 Alternatives to Hysterectomy
BEFORE YOU SCHEDULE A
HYSTERECTOMY,
CONSIDER YOUR OPTIONS!
Nearly 600,000
Hysterectomies are performed in this country each year; many are
for heavy periods. Do you have heavy periods? Are you
flooding at times, passing clots, soaking
your protection and then your clothes or bed sheets? If
medical treatments such as birth control pills don't help or you
cannot tolerate them, and if other options such as the Mirena
IUD or progesterone-only therapy have been considered or tried,
then hysterectomy is often presented as the next step in
your therapy.
What would you say to an
in-office procedure
that is 85% effective at reducing
or eliminating your periods?
In less than an hour
(the procedure takes about 20 minutes) you will be on your way
to a hormone-free, scar-free alternative to hysterectomy for
Menorrhagia (Heavy Periods).
Dr. Rabin is pleased to offer endometrial ablation as an alternative to hysterectomy for treatment of heavy periods.
Novasure, HerOption, and Hydrothermal Ablation are quick and safe treatments for
Menorrhagia- abnormally heavy menstruation. This treats the only the inner lining of the uterus. This procedure can be performed in our Atlanta office or as an outpatient procedure. Endometrial ablation does not involve hormones, it has a high success rate and has a quick recovery time—most women return to their regular activities the next day. This will not be the solution for every case of heavy bleeding.
Hormone therapy, Mirena IUD and even hysterectomy may be the
right treatment in certain cases. Ask Dr. Rabin if endometrial ablation is right for you.
We will listen to you, provide excellent
testing, ultrasound, specialized imaging such as saline enhanced
sonography and determine your unique situation.
Then we will offer a variety of options. We will help you
find the solutions that match your situation and your goals.
Important factors that help determine which
options are right for you:
-
Desire for future pregnancy
-
Form of birth control used
-
Shape of uterus
-
Presence of fibroids or polyps
-
Problems with the endometrium (hyperplasia,
atypia)
-
Previous response to hormone or medical
treatments
-
Degree of associated pain
It is important to work with a physician who is
experienced in putting together all this information along with
your personal preferences to offer you the specific options that
are appropriate for you to consider.
Click
here for information on Heavy Bleeding.
Click Here to Request an
Appointment.
Take The Heavy Bleeding
Quiz:
Circle Yes
or No
Y N
1. Does your period last longer
than seven days?
Y N 2. Do you use more than three pads
or tampons per day?
Y N 3. Do you need to double up on
feminine protection?
Y N 4. Do you become fatigued due to
your heavy bleeding?
Y N 5. Do your heavy periods affect
your social life, fitness or sexual intimacy?
Y N 6. Do you miss work because of
your periods?
Y N 7. Does your menstrual flow
include large clots?
Y N 8. Do you avoid leaving home for
fear of accidents?
Y N 9. Do you avoid wearing light
colored clothing during your period?
Y N 10. Does medication (birth control
pills) fail to ease your symptoms? 
Menstrual History
1. How many consecutive days do you bleed
per cycle? __________days
2. How many days do you bleed
per month? ___________days
3. How regular is your menstrual bleeding?
___Irregular ___Regular ____Absent
4. What is the duration of your
bleeding? ___Prolonged ___Normal ___Shortened
5. How frequent is your menstrual
bleeding? ___Frequent ___Normal ___Infrequent
6. How would you describe the volume of
your menstrual bleeding?
___Heavy ___Normal ___Light
7. When did your heavy periods begin?
___Teens ___20’s ___30’s ___40’s
8. Have you ever had a post-partum
hemorrhage? ___Yes ___No ___Not Sure
9. Have you ever had bleeding associated
with a surgery? ___Yes ___No ___Not Sure
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Appointment!
How it Works
What can Her Option® do for you?
Each month during your period, you shed your uterine lining
(endometrium). This shedding process is what causes normal
menstrual flow.
Her Option® Office Cryoablation Therapy is a safe and
effective ablation procedure that uses sub-zero temperatures
(cryoablation) to reduce your heavy periods to normal levels.
The cold temperatures destroy the endometrium. With the
endometrium reduced or eliminated, there’s less tissue to shed
each period. The result? Dramatically less menstrual bleeding.
Cryoablation—a proven ablation technique
Cryoablation is a time-tested treatment with proven success
in treating many medical conditions. Dr. Rabin has been performing endometrial
ablations in his Atlanta clinic for over 16 years. Many different techniques have
been discovered over the years and only the most effective and
safe procedures are currently offered.
