Newspaper Gyno

As part of my contribution to the community, I recently began publishing a column for the local newspaper featuring topics on women's health. It's been fun. So, I thought I would publish them here for your information. Enjoy...

New Hope for Women with Painful, Heavy Menstrual Periods

Every year about 650,000 American women undergo a hysterectomy. This surgical procedure involves removing a woman’s uterus, and sometimes her ovaries and cervix. For many women, this procedure provides much sought-after relief from a variety of medical problems, including severe pain and heavy or prolonged periods.
However, a hysterectomy is major surgery, with a significant recovery period and potential complications. It should only be considered when all other options have been exhausted. Fortunately, there are now more options than ever for women suffering from painful, heavy periods. These options range from less invasive surgical procedures to long-term drug therapy. Determining what is appropriate for you requires a careful medical workup by an experienced and qualified gynecological surgeon.
One option now available, endometrial ablation, involves removal of the lining of the uterus - the source of bleeding during a menstrual period. For many women, this is a very effective solution, with up to 90% of women finding satisfactory relief of symptoms. After the procedure, most women report lighter or normal periods, and some have their periods stopped completely. One form of endometrial ablation, the new NovaSure procedure now available here in Laramie, has evolved to the point that it may be performed as a quick outpatient procedure that requires no incisions, uses only local anesthetic, and generally takes less then 15 minutes to perform. NovaSure uses precisely measured electrical energy, delivered through a slender, hand-held device, to remove the endometrial lining. Prior to recommending this procedure, however, it is important that your physician determine that you are an appropriate candidate, with a good likelihood of success. Your physician will take a complete medical history, and perform a physical exam. Other tests may include some blood tests, perhaps a biopsy (tissue sample) of the uterine lining, and possibly other more involved tests such as a hysteroscopy or ultrasonography. These tests can usually be done in your physician’s office, and are quick and fairly painless.
NovaSure (like all uterine ablation procedures) is only appropriate for pre-menopausal women with heavy menstrual bleeding, who are no longer interested in getting pregnant. But if you fall into this group, endometrial ablation may present a safe, effective alternative to hysterectomy.
If you need additional information about endometrial ablation, ask your physician, or contact Dr. Klingler or any of the qualified physicians of Laramie Physicians for Women at 307-745-8991.