diligent about regular check ups.
I am 37 years old and have had 10 pregnancies with 3 live births. My history with multiple pregnancies and multiple losses has caused me, over the last 2 years, to hemmorhage very seriously, unpredictably, for days, and sometimes even weeks, causing me to be hospitalized four times. It is indeed hormonal, but there is nothing NORMAL about what’s happening to me. It’s not simply inconvenient, these cycles have changed my entire life. I eat very well, and take vitamins. I do not smoke, drink or do drugs. I am 5’3″, 115 pounds. I have a medical condition that will not allow me to take progesterone, or any other synthetic hormones, to help with flow or frequency. But even if I could, why wouldn’t I elect to have a more permanent procedure instead of introducing more synthetic hormones, with all of their side effects, into my body, every single month, until I hit menopause?! That is what sounds more ridiculous in my opinion!
My GYN has not pushed this procedure on me, I inquired about it after doing some real RESEARCH, and he did a fantastic job of telling me all of the pros and the cons and letting me ultimately make the decision that was best for me. I have decided against the ablation, only because of the slight chance that my bleeding may not stop, and have elected to have a hysterectomy instead.
It is okay to scar your uterine lining. Why does that make you sad? No one sees your scarred uterine lining, and you don’t need your uterine lining anymore if this procedure is appropriate for you. I’m not going to have a memorial service for my uterus once they remove it.
As far as your concern about where this procedure will be in 10-20 years, the answer, had you done your homework, is that it will still be around and will continue to evolve. This procedure has been performed since the 1970’s! It has just continued to develop into different techniques and marketed under different brands based on that respective company’s technology.
Great, thought out response especially coming from someone who opted out of the procedure. Being someone who works in the OR I can say that this (ablation) isn’t something new.
I recently had this procedure done (after exhausting other methods) because I had endometrial polyps that have caused anemia. I eat healthy, take supplements, exercise, and live a healthy lifestyle. I have endometriosis and healthy eating isn’t going to change that. Creating fear for a reader who may be considering this option is just irresponsible. Giving an opinion with no scientific basis and titling the article as fact is mind boggling.
April, I agree with your statement. I now will never read another blog this person writes. I considered the surgery, but never had it done.
My OBGYN never ordered a THYROID blood test. He went straight to balloon ablation (that failed) then he ordered (3) shots of LUPRON, spaced (3) weeks apart. This was for the ZAG LASER procedure he was going to “try” next.
I found an article caleld MEDICAL MISHAPS, and dropped it on his desk.
Turns out, I have Hashimotos thyroiditis, so NONE of that was going to help me.
Now I have ASHERMANS syndrome, and I cannot get a pap smear anymore.
My uterus is like “cobwebs” I am told. The Lupron over-shrunk my uterus, so they ended up, waking me up and canceling the ZAG LASER.
None of that is related to Hashimotos, and none of what he did is going to regenerate my uterus back to its healthy state.
I left his office and to this very day, that jerk still brags that thyroid does not overlap into the OBGYN world.
Be careful before you do this. It is painful afterwards and your uterus can be so damaged, you ill end up in surgery getting a D/C.
My OBGYN told me, “if you have even one drop of blood, I am giving you a hysterectomy.
She has no way of testing me for uterine cancer because of the ablation and those stupid shots, that are for CANCER patients.
He acts like what he did is standard, and its not.
PLEASE GET YOUR THYROID CHECKED, IF you have heavy periods.
I am so sorry for your experience! Thank you so much for sharing that here. I wish you good health!
i had this procedure done about 8 years ago. i have never regretted having it done. i wish i had seen a doctor before suffering with aweful periods for about 10 years. i found a new doctor and my life change for the better. no periods, no pads, no accidents. would do it again!
I found this article interesting and think you raised a very valid point – we need to address the cause, not the symptoms. With that said, I’m scheduled for a procedure similar to ablation. It’s called resection and involves cutting out the inside layer instead of burning it, and is supposed to be more effective for people in their early 30s. In my case, we know the cause and because of a medical condition, this is my best option. I really hope it’s effective and gives me the results I’m hoping for.
Thank you for sharing! Good luck!!
I had uterine ablation done 4 months ago. I was 49. I finally decided to do it after 10+ years of extremely painful periods with egg sized clots. I could feel them coming and would have to run to the ladies room ASAP or risk it running down my leg. I would have to use super tampons along with those giant overnight pads. I would piggy back so much Tylenol and Advil just to make it through my work days my stomach would hurt for days after.
I had the ablation and haven’t had a period since. And very little pain when I ovulate, more of a nuisance than anything else. So it seemed like a godsend.
But, and I didn’t make the connection until just recently, I’ve been experiencing chronic debilitating migraines on a regular basis. Befor the ablation I would have them twice a month. Once during ovulation and on the third day of my period. Now they run from a couple of days to several weeks in length. I would say that about 80% of my days have migraines.
I’m not sure if the ablation caused this problem but my assumption is it did.
I can’t see the neurologist for another two months. The doctor just wants to cover up the migraines with 4 different drugs. Including putting me on an antidepressant. Not interested.
I had to fight to get authorization to see a specialist to find the underlying problem.
I was led to this site while searching to find out if other people have had this reaction and it seems so. Has anyone else experienced problems with migraines after ablation?
Hi there
Interesting article and interesting comments.
I am 51, and have for a long time, suffered very heavy periods with massive clots, the size of a baby’s fist … if not larger, and cannot leave the house for 2 or 3 days a month due to my periods.
I have had the Mirena coil fitted, as I spoke to several girlfriends who have had it fitted and it stopped their periods completely, but alas it has not worked for me. I know one lady who has had the abalation procedure, it worked for her.
I asked my GP and she referred me to my specialist, but after the specialist told me what could go wrong I started to think on it and do a bit of research. It some cases, the procedure works for a while, then the womb lining grows back and the periods come back with a vengeance. I really do not want to undergo a general anesthetic and have my womb mucked about with, if there is no guarantee it is going to work. So, for me, this article was an interesting read and widened my options. If possible, I would like to do a more natural approach to dealing with this.
On the other hand, my periods to play havoc with my life quality and one period lasted 39 days!!!
Thanks for the info, it is an eye opener… I don’t really want to interfere with my body if I can help it.
Now I know that there maybe other alternatives to help through this heavy period and feeling blur stage.
I just had this done so I don’t what the end results will be but I know that my dr did a biopsy twice before doing this procedure. I tried changing my diet to a clean diet and grew all the veggies I ate and that didn’t help out much. I didn’t have as many clots but the period was still very heavy. I am in my late 40s and I have 5 children so we are done with having children. My dr and I tried everything we could think of before doing this. I do believe that everything must be tried before doing this procedure. Research, research, research and talk to your doctor a lot.
I had an ablation. They punctured my Uterus and cut into a major blood vessel. I almost died. They had to do an emergency hysterectomy. I had to have a blood transfusion and stay in the hospital a week. It was horrible. I have a large scar running top to bottom of my stomach and have never felt as good as I used to and it has been years. I say a big NO to this.
I am so sorry for your experience. Thank you for sharing your story!
I wish I would have come across this blog before I had this procedure. I have several friends who achieved success with this and swore I would “wish I’d done it sooner”. I pondered this for 6 years for the fear of “burning” my insides. I finally got the nerve to have a consultation. I did do some homework prior and learned it was advised to have a biopsy first, which was never brought up by the dr. I had to ask for it. The tests all came back normal so I had the procedure done under sedation. I woke up in excruciating pain and sent home after 3 additional pain injections in my I.V. and a muscle relaxer. If just one woman reads this and changes her mind, I will feel like I made a contribution to someone seeking knowledge.
This procedure failed for me. I bleed from the time I left straight into what I had hoped to be a much lighter period. I initially felt some relief and was looking forward to a normal 7-10 days a month. One month later I had the worse period of my life. So, not only did it fail, it’s like a running faucet for at least 2 1/2 days.
I had no history with this Dr., I was referred to him and told he was the “best” GYN around. At my follow up, he said give it 5 months, if it doesn’t get better we will schedule you for a hysterectomy. REALLY??? At 42, that really wasn’t an option for me yet. I still have No reason why it failed and my Dr. said she had two because the first wasn’t successful. WHY not mention that to me before referring me out? She was one of the main reason why I decided to go ahead with it.
After having very heavy periods since they started at 12, four daughters, years of suffering from exhaustion and fainting spells from anemia, I was looking forward to the freedom of a life that doesn’t revolve around ridiculous heavy menses. Now I am left with the possibilities and unforeseen complications of the future.
I can’t help but wonder what the Real statistics of successes, failures, pros and cons are? Why wasn’t I given all the info? Why there were No mentions of possible failure? I could have been more proactive with more information.
I am so sorry for your experience. Thank you for sharing your story!
I had the novasure ablation done on April 10. I had been fighting my dr for over a year because I had a bad feeling about this procedure. However my heavy periods were 20 days in length almost every month and I became severely anemic. They told me I had to do something and I thought this would be a better option than hysterectomy. I felt very little during the procedure. Two days after I began having heavy cramping and discharge. They said this is normal. One week after I woke up in the middle of the night with 104.6 fever and convulsions. I went to the ER and was admitted to the hospital for sepsis as a result of a staph infection in my uterus. I had to take 7 different antibiotics to cure the infection. On top of all this, the procedure failed for me. I still have 5-7 day periods every 2 weeks. Not worth it. If you are considering this procedure I advise you to think very hard on it. They tout it as a miracle cure but in my case it certainly was not.
I am so sorry for your experience! Thank you for sharing!
My period is not just an “inconvenience”. My periods last for MONTHS at a time. This is caused by uterine lining, so fixing that through ablation fixes the problem itself, not just a symptom.
I had an ablation done August 2015 due to extreme blood clotting, painful cramps, bloating and heavy periods.
My doctor found at least a dozen polyps. She said that I may not have my period again. Yiipppee!
September 2015. Got my period and it is basically almost the same before but maybe a little lighter? Still crampy and bled through my tampon while I was sleeping last night.
Is there something else that could be going on? Apparently, my hormones are out of wack… what else could be the problem? Quite possibly this issue I am having is not the main problem but a consequence of something else that is going on??
I had to have an ablation. I had bled for 53 days non stop and had hit a point where I had to receive transfusions. I am so sad now it hurts me I want a child and now I want one. But the question is can my body support. 3 days is what is required I am only 2.