Other ablation processes work through energy or heat.
Cryoablation uses sub-zero temperatures to reduce or eliminate
the uterine lining. The natural analgesic affect of these low
temperatures reduces patient discomfort during the procedure.
Plus, ultrasound guidance during the procedure lets your doctor
monitor the therapy as it happens, offering an additional level
of safety.
Cryoablation offers additional long-term benefits, including:
Preparing for the Procedure
No hospitals. No hormones. No surgery.
Her Option®
Cryoablation is safe, simple and effective. It’s also the only
endometrial ablation therapy approved for use in the comfort of
your doctor's office.
Steps of the treatment process
-
Eat a
very light meal prior to your appointment. Take the pain
medications Dr. Rabin has prescribed for you about 2 hours
before the procedure is scheduled to begin.
-
Your
bladder will need to be full so we can monitor the treatment
progress using an ultrasound. Drink two 8-oz. glasses of
water before you arrive and do not use the restroom until
after the procedure.
-
Dr.
Rabin may give you additional pain medication and will also
use local anesthetic like the dentist would typically use.
-
After
some preliminary measurements, Dr. Rabin will insert a
slender probe through your vagina into your cervix and into
the uterus. The probe is so thin that it often requires little or
no cervical dilation, minimizing discomfort.
-
Once the
probe is in place, the cooling process begins. Ultrasound is
used to monitor the placement and progress of the
procedure. This maximizes the safety. The probe freezes the uterine tissue
symmetrically around its tip towards one side of the uterus.
After several minutes, your doctor will warm the endometrium
for one to two minutes and then repeat the freezing on the
adjacent areas of the uterus. In the case of a larger
uterus, a third freezing may take place.
-
After a
final brief warming cycle, the procedure is complete. The
entire process takes approximately 20-30 minutes. (Times
will vary.)
Will it hurt?
Most women
don’t experience pain during the procedure. You may, however,
initially feel mild pressure or a cramping sensation (similar to
menstrual cramps). You may have some cramping or pain after the
procedure as the cooling effect wears off. Dr. Rabin will prescribe anti-inflammatory
medication ahead of time can help reduce any discomfort. Please
use the anti-inflammatory medications with your first meal or
snack after the procedure and use them only as directed.
What are the risks?
Every medical
treatment has potential risks and complications.
Speak with Dr. Rabin to make
sure you understand the potential complications and benefits of
Cryoablation.
Insurance coverage information?
Most private insurance covers
Her Option Office Cryoablation Therapy. We will have done our
best to provide you with information about your insurer’s
coverage prior to scheduling the procedure. In some cases
a small office co-pay is all that’s required (after your
deductable has been met).
Click Here to Request an
Appointment!
Risks and Contraindications
-
Summary of Warnings, Precautions and Contraindications for
the HerOption® Cryoablation Therapy System
The Her Option® Cryoablation Therapy System is medical device
that uses sub-zero temperatures to destroy the tissue lining the
uterus (endometrium). The procedure is intended for
pre-menopausal women with excessive bleeding due to benign
causes for whom childbearing is complete.
The device is contraindicated for patients who:
-
intend to become pregnant
-
use an IUD
-
suffer from uterine cancer
-
have an active urinary tract infection
or pelvic inflammatory disease
-
have certain types of uterine
abnormalities.
Every medical treatment has risks and complications. Review
these with Dr. Rabin.
Menstrual History
Keep a history of your heavy periods.
If you’re
concerned about abnormal uterine bleeding or other problems with
your cycle, it’s time to discuss all of your options with Dr.
Rabin.
The best way to take control of your heavy periods is to talk to
your doctor. Tell him or her about the way abnormal uterine
bleeding affects your life. For better insight into your
symptoms, share these results at your next visit.
The more information you can provide for your doctor, the
better. Keep track of your periods, then bring your notes to your next appointment.
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB)
What is abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB)?
Many women experience heavy menstrual bleeding at some point
in their lives. But for one in four women, every cycle is
heavy—and that’s not normal. Doctors call this condition
"abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB)" or "Menorrhagia."
How heavy is too heavy?
Although every woman experiences her period differently, most
doctors define a normal, healthy period by a few standard
criteria.
Normal bleeding:
Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB):
-
can last longer than seven days
-
may require frequent change of
protection, or double protection
-
may include large blood clots in
your flow
-
may cause tiredness, fatigue or
shortness of breath (symptoms of anemia)
How to tell if you suffer from AUB
New guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and
Gynecologists suggest that if your heavy periods negatively
impact your life and you believe they’re a problem, you should
discuss these issues with your gynecologist.
