Experiencing irregular menstrual bleeding is quite common. Periods that are especially heavy, or last longer than normal, happen and are not necessarily a cause for concern. However, if this abnormal menstruation persists over time, it could be a sign of a reproductive health issue, and even lead to other health concerns like anemia if not properly treated. At our practice, board-certified gynecologist, Dr. Kristine Gould performs endometrial ablation procedures to help women who experience excessive menstrual blood loss. In order to assist women who might benefit from undergoing this procedure, we wanted to discuss what makes someone a good candidate for endometrial ablation.
During an endometrial ablation, a thin layer of tissue that lines the uterus (known as the endometrium) is removed. The procedure can be performed using heat, cold, or different types of energy depending on each woman’s specific needs and preferences. Endometrial ablation is a non-surgical (non-invasive) procedure and recovery afterward is typically fairly simple and straightforward.
Good candidates for endometrial ablation include women who experience persistent abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding. This means bleeding that is heavy enough to soak a pad or tampon in two hours or less, bleeding that lasts longer than eight days, and bleeding so heavy that blood loss is considered excessive and creates the risk of developing anemia. It’s also important to note that endometrial ablation is not an option for women who plan to have children in the future.
While there are other treatments available for women who experience irregular menstrual bleeding, we have had incredible success with endometrial ablation at our practice over the years. Our providers are able to perform endometrial ablation using two different methods to better satisfy our patients. If you think you might be a good candidate for this procedure, we highly recommend contacting Gynecology Associates of Gwinnett to set up an appointment with Dr. Kristine Gould. You can also follow along with us on Facebook for additional health tips and news, as well as our medical spa, MadEmEL Medical Aesthetics, on Facebook and Instagram too.