I had 1st ablation in 2005 at age 35 after lifelong heavy periods. Went very well, no post opp pain, had it done in hosp with general anesth & proper pain med. No post opp pain, discharge, bleeding, nothing. Very liberating and was finally a relief to chronic anemia and I used to bleed solid 7-9 heavy flow days/month and never left the house despite being active. Was told most women would need repeated in approx 5 years. At around 4 yrs, began having light periods which were managable, but had that sense of dread if heavy menses returned. Fast forward to this past year where at age 45 had sudden periods stop for 3-4 months this year and then have one bizarre period, only to lather, rinse, repeat. By September, I began hemorraging out like I’ve never done in my life. Passing 7-8inch long, 2-3 inch wide blood clots 3-4 times daily and this lasted for 2 straight months! Had blood transfusion before for ruptured cyst in my history so they began doing blood counts as I hover above another blood transfusion. My gyn insisted I have another ablation and then added D&C and hysterscopy as well and did in day surgery setting with IV sedation & local pain meds. Except, day before surgery, my hormones jerked the bloody hemorrage to a screeching halt in full. I had surgery and procedures done only to be told that during it my doctor changed over to general anesth despite the known fact I was high risk anesth patient and was never to be put under in full unless life/death situation. Had strangest post opp. Violently ill and pain from recovery from anesth. I could feel internal uterus pain and cervix was hurting fully 10 days out. I had every color discharge which was bizarre and began a new fun hobby of bladder incontinence post opp. Day before my 2 wks post opp appt, I awoke in middle of night to the worst pain in my life of back cramps that felt like a tight corset of pain and pressure and that overtook my back, upper/lower abs to point I tried to not vomit, couldn’t even swallow water and the cramping/labor type pain caused large painful burping non stop for hours. Pain responded to no pain med. Took shower and all of sudden, this healthy, not ill women had fecal incontinence in the shower! If it weren’t enough, I began bleeding, not spotting…..full out bleeding and now passing clots. I’m back where I was not even 2 weeks post opp. Dr making excuses such as maybe I have UTI (I don’t) to explain bladder incontinence. Dr stumped on heavy flow/clots to return and is pulling the “watchful waiting” nonsense. RN I spoke with gave solid answers that my pelvic floor muscles were blatantly exhausted from hemorraging for over 2 months straight and so after a surgery, made sense I would have bladder incontience and yes, even fecal incontence. I’m unable to do progesterone or IUD as they will give me blood clots as I have rare clotting disorder, yet my Dr. even pushes those. So, I can speak from both ends to the spectrum of having an excellent experience and there is value to the procedure and the worst experience that is currently ongoing. I had 2 biopsies done and were normal so my Dr tosses off the phrase “It’s hormones”….Yeah, so what are we going to do to address before I die from blood loss? No one seems to have the answer. Hysterectomy isn’t option either again due to blood clots. It’s a bizarre procedure in concept and 2nd round I’m stumped how my body did the normal healing discharges and post opp processes only to have it shot to heck in less than 2 weeks out. Before, I’d recommend it without hesitation, but now please educate yourself in full and seek all options since the Dr’s won’t do it for you. I don’t know the maker of my 1st ablation but my 2nd was Novasure.
Wow, thank you so much for sharing your experience! I pray for your continued recovery!
Cee, do you have factor 5 leiden?
I came across your blog doing research AFTER I had my ablation done. There are side effects I’m just reading about now that I wish I had seen before I made the decision to have the procedure done. I think I may be one of the lucky ones, in that I haven’t experienced any side effects, although it still would have been good to have all the personal stories to consider before going in for surgery. The glossy little NovaSure pamphlet of course doesn’t mention any of this.
I also noticed that you are very gracious to your readers who have commented about their awful experiences, but haven’t validated anyone who’s taken the time to write in and share her story about a successful procedure. That leaves me in a little bit of a weird spot because I am thankful for your giving a voice to the dangers, but at the same time feeling, hmm, almost in the wrong because I am actually very grateful I had it done. I could have died without the procedure, or would have had to opt for a much more invasive hysterectomy, which I didn’t want at all.
I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer 5 years ago, and it’s been a hellish ride ever since. And I had the cancer (unbeknownst to me or anyone!) all the while I was pregnant a year earlier. My periods got so bad, and by that I’m not talking about being inconvenient or messy or just unpleasant. I mean, I lost so much blood every month, I required at first infusions of iron to combat the anemia, and when that wasn’t enough, I needed transfusions of blood every other month. With the increasing blood loss, I couldn’t keep my thyroid levels even. Anyone who’s on a thyroid replacement hormone can tell you how fickle the dosages can be–the meds are so sensitive, they are measured in micrograms, so even a tiny drop or raise in levels can have extreme effects. And my parathyroid was damaged during my thyroidectomy, so I’m not just taking iron supplements, I’ll have to take calcium supplements for the rest of my life. Currently I’m taking 6 grams (that’s 6,000 mg, or 12 TUMS tablets) daily, spaced every hour, because I can’t keep and regulate calcium in my body.
It was my endocrinologist who sent me to the gyn to have my periods evaluated. Not even my gynecologist realized (or cared?) how the periods were affecting my blood chemistry. The first thing we tried was the pill. I had been on the pill a decade ago before I first got pregnant, and never had an issue with it. It helped regulate my periods, which up to then had been irregular, every few months, never knowing when they’d hit, or how long they’d last. But I hadn’t been on hormonal birth control since having been treated for cancer.
The hormones from my recent trial of birth control pill made me suicidal. In all my life, I’d never experienced such thoughts. Ever. It was beyond scary. Everyone close to me, my family, my friends, all have said it was like I was a completely different person. One month of hormonal birth control, and that was it. I was done. The gyn tried to talk me into an IUD (um, hello? Still hormones!). When I met back with my endo, she was furious. You don’t put a patient like me, with such fickle and hard-to-manage thyroid levels on any kind of hormones! (I had a cat at the time who was on thyroid medicines, which had to be administered transdermally by applying a paste to the inside of his ears, and I wasn’t even allowed to give him those treatments, not even wearing gloves.)
So anyway, long story not much shorter, the ablation has meant the difference between barely surviving and thriving for me. I did try several alternatives before going this route. I wasn’t looking for an end to periods, or even an end to the monthly headaches and intense doubling-over-with-pain cramping. I just needed some way to stop the massive blood loss, which was slowly killing me. Because of my complicated background with the cancer and trying to manage thyroid hormones, I may be in the minority that does not see another option. Hysterectomy was most definitely not an option for me. I don’t believe in removing a body part unless it’s killing you. I honestly don’t know what I would have done if the ablation weren’t available. It’s without a doubt a last resort, and not something to be considered lightly, but it is still an option. If you are aware of something else that could have been offered as an alternative, that information could have been so helpful to me, or any other woman who is currently dealing with such extreme blood loss to the point of transfusions.
Thanks for sharing your story with us!
No, I don’t believe in burning or removing any part of my body unless totally necessary and for me the ablation was a life saver… You speak of changing the pad or tampon hourly ? Try changing BOTH every 30 minutes for two – three days… (Worse after a flight) … Feeling anemic and having low energy is no way to live… So at 45 years of age I had it done and have not looked back. Only get a light period now, very civilized. I come from a long line of women who’ve had hysterectomies ( in their 40’s ) and ultimately even my naturopath recommended it over the mirena. I do think about repercussions but you can only live one day at a time and I’m sure my body will tell me if I will eventually need a hysterectomy. I’m hoping menopause will hit and that will be the end of it !
I saw it as a preventative measure for the hysterectomy, which was where I was heading, It worked – 2 years later and I can’t believe how I barely need to purchase pads anymore and a packet lasts for ages !!
Sorry but do you think anyone would burn or remove anything unless absolutely necessary ?! My heavy periods affected my life for way longer than they needed to and changing pad AND tampon hourly !? Pfft that would have been a dream.
It got to the point where my Doctor AND Naturopath recommended the ablation and the naturopath recommended it over the mirena too!
I come from a long line of women who have had hysterectomies in my family, so for me it was a preventative … A bit more aggressive than a currette and it worked ! I wish I’d had it done sooner.
I don’t even take panadol if I can help it – so burning my uterus, as you put it, was not an easy decision … But it has improved my life 100%
I would have bathed daily in natural progesterone, if it worked !!!
Thank you so much for commenting! Sadly I know many women who turn to this procedure when it isn’t ‘absolutely necessary’ and not as a ‘last resort’. It is my opinion that in most cases (not all, of course), this procedure completely ignores getting to the root of the problem and is simply a bandaid. I am glad it worked for you and wish you continued health and wellness!!
Dear Tamara,
Obviously, it takes a good deal of consideration when you have to choose between the different treatment modalities in an attempt to reduce heavy periods.
I am not an endometrial ablation pusher, but I find that certain important pieces of information are missing in the above.
Firstly; in the US, it is not unusual for women to have an ablation without a proper examination of their womb, sometimes not even an ultrasound scan prior til the ablation. Thus, women with fibroids, polyps, malformations of the uterus etc are given a treatment, they never should have had.
In my surgery, women are having an ultrasound scan and a microhysteroscopy during the initial workup. Women with large fibroids or fibroids in or in the vincinity of the cavity of the womb are not offered an ablation. Women with heavy periods should undergo a thorough investigation like any other patient. Endometrial ablation does not justify cutting corners.
Secondly, in my clinic endometrial ablation is not offered to women younger than forty years; I also do fertility work and over the years I have seen numerous women WHO find a new partner in their late 30’s and want to become pregnant. The risk of a regrowth of the mucosal lining and hence a return of the bleedings is too big if you perform an ablation 20 yeras before the woman enters menopuase. Women younger than 40 are offered a Mirena or a POP.
Thirdly, endometrial ablation can – and should – be performed in an efficient local anaesthesia without any conscious sedation. A majority of (Danish) women do not like the loss of control they experience during general anaesthesia or under heavy conscious sedation. But equally important, the local anesthesia provides a much better relief from the painful uterine cramping in the first six hours after the ablation than the general anaesthesia does.
Some of the companies are promoting their devices as “so simple any monkey can do it” – and consequently any monkey does it.
Endometrial ablation is a surgical intervention and should be offered with the same professional advice and caution as any other surgical procedure.
Over the past 15 years, I have performed hundreds of endometrial ablations along the lines illustrated above and I have only had 2 – two – women who had to have a hysterectomy because they could not accept the slight spotting which is a common result of the ablation and generally not considered a failure.
Kind regards
Henrik Skensved MD MA
Consultant gynaecologist
Hillerod, Denmark
That is wonderful that you put so much consideration into when the procedure is appropriate. Thanks for commenting!
I had an ablation done 8 mths ago!! I had my daughter last March & had the procedure done last Aug. It was done BC my bleeding got heavier. It has always been heavy & nothing else was working..my Dr tried a few things before the surgery & I opted for it BC he said it was easier & less recovery than a hysterectomy! I had my tubes tied, cut & burned after my daughter bc me & my hubby was done having kids! He was 39 & I was 37 so I had no problem doing the tubes!! But I wanted to have the ablation BC I hate my periods & wish I never had them. He did tell me they would either slow down or stop & ever since the surgery, its been on the money of when I’m supposed to start & stop & they have been MUCH lighter!! Until this mth & it has stopped, which I have called him about! Not really worried bout not having one, (just wanted to make sure it normal after so long for it to just stop). But I have no regrets having the ablation done.. I have felt so much better since!! When I have my periods, I don’t feel as sluggish or achy(bc my periods were EXTREMELY heavy). I’ve never felt better & don’t regret a thing!! I recommend it for older women whose periods are heavy & are done having kids but don’t wanna take all their “womanly” stuff out!! Best thing I’ve ever done!!