Signs and Symptoms
You don’t have to live with heavy periods.
If you’ve
experienced one or more of the following symptoms, speak with
Dr. Rabin. Your heavy periods could be the result of a condition
called abnormal uterine bleeding.
Click Here to Request an
Appointment!
Some of the most common symptoms of AUB
include:
-
bleeding that soaks through one or
more sanitary pads or tampons every hour for several
consecutive hours
-
bleeding so heavy you need to double
up on sanitary protection
-
bleeding that causes you to change
protection during the night
-
a period lasting longer than seven
days
-
menstrual flow containing large blood
clots
-
heavy periods that interfere with your
regular lifestyle (i.e. physical activities, sexual
intimacy, career, recreation, self-confidence)
-
constant pain in your lower abdomen
during your period
-
severe cramps or headaches during your
period
-
irregular periods
-
tiredness, fatigue or shortness of
breath (symptoms of anemia)
Higher risk patients
Certain women carry a greater risk of AUB.
This high-risk group can include women who:
-
have a history of hormonal imbalance
-
suffer from thyroid problems or
diabetes
-
are over 35
-
are young, and experienced their first
period 12-18 months ago
-
come from a family with a history of
bleeding disorders
Living with AUB
How can you cope with AUB?
If you suffer
from heavy periods every month, you already know AUB affects
every part of your life from your wardrobe to your sleep
schedule to the way you socialize.
But you don’t have to plan your entire life around your period.
There are many treatment options for women suffering from AUB.
Ask Dr. Rabin about finding the one that’s right for you.
Self-care tips
You can help
minimize the discomfort and embarrassment of heavy periods with
these self-care tips.
Keep
track. Complete a menstrual history or record the
number of pads and tampons you use throughout your period. Dr.
Rabin will use this information to understand how much blood you
lose in each cycle.
Eat
right. Talk to your doctor about following an iron-rich
diet or taking iron supplements to minimize anemic effects.
Chill
out. Relaxation isn’t a cure for excessive menstrual
bleeding, but putting yourself under too much stress only adds
to your physical and mental discomfort.
Talk
about it. Share your story with someone you trust. You
may find that a friend or relative has experienced heavy periods
as well.
Rest up. If bleeding is
extremely heavy and disrupts your normal lifestyle, your doctor
may recommend more rest.
Causes
What causes abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB)?
Part of
staying healthy means understanding what’s causing your heavy
periods. Pinpointing the cause(s) can help your Dr. Rabin decide
which treatment options may be right for you.
Causes of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB)
Hormonal imbalances - If your body doesn’t maintain the
right balance of estrogen and progesterone, the lining of your
uterus (endometrium) can build up excessively. During your
period, this excess can cause heavy bleeding. These hormone
imbalances are most common among adolescent girls and women
approaching menopause.
Benign (non-cancerous) growths like fibroids or polyps
- Uterine growths can appear during your childbearing years and
cause heavier, longer or irregular periods.
Complication from pregnancy - An ectopic pregnancy
(implantation of a fertilized egg in the fallopian tube instead
of the uterus) can occasionally cause heavy periods. A single
heavy period that’s late may be the result of a miscarriage.
Medications - Some drugs—especially anticoagulants
(medications that prevent blood clotting) and anti-inflammatories—can
lead to heavier, longer periods.
Bleeding disorders - Certain disorders impair blood
clotting, leading to heavy bleeding and longer periods. These
disorders are serious and need medical attention.
Use
of Intrauterine device (IUD) – Abnormal Uterine
Bleeding is a common side effect of using IUD for birth control.
If your IUD is the cause of your heavy periods, your doctor may
need to remove the device.
Abnormal ovary function - If your ovaries don’t
produce, mature or release eggs (anovulation) a hormonal
imbalance can occur, leading to AUB.
Adenomyosis - Most common among middle-aged women who
have had many children, this condition occurs when glands from
the endometrium grow into the uterine muscle. Heavy bleeding and
pain can result.
Cancer - Although it’s rare, certain female
reproductive cancers like uterine cancer, ovarian cancer and
cervical cancer can cause heavy periods.
Other
illnesses - Certain medical conditions can cause or
increase your risk of AUB. Examples include thyroid problems,
endometriosis, lupus, liver or kidney disease and pelvic
inflammatory disease (PID).