I had an ablation done over 8 years ago due to extremely heavy periods and giant blood clots over the course of 6 months. I was done having children (at age 37 after 4 kids) and I was checked for pre-cancerous cells via ultrasound and biopsy prior to the procedure. After careful thought and realizing my quality of life was greatly impacted – spent 3 weeks out of the month in the bathroom tending to all the bleeding – I decided to go ahead with the ablation. I have had no negative side effects since. I see my GYN annually for a checkup and they are monitoring me carefully knowing I had the procedure.
Everyone needs to do their research and get many opinions if need be. Ultimately you know yourself the best and have to decide what is the best for you. Thank you for this article.
I had this done 8 years ago at age 35 after bleeding heavy from my first period at 11 years of age. At 35 years I was bleeding for 30 days and a weeks break from bleeding. There was no way I could continue to exist with this cycle. I was crying in pain for around 3 hours after op and now have very tender breasts the week before my period. It has been life changing as I would bleed through towels onto car seat get out to go shopping would realise the mess I was in turn car around and go home. I was confined to the house sometimes for a week at a time when the clots were coming the pain was so bad I could cry. This was the best thing for me but sadly my periods are getting heavier again and pain and clots returning but I will have it done again if they get much worse so in my opinion it is worth it. Hope this helps if you are considering this op.
Just my two cents….I did have a uterine ablation about 16 years ago and I have no regrets what’s so ever. I was given options of having an ID with progesterone. No thanks…I didn’t want to add more hormones to lighten my periods. I knew I was done having children and jumped at the option of the ablation. My periods were so heavy and I would bleed through tampons every 30 minutes and a pad on the worst days. The last straw was when my husband and I traveled to Montreal to see the Rolling Stones. We were about to get off the bus and I started my period…had nothing with me. While I run the back of the bus to wad up TP in my underwear my husband searched for a conveniencertain store. Every time I stood during the concert I would feel the rush of blood. Made my appointment the next day. Life is good!
Thank you for sharing your experience!
I am 36 and had an ablation done 3 days ago after having a heavy period for 9 months straight. I am prone to clots and cannot be put on hormonal birth control as a result. I am now severely anemic and will require a blood transfusion. my options were an endometrial ablation or a hysterectomy. Given my age, I chose the ablation. So yes I did choose to burn my uterus and happy I did.
While I find this post interesting and respect your opinion, there are more considerations than just hormones. Some circumstances require this action and this post did not take into account other issues that may occur in making this decision and I find that disappointing.
Thank you for sharing your opinion!
Not all the drugs you mentioned were taken off the market. ( for example ) Accutane is still available in generic , it is just more closely monitored. And yes I do agree with the previous writer that you might want to do a little more research and maybe suggest options for your readers to explore. Personally I have fibroids, non stop bleeding ( months on end ), extreme cramping and clots, I have three choices, Medication, ablation or hysterectomy. I have tried medication for six months with no help, so I see ablation as my next choice. I realize that it may not stop my symptoms but I have extreme anemia and would prefer not to get blood transfusions. I consider hysterectomy as my last option. I’m getting an ablation next week, I’ll let you know how it goes.
Thanks for commenting!! Do keep us posted. I hope it goes well for you!
I am 29 and had mine done 3 years ago now I am gaining weight and I can’t seem to lose it. I had mine because I had 2 c-sections and I ended up with endometriosis my doctor tried a D&C on me first that just made things worse then I had my ablation in someways I wish I wouldn’t have but in someways I’m glad that I did but if I could go back I would never have done it. I didn’t want anymore kids anyways Ihad a tubal done with my second c-section but I had mine done because sex hurt the bleed was twice a month and the cramps I was in a ball for a week before mine and now it is the weight I will as skinny before now I have gained over 50lbs and I have been tested for diabetes and my thyroids and all that came back clean
I had an ablation in September of 2014 and right after the procedure I was very sick and nautious with vomiting. After a few hours and alot of pain meds I floated home to recovery. It definitely helped the heaviness but after a while my periods became a little heavier but nothing like before. One day I was home and began cramping really badly . I ended up in the ER and found out that my scar tissue was causing the pain and that it was only going to get worse. Now I have to get a hysterectomy leaving only my ovaries. Happy no more periods ever but I kind of feel like the gyn knew this would happen and set himself up for another pay day ! My surgery is in August I keep you posted.
Thank you for sharing your story!! I pray your surgery goes smoothly in August.
I am only 26 and I am opting for ablation. I am using the genesys hta system. We tried progesterone, but it completely killed my libido and vave me some intolerable side effects. Very heavy periods are common in my family, as is early menopause (think late 30s). We are doing this as a second option before hysterectomy. I agree that many women go into it as a first treatment plan, but for some of us, other options have not worked out.
Good luck with your procedure! And yes, I agree, sometimes you have to do what you need to do. But, oftentimes people use this as a first treatment plan! I wish you the best and thank you for sharing your story!
Hi. I had an ablation 8 years ago (at age 34) due to heavy periods and constant anaemia even with supplements. After trying many naturopaths for herbs and diet, accupuncture and exercise etc. it became my last option even though I’m pretty ‘wholistic’. I do not believe drs should be recommending this procedure as often as they do. There are side effects that weren’t discussed 8 years ago and if I knew about them I wouldn’t have had the procedure. Some of these include some weight gain (without changes in lifestyle), BV or bad vaginal odour off and on throughout the month (not present previously) and this is now noted as being experienced by other women who have had the procedure and another is the (unconscious) psychological stress of not having a physical sign of blood each cycle to let us know we are not pregnant. The BV really gets me down and I’m pretty sad about the whole thing really since it’s irreversible. I was pretty desperate but the outcome hasn’t been great.
Anyway, just an experience for women to consider if looking into the procedure.
Thank you so much for sharing your story!
I am having an ablation tomorrow
Because my hemoglobin has dropped
From 13-8 in three weeks. I read this article and started panicking. Thank you for writing this.
If you call your period an “inconvenience,” then whatever you’ve been experiencing is not what many of us experience. I thought the same thing, that women were complaining of something they should be capable of managing, UNTIL it happened to me.
Bleeding half of every month, missing work, not being able to walk your children a block to the bus stop before there is a “problem,” and having to decline going places or making plans around getting your period, year after year, is not an… inconvenience.
I dealt with 7 years of tests and treatments before deciding on an ablation… which was offered, and not pushed. I live healthy, eat healthy, exercise most days of the week, etc. Hormones are normal. Creams didn’t work. Medications made the problem bearable, but not any shorter.
Yeah, I read and tried the natural cures. They don’t work for everyone, because sometimes really horrible periods are not an “imbalance,” but what happens as we get older and our bodies just don’t work as well as they used to.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion. But for the many women who have walked in my shoes… and there are LOTS of us…your horror of a burned and scarred uterus is nothing compared to the trauma and horror of watching yourself bleed like you’re dying every single month.
That’s the real horror for the person who experiences it, not your outrage at someone making a decision for themselves that you don’t agree with.
So I’ll do what I think I need to for me, and not be horrified at others making decisions that are different from my own. You try to do the same, `k?
Yes. This. Thank you!
I’m supposed to schedule one today…because I cant have hormones because I have a blood clotting condition called
mthfactor but now I’m afraid to do it. also afraid of weight gain. the doctors nurse explained that it doesn’t effect weight gain or weight loss…now I don’t know what I should do it or not. all the things ive read so far scare me a little.
Had endometrial abulation in December 2016 at age 43 , I had horrible debilitating migraines, 9 days of heavy periods every 21 days and anemia so bad had 2 blood transfusions!
Well I guess it worked for the most part,, I rarely get a headache and no more periods. If you ask me if I would do it again I would have to say NO! I have gained almost 30lbs I am now always bloated (not only a few days a month) all the weight gain has caused depression and the antidepressant caused more weight gain!
Yes I have
-no periods
-no migraines
-no longer anemic for the first time since I was 12
It was NOT worth it!
I now have cramps that I never had before!! No sex drive (my poor husband) I am constantly bloated and I can’t eat without feeling full even with tiny portions!!! The sad thing is I’m sure I would have hit menopause in a few years anyway.
I am only 5’2″ so 30 pounds on me is literally 10 sizes!! Went from a size 4 to 14!!!!!!!!! In 6 months . I have been to my primary doctors , gastrointestinal specialist and they have run every test out there everything comes back normal.
I wish I did my research before I had the procedure done. I only started looking stuff up after and now it’s too late can’t take it back and DO NOT LET ANYONE TELL YOU IT DOES NOT EFFECT YOUR WEIGHT.
I thought this was a poorly written article.. . Just the name shows how biased you are and yet you’ve given no proof other than your own opinion.
You don’t seem to understand not being able to leave your house, work or enjoy time with your children each month due to heavy bleeding, pain and exhaustion.
I am 32 and just had this procedure recently. I have 4 children, have had a tubal ligation and have had 10-14 day periods with the first 2-3 days so heavy I am house bound since I first got my cycle.
Should this procedure be offered to every woman just so they don’t have a period, probably not. Should women just suck it up and deal with it when their period greatly interferes with their life, NO!! They should look into their options and make the best choice for them!
This article actually reminded me of an anti-abortion article… trying to tell other women what to do with their bodies based on nothing other than the authors opinion. I for one think it’s great that there are options and that I can choose what’s best for me.
Don’t like the thought of an ablation, don’t get one, but don’t hate on those who do.
We could be twins! I also had done two years ago and still had normal period until March this year. Now on day 20 of bleeding. Where are you at today?
For those who have had the procedure, has anyone had weight gain? I see other forums where people complain of terrible weight gain but there is no known connection and doctors indicate it is not a side effect. Is there anyone who has not had weight gain from it?
I have never left a response to any online article I’ve ever read. I am compelled to respond to this one because I am a huge supporter of a natural approach to health and wellness, I exercise, eat a healthy organic diet, strive to live a balanced life – and I had an endometrial ablation. I read Dr. Lee’s book – along with several others on the subject – and I tried moderating my periods with natural progesterone that was prescribed by a doctor of functional medicine, and it did absolutely nothing to help. I worked with my doctor tweaking hormones for years all the while suffering from periods that were so painful and heavy that I couldn’t leave the house for a few days each month. It was way beyond just inconvenient or gross. It interfered with my quality of life in a profound way. I decided I didn’t want to live that way anymore, so I eventually sought the help of my (traditionally trained) gynecologist who in no way pushed the procedure on me. It was certainly a more conservative approach than a hysterectomy.
I disagree with your assumption that women who opt for this procedure are somehow going against the natural way of things. Is using an antibiotic for an infection going against the natural way? Endometrial ablation is a treatment that I’m sure most people make after considerable contemplation, and both the title of your article and the content suggest that it is something of a failure to choose to have this procedure.
We all have a right to our opinions, but asserting that an opinion that differs from yours is “ridiculous” is short sighted.
I don’t think that I have ever commented on an article before, but I found this article downright offensive. You are not a doctor and to give “opinions” without any evidence to support what you “believe” is just ridiculous. Nothing is 100% safe and for all you know the hormone creams will one day be considered unsafe. I just had this procedure yesterday. Had cramping for a couple of hours and am just tired today. I don’t even know if it’ll work yet, but regardless it was worth it to me. I have tried everything natural I can think of. I’ve tried various birth controls. I eat healthy and exercise. I’ve tried vitamins and herbal supplements. My periods have been negatively impacting my life and my mood for several years, because they are so heavy. Actually the heavy periods are in and of themselves unhealthy and can adversely affect your health because of the heavy blood loss. It’s also insulting to think that women who choose ablation haven’t thought of trying to figure out the cause of their heavy bleeding. Of course I have!!! I’ve had terrible periods since I was 10 years old and have dealt with this for 30 years. The bleeding since I had my last child has just been awful. So while I appreciate that everyone is entitled to their “opinion” it is shocking to me that a grown woman doesn’t see the validity in backing up opinions with facts and evidence. I am a teacher and teach my fourth graders to do that in their opinion writing. This article is unnecessary and could keep many women from having a valuable procedure that would improve their quality of life.
This article is very truthful. Any woman who thinks this procedure is good has not YET suffered the wrath of endometrial ablation. I know and I will shout it from the hilltops! Don’t ever get endometrial ablation. I was a NovaSure Victim and I admin a facebook group NovaSure Fact You Should Know! We provide women with information that they never, never heard from the doctor and isn’t in the brochure.
Many doctors give out different information. There is no standard. In fact, endometrial ablation is being used for issues what it has not been approved for.
When I attempted to get answers from Hologic the manufacturer of NovaSure, I was referred to my doctor. But all doctors give different answers! The problem lies in the FDA and the pockets they have open from pharmaceutical companies.
Before you consider this procedure, learn as much as you can.
If you like you may join this group for more information. (NovaSure Facts You Should Know!)
Or if you would like to share your experience with others, please feel free to join.
There is a petition, Health Med Reports, etc to fill out so that you are counted!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/264368540364822/
I HAD THE NOVASURE 4/26/2017 AND IT DID NOT WORK FOR ME AS WELL I’M GETTING THE HYSTERECTOMY AT THE END OF 8/2017
I am 37, a mom to 3 and a business owner. I also am a wife who enjoys time with my husband. I have wanted an ablation since my 7 year old son was born. Since I started menustrating, my periods are 7-14 days. During the first 5 days, I would wear night pads and super plus tampons and change them every 2-3 hours and still leak. As a professional, this doesn’t work. I tried everything from diet to exercise (I run half marathons) to hormones and inserting hormone rings. At some point, my doc said yes. I am 6 months in. No regrets. I can honestly say my period no longer controls my life, ruins my vacations or my sister in law’s chairs at Christmas. This procedure was a less invasive option than a hysterectomy. I have a 2-3 day light period now and feel free.
Hi. I’m in my mid forties and started having heavy periods this year. I have a very rare immune deficiency and have had chronic anemia for years. I’m getting IV iron treatments now because low hemoglobin and ferritin have kept me bed ridden. Thankfully I am getting some strength now. My gynaecologist and I tried using the Mirena IUD first and it is working, however, the hormones are making me sick (I have lost 20 pounds) and I have pain in my hip. I am having the endometrial ablation in six to eight weeks (this is Canada,lol). The surgeon suggested this procedure first and if it’s not effective he agrees that a hysterectomy is the next step. He also encouraged me to go online and look up more information on the procedure and he wrote down information on the instruments he will be using. I could go online and write an hysterical article about how awful the IUD is and encourage women not to use it after my experience. But that’s just it. It’s my experience. I am not impressed with the scare tactics employed in this article. You could be responsible for scaring some women off of a procedure that they really need. Chronic to severe anemia can require IV iron infusions or blood transfusions. Your actions are irresponsible.
Hi I’m get the Nova ablation this Friday and this is literally freaking me out .. until I’m feeling anxiety I bleed so bad I’m in depends two pads super tampon and at Night I have to sleep on Chuck pads .I’m tired of iron infusion Every 3 months. My doctor has a 5⭐ rating I’m almost about to cancel due to these comments .. My period is getting life threaten I’m totally confuse now ladies
I am 48 and am considering ablation, after trying the homeopathic route. It has not stopped the heavy clotting periods I get from time to time, which are crazy debilitating.
So, I’ll say I’m glad you wrote this article so I can hear so many opinions and experiences on the subject to try to make an informed decision.
I don’t think natural remedies can fix everything, but believe it’s always best to try that route first and to try to determine the cause not just put a bandaid on the symptoms. Life is unpredictable and ultimately quality of life is an important factor in this decision.
I would like to ask if there are opinions on which method of ablation is best — there seem to be many (burning, freezing, or radio frequencies)
Also wondering if there is typically any effect on sex drive or vaginal dryness after the procedure….
Since I have tried bio-identical hormone therapy and progesterone cream with no luck, my options seem to be 1 – live with the misery for several weeks at a time with really heavy clotting (this does not seem healthy either) 2 – an IUD or low dose Birth Control, with risks of clotting or breast cancer 3 – hysterectomy 4 – endometrial ablation.
Ablation seems the lesser of all these evils for me right now.
Would love to hear about what type of ablation was done for those who have had success – As well as any after effects on sex —
Thanks!!
Yes another person who thinks they know it all . Have you ever considered that some of us have tried other less invasive options and this is our last option before a hysterectomy. Lady, you have NO idea how bad it can get with periods. My periods would laugh in the face of your diet change option haha. What a joke !
I have had very heavy periods my whole life. I have gone to the emergency room a few times for clots the size of golf balls coming out every 15 minutes for hours. I have worn 2 tampons and a pad at the same time. I have had numerous procedures to no avail. Finally at 43 to better my daily life I had an ablation. It was the best thing I have ever done. I have never had an issue in the three years since. I still get my period but it is much lighter and lasts only 4 days as opposed to 7. Maybe finding a good doctor is the key I am in NJ and have access to the best doctors. I was not ready for a hysterectomy and prefer to go though menopause the way it was meant to be. I would recommend this to anyone who suffers the way I did. It never affected my sex drive. I am a bit drier but the are ways around that.
The above comment was meant as a reply to Mandy’s comment.
But since I’m here, to the person who wrote is judgemental article, I’ve got a few things to say.
Has your period ever stopped you from living your life? Stopped you from going on paid non refundable planned holidays? Stopping you from holding down a job? I didn’t think so. You have got NO clue what some of us unlucky ones have to deal with on an almost daily basis, not just your typical 3-5 days in a month.
People like us have tried all other options and this is my last option before I will be getting a hysterectomy. So come on I dare you, reply with what option you think I should have gone with to help with my periods, and I’ll tell you a little story about your so called alternative solution.
You do not have to stay at home because of your periods. You have not used a pack of 48 heavy duty tampons in a day and a half. you do not have to take your own nappy bag with you when you are brave enough to venture outside your house complete with several changes of clothes, plastic bags, wet wipes, towels, basically everything apart from the kitchen sink. You do not have to stand everywhere because the idea of sitting down could be terrifying and embarrising. You do not have to sleep on the bathroom floor on a plastic sheet. Your bathroom or any other bathroom you use does not change into the chainsaw massacre reenactment. Which would require you to also pack cleaning products in your nappy bag
This is a continuation from my above comment.
So do some research on how bad some of us have it and why we would burn our uteruses without a second thought. Your described periods sounds like a wonderful dream to me. You have not lived in my reality so keep your opinions to yourself. You are not allowed to have an opinion on things you know nothing about.
I’m having my ablation done in a few days and I can’t wait for my life to finally start!
Ok we all heard you. No need to shout!
Dear Dr, Todd, We were so financially strapped when I found you I couldn’t even afford a money spell. You were my last hope to help us get out of debt and finally have the financial freedom we kept striving for. You sensed my desperation and allowed me to make payments on my money spells. I cannot say enough good things about you and your circle. You did so much to help me and my family. We no longer wonder if we can make the mortgage this month and in fact recently purchased a larger house and no longer have to worry about answering the phone for fear of creditors. E-mails: manifestspellcast@gmail. com or manifestspellcast@yahooo. com
Thank you for all you have done for me and my family!
Agree
I had it done 2 months ago and I basically didn’t have a choice. Either that or a full hysterectomy. I have had grade 4 endometriosis for the last 20 year and have had to have a laparoscopy every 3 years. My body was riddled with it. Getting my period every 2 weeks last for 7 to 10 days and bleeding major heavily. That amount of scar tissue I have due to all the all the laparoscopies is ridiculous. My question is does it affect your hormones? She I be on hormone replacement medication?
I had the procedure done in my late 30’s after I had a tubal ligation in my early 30’s. It is the best thing I have done for myself. While I hear a lot of my girlfriends complaining about all of the inconveces of what I consider a curse after you are done with having more children. I smile and think thank goodness that’s over with! I am now 50 and still perimenapausal. No anticipation of is this my last period or will I have another one in ten months and start the twelve month countdown AGAIN! No thank you. I like that I made the choice for my periods to stop and I did it for me!
Our body is a system of integrated parts. I was not only hemorrhaging for 10+ days a month – I was also going through very severe mental swings. All of this was unusual. When my hubster finally talked me into seeking help, I found out that I had massive internal fibroids that couldn’t be treated with other methods. I heard my options, and decided that a round of ablation was much lower risk than a hysterectomy at the age of 38. The first EA lasted a little over a year, and the fibroids came back. By taking control of _MY_ healthcare, I found out the known risks, and with my OBGYN’s statement of “We can only do this twice. After that, you should be praying for early menopause,” I chose to have it done a 2nd time.
My life has been a joy ever since.
I’m 49 now, and just had my first bleed breakthrough in many years. My mind, hopes, and prayers are all focused on early menopause, because the alternative is life-changing. I can’t keep enough changes of clothing at work to accommodate my alternative of just “toughing it through.” Been ther, done that, and it nearly drove me mad.
My advice is to A) find out what your choices are both for and against ablation. And B)learn about the risks of removing an entire organ from your midsection, and what kind of hardships you’ll endure. Make Wise Decisions!
I had the procedure back 2012 due to too much bleeding at 47 due to undiagnosed low thyroid, other hormone imbalance. Progesterone alone wasn’t working. Sounded good at the time. I regret doing it, as now I don’t know where I am in my cycles, menopause, and worse, I have had some nerve damage. Have numbness in vagina and like many others have lost all sex drive. Doctor, of course, says not related, pfft. It should be used only as a last resort and yes, who knows down the line, what we are looking at. I should have looked for a hormone specialist before doing the ablation. Oh, well, shoulda, coulda, woulda…Thanks for posting for other women to question. There really wasn’t a lot of info out there at the time I did it.
Thank you all for your stories. It helps me to know that I am not alone in a failed abalsion that my gyn convinced me to get. My periods are lighter so I am thankful for that. But the worst cramps I’ve ever felt in my life when I have periods now. Thankful but not thankful 🙁
I had it done after my 5 child. The doctor forced me into it and made me think that it was the right thing to do. She kept saying that I’ve had very heavy periods for years 7 blood transfusions, in and out of hospitals for years. She made me feel like there was no other way. Considering I had never heard of an ablation. At that time I had just had a baby who was 3 weeks old. Had a TIA mini stroke. I was blind sided into believing it was best. I didn’t do my research because it kept going through my head that I was going to die. As they couldn’t get my blood count above 6 (what the doctor told me). Three years on it caused nothing but problems. I’ve had 2 misscarriges. And very heavy periods. Went back to the doctor and all I was told was to have a hysterectomy. I don’t want that. My partner wants a baby so we are trying.
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Joan, I would LOVE to know more about this. I just made the decision to have the ablation done. Nothing formalized yet, and now I’m doing research. I know, a little backward. I am 48 1/2 and have a fibroid that has been causing a deluge of bleeding. I was soaking through Poise leak pads for 2 months before I tried beta carotene. This stopped the bleeding for another two months, and for the last two months I’ve had a very light period. Until this month. The bleeding just continued. But I did notice a change and the clotting is back and heavy bleeding again. I appreciate what this article says as the author shares my view too. But given my situation…and it’s NOT just to stop my period but to stop the excessive bleeding. I’m severely anemic too, and this blood loss is making things worse. So I’d really appreciate knowing more. Thanks!!
I have considered this but chose against it.
One thing that concerns me, that I haven’t seen mentioned (but I didn’t read every single comment), is that this can cause spontaneous abortions.
Granted, it is mentioned this is only for women who are finished having children, but this does not mention that children can still be conceived after this procedure. I know people have different opinions on when life begins.
For those who believe life begins at conception (when the egg and sperm unite in the fallopian tubes), this is not a good option unless the husband also takes precautions like a vasectomy or condoms. Still, those are not 100% effective.
So, if you’ve burned the lining of your uterus, have sex while you are still in the child bearing years, and your husband does not have any thing stopping his sperm, you can conceive a child which has no uterus lining to embed in and grow; therefore, the newly conceived child is spontaneously aborted.
I realize not everyone believes life begins at conception, but for those who do, they need to be aware of this reality.
Thank you for writing this blog post. I think it is something people do see as an easy fix without weighing all options or consequences. It is unfortunate that so many doctors are not willing to look beyond medical procedures to heal our bodies.
Blessings!
I’ve never read a post that is so harsh in judgement of other women. I am considering an ablation. I have endometriosis and fibroids. I have had two laparoscopic procedures already in 6 years to remove endometriosis. The pain is now so severe all month long and during my period, I black out from pain. Yes, I will literally wake up on the floor in my hallway or living room or wherever I happened to be pacing from the pain like a polar bear at the zoo. Nothing has helped this and I have tried many natural, alternative solutions. I am vegan and gluten free. I get acupuncture. I am extremely fit and healthy.
The bleeding is on the level of murder scene. This is beyond heavy and beyond “inconvenient.” Imagine changing tampons, pads and pants after only 20 minutes. Now imagine needing to do this on an airplane, while walking to your car, driving to work, in the grocery, on a train, at a conference, or dinner with clients. It is miserable and it’s is suffering. This isn’t not just an inconvenience, it is severely compromised quality of life.
And btw, you can still get pregnant after this procedure but there is a higher risk of miscarriage. The above mention of “spontaneous abortion” is so wrong. Ohlardy is right. ?
Don’t need judge another woman until youve walked in her shoes. You’re better than that.
Boy did I read a lot of this. In my view, I understand both sides. Now my situation is (at present time) not to different except I may decide NOt To after thinking I would. A cycle naturally leaving the womens body feels good and normal and safer. But truth is I am 54 and am still making those regular monthly hormones. I want it to end already so I saw the procedure on my GYNS IPhone It looked simple and would be done in approx. 10 min. Then I cancelled it for other dental reasons and thought well maybe let me research this more. Now that I have I probably will NOT get it done but who know? I may change my mind or not. Confused but middle-aged already. What the hell? Either way people-Do what makes you feel COMFORTABLE. Its your body and only you know-YES or NO.
This is the stupidest thing i think I’ve ever read. I honestly feel sorry for some of you who think women just have this done just because they don’t want to deal with a heavy period. I read one women who said she was concerned for women having this done because of the fact they can’t have kids anymore and what if they change their minds! Lol well bless her little heart. Did you ever stop and think that some of us developed a condition due to having our tubes tied and over years time it got worse and having this done was a better alternative to hertorectomy? You clearly stated you didn’t know the complications of the ablation and really this is just your ignorant opinion and I’d hate to hear anything else you have an opinion on.
For all of you who’d like to know since you won’t get any accurate knowledge from this woman who wrote this, just itiotic babble, i had the ablation a month ago due to complications from my tubal 6 years ago. I’m trying this first as i don’t want a hysterectomy but my doctor did say that he’s not sure that it would lessen my severe pmdd. So far i haven’t had a period but i have had slight watery discharge the first 2 1/2 weeks after surgery. I was released after that and I’ve had no problems since. He said my body would feel like it would ovulate and i would feel pms symptoms which i did but no period. Once my normal period days were over the symptoms went away. Most of my pmdd symptoms were lessened greatly. For me this is a relief since it was getting worse every month for the last two years. Hope this helps
A friend suggested this webpage to me and I came across this article which I was interested in because I had endometrial ablation yesterday. I have to say this article is awful, judgemental and uninformed. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and to make medical decisions as they deem best for themselves self in conjunction with their doctor. I resent the tone in the article that suggests I should either just deal with massive bleeding, clots and pain for 12 days out of the month because periods are NORMAL (there’s nothing normal about going through a BOX of tampons in less than 24 hours) or that I’m a flighty nitwit because I chose to have this procedure. As with all things medical starting out with the least invasive method to treat conditions is generally the path taken, but when other options fail endometrial ablation is a potential treatment.
You admit in the article that not only are you not a healthcare professional you really didn’t do very much research either- so you wrote this article because… You heard other people talking about it and you don’t agree with it and thought you’d share the random thoughts off the top of your head? Thanks for the First Amendment you certainly have the right to do that however I would hope that as a woman who has a wide platform to share information and educate other women you would use that “power”to effect positive change not to put people down or shame them.
I found this to be a little closed minded and biased honestly, of course you can share your opinion, but you left out a lot of important info.
They test you thoroughly first (at least where I’m from) and if there is another possible option they will use that.
Secondly, sometimes there is nothing else to do, and it’s not just a “heavy or irregular period”.
I haven’t gotten the procedure done but at this point it’s practically a dream of mine. I have endless periods, and I mean endless. When my condition started I kept telling myself it would be okay and I ignored it, then one day I realized I had been bleeding for an entire year non stop. I went to the doctor, was checked for everything possible, and they found nothing aside from the obviously dangerous levels of anemia. The anemia had caused my hair to fall out, I was fainting often and broke my arm, and I felt sick all the time. They still can’t find a cause.
At the moment the treatment I have is a ten day progesterone treatment which stops it for ten days, then after I have a period so heavy and painful I can’t function. Then it normalizes for only a year before I have to do it all over again. The side effects of this are worse than ablation.
Sometimes there’s just nothing else you can do.
I had an uterine ablation preformed to help lessen my menstrual cycle symptoms. It helped somewhat but everyone I know, including myself, noticed a personality change. I became constantly obsessive, anxious, and could hardly sleep. After a year, I finally started to feel not quite as bad but still noticed I’m still not quite myself. One thing is for sure though. My sex drive is completely gone. My relationship of 11 years couldn’t survive the unexpected changes and our family is now being split apart. I wish I was warned that getting that ablation would destroy my family. I find it hard to move forward with my life as a fully fulfilled person. If I wasn’t poor & trying to take care of my children, I would have done something about it a long time ago.
I had this procedure in the hospital , under general anesthesia, about 4 years ago. It was a life changer. No more embarrassing accidents, ruined sheets and clothing, “diapers” or anemia. Occasionally I get cramps, but nothing like it used to be. I wish I could have had this at 25, but it wasn’t done then , and my doctor said it’s not done on women who may still want babies.
Thank you for writing this. Keep following your intuition. You don’t need sources and other articles to back you up. I too feel uncomfortable with this procedure. Its a gift to be a woman. My desire is that we come together as sisters in community to heal each other and support one another.
I had this procedure done in December 2017, i really wish i could go back, ill change my mind expeditiously! My period is light but cramps are severe.. i literally have my cycle for 2wks out of a month. Granted its very light but its also very long, something i never had to go through before. 3 to 5 day cycles to almost 2wks.. i feel like i destroyed my life?
Thank you for the post, which was ‘your personal experience’. I have no idea why people are getting so bent out of shape. You never said this was going to be a peer-reviewed medical journal entry. I respect that this is your opinion of your experience. I’m actually considering this procedure, but have no final decision. I appreciate reading other experiences in situations like this. That is what research is all about. When people pay for their own blog, they are entitled to give their own opinions on that blog!! Thanks!
Tara
I had a ablation in 2003 after a year of bleeding due to my last child being born. And me through ablation or dangerous. They can actually burn through the uterine wall. I am one of the unlucky ones that still have a period every month so therefore I can still get pregnant. The placenta can attach Through the uterine wall. Even have an abortion it would be life-threatening therefore I would have to have a hysterectomy if I ended up pregnant. Being Catholic I do not believe in abortion . Several women have conceived and given birth after having ablation surgery. At the time that I had mine I was a 26-year-old single mom of three, my youngest being only a-year-old at the time of my surgery. My doctor never told me that the ablation would sterilize me or make it very dangerous if I did conceive again. It was market it like a DNC to me. No I know they have changed and no longer do the one I had done which was inserting a balloon into your uterus and filling it with hot liquid for a certain amount of time. From what I gather the newer procedures are a little safer but honestly it will and can throw off your hormones just the same way having a hysterectomy or taking birth control does. Oh and it sent me into pre-menopause at 26 years old.
Oh boy……your comment about the FDA and drugs is making me cringe. I suppose since you don’t work in the industry, you don’t understand the process but to make those statements is really uneducated and scares people. If you think that approving a drug is so simple and then finding out the drug caused long term side effects (which BTW, is found out due to the FDA mandating long term follow up studies in a broader population to see if there are any of these side effects) which were unknown at the time, you are propagating fear. I get that this piece is your opinion but try to have an educated one with source and facts.
You are all wrong. You can fix the problem, I did. Without surgery. Doctors are in business to make money not to find out why this is happening. Sadly though none of you will listen and do what you need to do because it is too inconvenient. Here is the secret; stay away from microwave radiation as much as possible. No smart meters on your house, no smart devices, no cell phone, no cell phone use in your car, in your house and say away from other people on their cell phones, no wifi, no wireless phones, stay away from cell towers and satellite receivers, Bluetooth devices, try not to have dental x-rays, MRI, CAT scans or any other magnetic imaging unless very necessary. Everyone’s brains are being turned to mush and can’t think right so maybe dementia will be the next problem for you. Heartburn, digestive problems, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, extreme fatigue, symptoms of many other diseases, cancer, bladder, liver, thyroid, skin, balance, gluten allergies, esophagus problems, hearing loss and/or pain, hair loss, or any other way you can get cooked. Ignore what your body is screaming at you about. You won’t listen and besides you won’t remember tomorrow that you even looked at this website! Good luck and enjoy the new life plan of the “Internet of Things” courtesy of the telecom industry, if you are still of able mind and/or body by then.
I ran across the article while doing research on pre-menopause. I am only 38 and found out today I’m
premenopausal. My doctor put me on BCP to help with my symptoms.
I had a uterine ablation when I was 34 due to heavy extremely painful periods. I’ve never had an issue and have been happy with my decision. It solved my issues and was the best thing I feel I could’ve done.
Now here I am 4-year’s later and I’m trying to find out if it was my choice of haveingthe ablation that’s got me premenopausal so young.
Still researching, so hopefully I find the answer.
Hi everyone, I just ran across this article & yes I did burn my uterus. I started my period when I was 11 years old they were always abnormal. The doctors tried to help me out with different medications & all. As I got older they put me on birthcontrol which did get them regulated at least now I knew when they’d be here. I took horrible migraines that kept me home from school the cramps were unbearable and the first 3 days there no going anywhere. I was like this from day one. Well I went onto the Depo shot it stopped my periods and I loved it. After 3 years of it I decided I wanted a kid. Went back on after I had him. After 2 years back off to have another kid. Had him went back on the shot for 2 more years then had my tubes tied. So here I am again. Same way it used to be. I get me a job every month it was the same thing I’d be calling in for 2 to 3 days be at work my head busting cramping so bad it felt like I was just going to fall over. I had to explain to my boss what was going on with me so he wouldn’t fire me. So when I finally got in with the new ob Dr. and he talked to me about ablation you had better believe I was all for it & I do not regret it for a second. My periods stopped completely. I was 35 when I had it done. My headaches quit no more cramping & fatigue. I couldn’t have made a better decision. So for some of us it makes perfect sense to burn our uterus!! Thanks for reading
I have to agree that women should look to the reasons for their heavy periods. I have hemophilia B and had ablation done. It was life changing. Many women have undiagnosed bleeding disorders like Von Willibrands and have hysterectomies to stop their heavy periods when there are other options. With that being said, for me, the only medication a hemophiliac can take to prevent bleeding is about $10,000 a dose. That means that it would cost me $10,000-20,000 a period to live a normal life. In the case of bleeding disorders, I see no problem with having the procedure done. I know what’s causing my heavy bleeding and the alternative solution is expensive. I just wish more women were screened for bleeding disorders. There is a group The Women’s Bleeding Disorder Coalition. They have a lot of knowledgeable people that can help you get info and get diagnosed or rule out a bleeding disorder if you have heavy bleeding. It’s not always hormonal!
This article is just opinion. Misinforming people who may really need this procedure. I have extremely heavy periods that my iron drops to scary levels. I have to get iron infusions once a week to sustain myself. Not to mention, I can’t leave my house during that time. This loss of blood is completely taking over my life. No diet will help this. Hormone therapy has many side effects . An ablation makes perfect sense to me and I believe is very necessary! So please stop judging women who choose to do this and remove this damaging article from the internet.
I’m writing this comment years after you wrote this article. 2018. There are now so many women who regret having this surgery and a class action suit in the works against Nova Sure due to the amount of hysterectomies performed after having the ablation. You were right! I’m glad I did my research and will not be having this procedure done. I’m going the natural route. Sugar affects my flow, the healthier I eat the lighter my periods. Thanks for being a pioneer on this topic.
Hi my cycles have been terrible. In October I had some uterine polyps removed but the heavy bleeding came back. My doc recommends the surgery, a hysterectomy or the IUD. I don’t want to do either of those procedures. Can you please tell me the brand of the cream that you suggested? Also where can I get the cream? Thank you!
I was 25 when my doctor suggested the ablation. I had been bleeding every single day for more than a year. We had tried everything, from birth control, to a D&C. She basically let me know it was our last option for me to have a normal life. It’s been almost 5 years and I do have issues because of it. I wouldnt say they’re unbearable, but they’re frustrating. I have pain, sometimes so bad that I just have to stay in bed, and my mood swings are so severe I scare myself. I feel my body knows it’s supposed to be doing something, but can’t, so it just goes crazy. Today is one of the days my mood swings are concerning. I say, do it if you must, but not just to eliminate your period entirely. Deal with a little excessive bleeding if you can.
I’m honestly horrified by this article. Horrified in it’s lack of balance and underlying shaming of women who choose to this procedure. As a woman who bleeds daily & on heavy days pass clots a qtr cup in size sometimes every 20 mins that I’m now anemic and barely have energy to work, I cannot wait for this procedure. Other options merely slow the blood flow so I may be able to go out of the house for an hour on those heavy days.
Fine if you want to encourage women to take ownership of their healthcare & not be pressured into unnecessary procedures or medications, but that should be true for every medical decision.
I have not had the procedure done but I very much plan to. I’m 29, yes I know I have my whole life ahead of me!! I have one daughter that I carried and gave birth two. My wife had our other two children bc after I lost my second baby it is very hard for me to carry a child to term. I have had endometriosis since I was 15 years old and it is the worst pain I have ever felt… and I had my daughter ALL natural at 18. I have had horrible periods since I started at 10. I have had a D and C done to stop the bleeding after I bled for a year strait! Now I have periods for months at a time with just short breaks in between which causes my endometriosis to flair up and there’s days I can barely get out of bed! I have a newborn and toddler at hope plus an 11 year old. I can’t afford to be bed ridden. I have tried every option to control my issues this is my last shot before having to have a hysterectomy at 29. So yes I am planning on having this procedure bc I can no longer deal with the pain. I have also had procedures done to remove cancerous cells from my cervix.
Thanks for all the comments. I am now in my 50’s and experiencing super heavy periods, bleed through and all the other premenopausal symptoms. My doctor gave me about 6 options to consider including the ablation. I researched all the options and frankly haven’t run back to my gynecologist for ANY of them. This article is very timely for me and I will order the books to see what other, healthier options are available. I have been vegan now for several months and after the initial struggle with this new diet am finding it easier and easier to follow. I feel as though I am a more positive contributor towards repairing the Earth and her resources. I have also lost about 30 lbs without ‘dieting’. Feels great. Alas, I still need to find a ‘cure’ for my heavy periods.
I am 50 and a year ago I opted for a novasure ablation. I was bleeding 3 weeks out of the month . Changing a night time pad every hour. I was exhausted. There is no way . I could live with this . I could barely wash dishes. I was so exhausted I was diagnosed with menorrhagia and a fibroid . I cannot advocate this for everyone. For me it Godsend. My energy level is back. I have a period use a mini pad a couple days every 4 months . Menopause is coming along that’s another subject.?
I had it in April 2018 and now in October I am having the most painful bleed free period I’ve ever had. No bleeding since the ablation but I feel like I should be! Feels like a terrible period with no relief of the blood letting go. I’m sure there is something wrong 🙁
6 months later the pain this week is awful. I read something about cyclic pelvic pain from pockets og blood that accumulate and can’t get out. I’m scared that this is my future.
I had the hydra ablation when I was 42. I had periods that lasted for 12 days and had huge blood clots and had fibroids the size of a baseball! I got migraines triggered by the heavy periods! I was anemic from the blood loss. I missed days of work. I was in terrible pain for almost 2 years! Bled constantly! If I dared try to have sex it looked like a crime scene! I actually abstained from sex for over a year as it was embarrassing and absolutely horrible to see all the blood everywhere after! I went to a beautiful Hilton hotel with my then boyfriend…I’ll never forget it…after we had made love all the white bedding was blood soaked! I cannot tell you the embarrassment of having to call to ask for more sheets and bedding…that was when I stopped having sex. I am now 55 years old and never had a single issue with the procedure and it was absolutely without a doubt the best thing I could have done for myself. I never had another period again and didn’t want one! It may not be for everyone but it was a life saver to me! I don’t think the way it’s worded as would you burn your uterus to stop a period? If that’s the actual question your asking …my answer is YES I would!
I’ve had heavy/long bleeding since I started menstruating in junior high. I’m talking about 6 days of having to change every hour, with an additional 3-4 days of normal flow (changing every 2-3 hours). It really sucked. I would get in trouble for asking to leave class and for being late (from being in the restroom), but I was too embarrassed to explain why. I was on birth control for awhile to “treat” the heaviness which didn’t help – total joke – and I wasn’t keen on that anyway. A new doctor I saw in my 30’s prescribed Lysteda to try to help; at first for 3 days (as it’s meant to be taken) and then for 5 days because of my issue. Still I couldn’t leave home for 6 days because the medicine hardly helped. Ultimately, I decided to get the ablation at age 40. I think we all have to do what’s right for us. What works in my life and the reason I make certain decisions, is not going to make sense in another’s life. I respect that your opinion is different than mine. And I enjoyed reading your article.
I am in my early 40s and had an ablation done less than 6 weeks now and I am bleeding all over again. It is not as heavy but, I have menstrual cramping that I haven’t had since I was in middle school and I’m afraid that I may have to go through the procedure all over again or even worse, have a hysterectomy. I am so mentally and emotionally exhausted.
Your article, feels like it mostly relies on feelings and biases. Almost spitting out your wine and saying that’s the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard leads me to believe you dont understand debilitating women issues associated with the female organs.
I suffered from lengthy, heavy, painful periods that only got worse. I lost two children to miscarriages and another two with ectopics. I suffered cysts too. I dealt with embarrassing breakthroughs, and dark colors became my friend.
I found that feminine products got better and yet could not keep up with me. I eventually was using the cup, supposedly able to last 4 hours for heavy periods and lasting 30 mins for me, and the pain and suffering was heavily effecting my life, and the smell was disgusting my husband.
I finally went to the gyn who was also a midwife. We discussed options. I was a runner, and it was becoming impossible to exercise. I had tried aspirin. Nothing was working. She brought up EA. She said it was not without risks and told me 25% do not work.
It has been 5 years and my EA is a LOEAF, and I am ok with that. U don’t regret a thing. These past 5 years helped me get through menopause and get my life back. Soon I will have a hysterectomy.
Do your research, learn the pros and cons and do NOT go by subjective people, most your own informed decision.
Like you said to each their own. I had this procedure done about a year ago. I have celiac disease and what comes with it is a ton of other auto immune issues including a sensitive cervix and deficiencies. So having my cycle for 3 months straight while being gluten free and eating healthy with extreme heavy bleeding causing anemia… I was tested many years for various reasoning behind why I had such heavy bleeding that after no possible reasons and behind all possible excuses could not be used and other options didn’t work including birth control… An ablation was the best decision I have ever made.
I think balance is the key to life. I have a list of health issues. My considering this procedure is what would work best for me. I cannot afford all of the diet, hebal, and creams you suggest. Yes, I have looked into many of them. Just like any other medical need you have to do the research and way the costs for your medical history and life. Tbh this article seems to be your view. I am glad we live in a life that you have the ability to do so. But, just because YOU believe something doesn’t make it rt for me. I have been told that C-sections are wicked and wrong… Butmy daughter and I would be dead. Same with medication help during delivery of my other 4 vaginal births (3 v-backs btw). You are still a woman. You still need to do what is best. You should still take charge of your health. And tbh someone else’s views should not come into play. If I have this procedure it will be for my medical well being. So thx for your rude, harsh, oppion of my health care choices. But, maybe just a list of links from medical professionals for and against this would be more helpful.
I have had the Novasure ablation procedure and DO NOT recommend it at all. I wish I had done thorough research prior to the procedure instead of asking people who had had the procedure before. There are severe permanent damages and symptoms that are not disclosed before the irreversible damage is done. If I had one wish it would be to put my body back to where it was before having this procedure done. I will definitely take the irregular periods over this!!!
I got mine done August of 2009 after doing ivf and birthing twins. I was having heavy periods and bleeding twice a month after the twins were born. My husband and I decided to do the ablation. It was done in the office I was put to sleep and it was over in abut 15 minutes. After my ablation I only spotted for 2 to 3 days it’s only enough for a panty liner. My cycle would still came on regular and be on track after the ablation as well. Now 10 years later my cycle has stopped completely I haven’t spotted since October of 2018. The ablation worked miracles for me. There are side effects to everything but you just have to weight your pros and cons and do what’s best for you. I can be a spokes person the ablation is the way to go!
I am a 30 year old woman who just set this surgery up today. It was not on a whim, it is not a decision I have made easily, or taken lightly. You keep referring to this as a “bandaid to the root of the problem”. You know what? It might be, but when you are a woman who has dealt with debilitating periods and endometriosis and painful intercourse for YEARS and aren’t quite ready to do a hysterectomy at such a young age, then I’ll take that bandaid and let it get me through a few more years.
If you do not or have never had abnormal and debilitating periods, then you have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about. I wish that it was as easy as “inconvienant periods and choosing other options”. For some of us, I’m sure ALL of us, it’s the last option before taking our female organs completely out. I guarantee you it’s not a decision made lightly. It’s a very very hard decision, but when you’ve exhausted all other options and you are desperate you may reconsider your stance.
I pray you never have to face what so many women that are reading this article have had to face.
I had the Novasure procedure done in November of 2017. Biggest mistake of my life. I would rather be slowly bleeding to death (yes, literally) than to have this procedure done. I’m one of the 5% that had an “incomplete ablation”, therefore, I still have a period. Though it is drastically reduced and I’m no longer anemic, the cramps I have now are horrible. Debilitating. I’ve had 3 children and the cramps I now have for 4-5 days out of my 7-10 day period are comparable to second stage labor pains. For 4+days? My quality of life during my period is terrible now, worse than the HEAVY periods, massive clots. I’ll never recommend it. Even after reading all the success stories.
That’s my two cents.
I read the article and maybe I’m not as sensitive as some of these ladies because I didn’t think it was a horrible and shaming as the angry responses I read . You stated you we’re giving an opinion , and honestly , I’m so glad you wrote this , just for all the women who relayed their stories .
I had all the procedural work done leading up to the ablation already in place , I was going to call Monday for my appointment time for this , since everything is set , but now I think I’m going to wait .
I was told it was the miracle cure by a co worker , but then I realize , she ended up having to get a hysterectomy anyway which literally went badly and she was hospitalized . I’m not saying it had anything to do with the ablation,, but I’m not saying it didn’t either
Thank you 🙂
Just had mine done on Valentine’s 2019. I was looking for something to help me stop from overdosing on pain meds (and my super heavy periods) I was also sterilized and had a laparoscopy. He found a fibroid during the procedure and did the procedure anyway. Im now on my first period which is just as painful as before but with about half the amount of blood (more like a normal period).
Honestly, I wish I would of read more before having it done. I may have to get another surgery and I don’t think my current doctor will admit it.
He told me “this is just your first period after your ablation. It should get better”. Now, Im not doctor, but if it was successful, how would there even be this heavy of a first period? It doesn’t take time to destroy the lining. That happened in 5 minutes!
I’m scared about a failure too. Im still having clots first period after. And it’s so fricken painful still. And then i read it shouldn’t of been done if i have fibroids or a c section? Well fuck.
I don’t know what to think about this article. I wanted to get this done so I didn’t need to have anymore iron infusions. I get way too many and all of the doctors told me I should get this done because I can’t keep getting iron infusions. But after this, I don’t want to get it. I also, have had a c-section. They never mentioned I shouldn’t get it because of that either. I literally have 0 iron in my body. So… any other options?
I normally don’t comment on things like this but I feel I must. I am 34 years old and I received an Endometrium Ablasion when I was 28 after bleeding for 7 months straight after having my son. He was my last and my third baby. It has been great. I have had no periods since then but I still go through the monthly hormone shift a period would bring. Since I got the EA so young, I will have to do it again as my Endometrium is growing back. But I knew that coming into the game. 7 months of straight bleeding. No days off. It would cycle and then cycle right over again. I would joke about taking up stock in the pad company I was using. It has been a GOD sent. I have had no side effects other that my Endometrium growing back slowly.
I had an ablation 4 weeks ago. Really… it’s easy to judge when you haven’t been in people’s shoes. My period got worse at 36, 1 year after I lost 80 lbs and ate much healthier… so it’s definitely not diet related. I am still anemic because of it because my body hasn’t recovered yet. I tried pills, progesterone, you name it… I’d leak out of TWO overnight pads overlapping in less than an hour, for 3 days. Tampons??? I had 4 inch clots! Forget tampons!
I started school with 4 hour classes on my feet and soaked through my pants every month. It was an ablation or hysterectomy. I’m on my first period now and it’s much more manageable, I can sleep at night and not worry about leaking blood everywhere every time I have to leave the house.
You should be ashamed of yourself for judging people that are going through something that you obviously have no clue about.
Thank you for your opinion and I agree. I had the procedure 7 years ago due to heavy periods caused by fibroid. I couldnt be happier as it changed my life. I was bleeding 20 days a month, 7 days off. 15 days was heavy. We tried many things however it came down to either the ablation or a hysterectomy. Being in my mid 30’s the idea of a hysterectomy scared me. My doctor gave me all the warnings, she gave me the pros, the cons etc.. She told me 1 in 3 people will not have any periods at all. She also said it may not work for everyone and it could still result in a hysterectomy. Bottom line she INFORMED me. It wasnt pushed on me. She gave me the tools to make an informed decision. I still say it was the best decision of my life.
Here is a medical report regarding LOEAF
(Late-onset endometrial ablation failure):
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5842972/
If you are experiencing any discomfort after having this procedure, you will want to read this!I found it today after experiencing extreme cramping, with no bleeding, for the 5th month in a row. I get nauseous, and the pain is so intense that I can’t move. My hips lock up. My stomach is all over the place. I get the sweats. I can take an 800 Motrin & be fine in an hour, at least with the pain. Still nauseous though. I had my procedure over a year ago because I was bleeding & clotting so much that I couldn’t even leave the bathroom on some days. I was anemic due to the ridiculous amounts of blood loss each month. My periods lasted weeks, one lasting nearly an entire month! An ultrasound showed that my endometrium was 3X thicker than what is considered normal, so ablation seemed like a good option for me. I have had no periods since the procedure, but recently have been experiencing monthly cramping. I started doing some research & found this report which told me everything I needed to know. If I hadn’t found this, I might not be calling my dr tomorrow to have it checked out. Luckily, I have a great dr whom I trust, so I know we’ll make the right decision for treatment. All I can say is if you’re not 100% comfortable with your dr, get a new one who you are comfortable with!
Could you please share the name of the progesterone cream that helped you?
Thank your for your research! It’s crucial to go to doctors as soon as you see some suspicious symptoms.
I feel you have absolutely no idea about “inconvenient” periods. How about destroying your mattress? Having to steam clean a rental car in another country while on vacation with your 18yo son and his friend? Ruining the pew at a wedding while you were the bridesmaid?? Using a menstrual cup for measurement, I bled over a litre in the first 3 days of every 11 day period. And that is what didn’t hit the toilet, shower floor or soak into my clothing and other items. Tranexamic acid did not even reduce my flow by a third. Since my procedure my blood loss is approximately 300ml. Still far over the threshold use to diagnose heavy but now my use of tranexamic acid actually helps!! I can live! The budget is not broken buying protection, I have not had an issue in public, and I do not sleep for 1week of every month to recover. My iron levels are raising and my hair and fingernails actually grow again. My thyroid levels are regulating and we were able to drop my desiccated thyroid dosage. You have NO CLUE and should delete this horrible piece of “opinion” from the internet. I would have rather given birth(and I actually lost less blood doing so) monthly rather than have my period and try to function. In hindsight, that is why I felt so well during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Even if I require a hysterectomy in the future, this 38yo is very pleased that this procedure was an option to reduce my suffering.
My bleeding was HEAVY for over a year. Clotting and gushing. I would sit on a deflated air mattress in my car for fear I might ruin my upholstery. It was nearly impossible to dry off after a shower because of the bleeding. It wasn’t unusual to find it running down my leg when I had a tampon in. I slept on a towel every night, I had to quit one of my jobs. And this was all with wearing overnight infinity pads and tampons and having to change them up to several times and hour. My consoles, gloveboxs, purse, every jacket pocket all had pads in them. I got so anemic that my lips would turn blue and I’d be just shy if passing out. My vision would go black and I felt woozy a couple times a day never mind me trying to tie my shoe. And the ice chewing… I wish words could describe the crappy quality of life while trying to sort out the bleeding. I was taking BC pills and progesterone pills up to 6 a day.Mind you I got my tubes tied in my 20’s so I wouldn’t have to take any form of birth control because I didn’t want to ingest the hormones. So when you have the option of more pills or and iud or an ablation or a hysterectomy the best choice for me was the ablation. So author, maybe you read about it and asked your dr his opinion when it didn’t even apply to you. Try bleeding so bad you have to quit your job and then go back and read your article. It’s disrespectful. I hope no one finds your article when researching the procedure.
Your experience sounds like mine- quality of life was virtually non existent due to the volume of bleeding. Like you I had stashes of pads and tampons, carried changes of clothes, slept on towels, took tranexamic acid (a blood clotting agent so was then worried about strokes) as I would bleed through a tampon and a pad in 30 mins and was anaemic so super low on energy. I was lucky to have kept my job frankly. There are a number of articles like this by people who either haven’t experienced heavy periods that are more than an inconvenience or are simply mistrustful of doctors. Heavy periods can be life threatening (anaemia or suicidal ideation) and sometimes surgery is the only option. No one should have to live with that horror, I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. I live very clean re diet and fitness and if you have an underlying issue that won’t make much difference.
I have to agree with the one who commented about this article only instilling fear into those afflicted with a logical medical reason to warrant an endometrial ablation. And your poor excuse of bringing up medications that were “taken of the market” by the FDA because they were dangerous drugs. First, you might want to get your facts right about those medications because Accutane is still on the market. My daughter was on it and it cleared up her severe cystic acne completely and she has gained her self confidence back. I was on it 20 years ago and it cleared me as well. All medications, procedures, surgeries, and even herbal supplements come with their own risks and benefits. If you don’t suffer from a condition that you would need a procedure done that you are writing about then maybe you shouldn’t write about it. There’s not a single surgery or procedure that doesn’t sound absurd and gory. Thats why surgeons and doctors go to school for a long time to learn about all of this. You’re not a medical professional. So you are entitled to your opinion but the title of this article sounds like you are speaking for the medical community. I would at least change the title to include the fact that you’re stating an opinion. This procedure has helped many people. Stop the fear mongering.
As a 51 year old woman who experiences periods monthly lasting from 10 to even up to 30+ days I am looking forward to the procedure. I have very low iron despite taking iron and it’s leaves me exhausted.
For me the benefits far exceed the risks.
I wanted to say I appreciate your article and truly understand that there maybe options out there and sometimes we don’t have the resources or just become desperate . I looked for alternatives and after getting to the moment of breaking down from being a 42 yr women having to wear depends because it was horrible for months of bleeding non stop, destroying my already low self esteem, having my husband see me as this sad , desperate women.
I made the choice after I talk to my Dr due to finding polps and having a surgery to remove them , had a biopsy’s prior to rule out cancer, ultrasound to find the issue and no cancer and found the polys and/or fibrosis. Asked Dr is there anything else I can do, my sister in law had a hysterectomy, could I get that and thats how we discussed EA and I thought this was the best option for me at this time.
I gave myself a week and had two procedures at the same time and I’m hime now. A bit of discomfort but thats about it. I had the procedure under general anesthesia waited in hospital to be ok to go home. I’m not sure what will bring tomorrow but today I am glad and excited I had this procedure done. Will chime in after 3months to give update.
Thank you! I have my own reasons for getting this procedure done. I was thinking crap, did I not do enough research? Turns out the person who wrote the column did less then I did. You reply is written very well btw.
I am pro ablation having had one. But, there is a bit of history to understand.
Having had a high stress job wacked out my hormones in my 30s. I was thankfully able to conceive one child without assistance but was unsuccessful later after 2 years of trying and seeking assistance. Because I did the hormone injections for IVF without a successful pregnancy, I was under the impression my periods were super heavy because of that. In my case, I was having too many accidents under embarrassing circumstances. I became anemic and had to undergo a 12 month treatment plan to correct it. I altered my foods and sought out toxin free choices. Yet, still very heavy periods. When I was presented the option of the ablation, I grabbed onto it. It changed my life right before I turned 50 and it made menopause a breeze. My sex life became spontaneous again and I felt like me again. While I whole heartedly agree on holisitic approaches, this procedure offset the “pain and suffering” of the infertility years and the monthly mess. I also felt like my doctor helped me make the right decision because he had been by my side through my entire journey. Sometimes the symptom is what needs to be cured if the root cause is beyond repair. I appreciate the Oh Lardy outlook on clean living!
I’m so thankful I had an ablation done! I’ve been dealing with painful periods since I was 13, and let me tell you it just gets worse. I have been dealing with the heavy and painful periods for years now, I maybe felt good 2 weeks out of the month. Can’t sleep, relax or think straight. Tell me what kind of a life is that?? I’m almost 47 and I had enough! If you haven’t experienced painful periods since you were a teenager, then no wonder it seems crazy to you. I also have fibromyalgia which of course contributes to the pain, I also have interstitial cystitis. So imagine what happens when you have your period, well it causes lots of problems at the same time for the bladder too! So you’re correct about one very important thing you said in your article about not knowing the problems the other person has. Everyone has to figure out their own health issues and obviously if you haven’t walked in someone else’s shoes you won’t understand their pain and suffering. There are much crazier things than getting an ablation too. So much drama in this article, I have a great idea for your next article. Try talking about fibromyalgia and interstitial cystitis for a topic. That should be very interesting! God Bless everyone who is suffering and I hope you have a better quality of life soon. ??
I am currently waiting to be taken back for my 3rd surgery for endometriosis in the last four years. Let’s hope I come out of this pain-free.
And also, I realize how certain lifestyle choices can influence the progression of endometriosis and increase your risk of developing it. These choices can also affect how painful or well-managed the disorder is.
You can find many useful resources on the web, such as this article, to properly manage this disorder.
I had an ablation at 40, it failed, its actually ruined my life the procedure should be banned. the pain ive been in because is beyond compare, ive had 4 natural births and fibromyalgia so i know pain. 18 mnths from initial failure which only happened 4 mths after the procedure and im still awaiting hysterectomy, iv had financial lose as had to go from working 5 days to 2 days and now im being made redundant due to on going inability to do my job properly, i only see my 8 year old son 2 days a week at best, i have no social life, i have to cancel stuff all the time and im really down and it causes lots of rows at home as i cant do alot my partner is on the verge of moving out. Theres some major flaws in what the gynes tell you can happen and what they know themselves now im finding out.
Natural medicine for dealing with issues such as this is very helpful in keeping a healthy body and diet.
I had uterine ablation when I was 26, I am now 53 and have never, not one day, regretted my decision. I had already had the one child I wanted and she’s the love of my life. I am entering menopause and because I didn’t have a full hysterectomy I have all the hormones I need and I’m functioning fine. Not one period after the ablation and no desire to have another child after my daughter. For some women, they know what they want and they don’t want to live life every month bleeding so that maybe they can get pregnant. They take birth control pills that dump hormones in their bodies, risk IUD insertions (some with complications and others not) and the host of other issues associated with pregnancy. What if you just were allowed to live your life and be a woman but not a procreator anymore? Why is it so horrible? It was a wonderful thing and personally I don’t know why we put money to make a man’s penis hard but we don’t allow women to turn on or turn off their menstrual cycles when they want to have children so we can live life and not always be monitoring our fertility. We have other things to do, like.. building rocket ships, managing businesses and raising the children we do have.
LOVE this response!
I had this procedure done a week ago. I’m so glad I did. After blood tests showed my hormones were fine, ultrasounds showed my uterus was fine this was my next option. I am 44, finished having children. I was bleeding 3 times a month, for 7 to 10 days. Yes that would only leave a few days a month when I wasn’t bleeding. I’d had enough. This is a great alternative to a hysterectomy and I would definately recommend it.
I had this procedure and it was life changing in the best possible way. At 46 I was bleeding very heavily almost all the time for over a year. It made me exhausted, depressed, anaemic, bloated constantly and my self esteem went through the floor. Looking back to that horrible time I think I was suicidal. I spent a lot of time in bed and had flooding accidents on public transport which meant needing to take a full change of clothes everywhere as I would be left sitting in a pool of blood. This also caused extreme anxiety and I suspect a touch of PTSD as I would be flashing back to those accidents and having panic attacks. The cause was fibroids and polyps, very common problems and mine were not huge, the largest being 5cm, but they caused havoc. I was genetically predisposed to have them. My hormones and thyroid were normal. I’ll point out that my diet and lifestyle is very good, I grow most of my own food organically and live in the country-no caffeine, alcohol or nicotine- I’m very active. After the ablation I have no periods, no PMS, no pain and feel like a functioning human. I feel happy and carefree- no longer worried about leaving the house or taking meds like tranexamic acid to clot my blood. For the first 6 months I was still often anxious that the bleeding would return but it hasn’t so far. I never had children and am happily child free so for me there was no sense of loss. The alternative was a hysterectomy (keeping ovaries) – if my periods return I will opt for this. Each persons case is different and there are many reasons for heavy periods. I would recommend getting a few opinions about any gynaecological issues and if surgery is necessary find the best surgeon, with excellent reviews to do any procedures.
I am having a nova-sure ablation on 11-12-2020 and I can not wait.I have been on my period since mid July. I have been off work since Aug 2. I bleed so much I am so dizzy I can not drive..My pants get stained clots, you name it I will come back after and let you know how I feel…..
I had a ablation on 11/12/2020 and I am so glad I did,it was worth it…
I feel like this reads like it is written by someone who hasn’t dealt with unusually heavy periods and and comes off as quite judgmental. If I am finished having children- why should women still deal with a period every month if it isn’t necessary? Why would I put something else in my body if I don’t need to? I feel like taking medication, hormones, or birth control IS the bandaid, not the ablation which fixes from within. I had an ablation several years ago and couldn’t be happier to get 1/4 of my life back.
Thank you for this article. I am 44 and going through premenopause. Irregular periods, clots, months with no period and then months when I get it twice. I was recommended ablation and I am so glad I didn’t go through with it. I encourage everyone to join fb groups of women who have had this barbaric procedure and live to regret it. Yes, BARBARIC. Women who love it for years until it all goes wrong. Fluid that has backed up, severe cramps, burned organs. And then the inevitable.. a hysterectomy. I get it that periods through this years suck but that’s not reason to burn your uterus.
Definitely disagree with those calling this post irresponsible or saying you’re pushing your opinions on people it’s your blog and you’re very clear that it’s an opinion, not journalism or science or whatever. I really appreciate all the personal stories in the comments. Now I have perspective on my own “heavy” periods and I think I’ll try some other things before I resort to this. So thanks for the intel 😊
This “article” is absolutely disgusting. Judgmental, ignorant, ableist sensationalism. I’m not for or against uterine ablation as it’s not a one size fits all choice. It most certainly has a place and that place is not for everyone. That being said, I had it done when I was 25.
I had mine done a month & a half ago. I am 45. I had a weird period that lasted off & on for 2 weeks at the end of October. Then no period until the end of January. I bled for 2.5 months with only 2 weeks of that time with no bleeding. I’m not sure there was another option. So far I have no more periods & it’s great!!!
Thank you so much for posting this article! I am having a hysteroscopy done on Thursday, and was a little perturbed my doctor did not want to do an ablation. Now I see the value in that. The hysteroscopy will find an underlying issue if there is one.