Untreated AUB can also cause various health
conditions. For example, untreated AUB can lead to anemia, which
in turn can lead to further health problems. AUB can also
contribute to feelings of social isolation and depression,
compromising your quality of life.
Treatment Options
Living with heavy periods? You’ve got options.
If you suffer
from AUB, it’s time to sit down with Dr. Rabin and plan for a
healthier, more comfortable future.
Click Here to Request an
Appointment!
Treatment options for AUB
Doctors can treat heavy periods safely and successfully using a
variety of methods. Link to this Treatment Comparison Chart:
Treatment Comparison Chart
-
Your many
options include:
-
Hormone
therapy
-
Dilation
and Curettage (D & C)
-
Hysterectomy
-
Myomectomy (removal of fibroids)
-
Endometrial Ablation: Destruction
of uterine lining (endometrium) using either heat (thermal
ablation) or cold (cryoablation)
Which option is right for you?
You and Dr. Rabin will need to consider several factors
before making a decision about treatment, including:
-
cause of bleeding
-
amount and frequency of bleeding
-
specific ways heavy periods affect
your life
-
possibility of future pregnancies
-
benefits of a one-time treatment vs.
ongoing therapy
Her Option advantage
Her Option in-office Cryoablation procedure
uses cryoablation to reduce or eliminate menstrual periods in
most women. This type of treatment can free you from abnormal
uterine bleeding without major surgery or hormones.
Important safety information
Her Option is not recommended for everyone. You’ll need to be
evaluated by Dr. Rabin to find out if it’s right for you.
You will not be a candidate if you:
-
intend to become pregnant
-
use an IUD
-
suffer from uterine cancer
-
have an active urinary tract infection
or pelvic inflammatory disease
-
have certain types of uterine
abnormalities.
Every medical treatment has risks and
complications.
Click Here to Request an
Appointment!
Talking to Doctor Rabin
Talk to Dr. Rabin today about AUB.
The best way to take control of your heavy periods is to talk
to Dr. Rabin. Discuss the way abnormal uterine bleeding affects
your life.
Find the right doctor.
Read what other women have to say about Dr. Rabin (Click on
Testimonials). Steven
A. Rabin, MD has 19 years of experience treating women who
suffer from excessive menstrual bleeding. He has been
performing endometrial ablation for over 16 years. Many
different techniques have been developed over that time.
Dr. Rabin performs the most modern, safe and effective
techniques available. Dr. Rabin even helps other
physicians learn about these newer techniques.
Take the Heavy Bleeding Quiz
Take the Heavy Bleeding Quiz and the complete the Menstrual
History. Record your answers. Then track your cycle in a
notebook. Jot down questions and concerns as they occur to you,
and bring the list to your visit—you don’t have to wait for Dr.
Rabin to ask.
Be as descriptive as possible in your notes, including
information about:
-
number of days of bleeding each month
-
type of protection you need each day
(i.e. light flow tampon, heavy pad, double protection)
-
how frequently you change protection
each day
-
any clotting in your flow
-
symptoms of fatigue, cramps, moodiness
Click Here to Request an
Appointment!
Work together as a team.
Once you agree on a course of treatment for heavy bleeding, take
any prescribed medications as directed, and offer honest,
complete feedback on your condition. Ask specific questions
about medical diagnoses and treatment recommendations.
Take an active role in your health.
Spend time researching your treatment options on your own. Talk
to friends and family who may have had similar experiences.
Before you decide on a course of treatment, make sure you
understand the benefits and drawbacks of the various treatment
options available for abnormal uterine bleeding.
Set realistic expectations and
evaluate results.
Talk about your expectations for the treatment you choose and
set appropriate goals with your doctor. Decide what type of
feedback will help Dr. Rabin understand whether you’re getting
the results you hoped for.
With HerOption Office Cryoablation Therapy, you should start
experiencing bleeding that falls within the range of a normal
period after approximately two to three cycles. In one study,
88% of women experienced normal periods or better. In some
cases, women experience more dramatic results, with extremely
light (or even absent) periods resulting after the treatment.
Understand important safety information.
Her Option is not recommended for everyone. You’ll need to be
evaluated by Dr. Rabin to find out if it’s right for you.
You will not be a candidate if you:
-
intend to become pregnant
-
use an IUD
-
suffer from uterine cancer
-
have an active urinary tract infection
or pelvic inflammatory disease
-
have certain types of uterine
abnormalities.
Every medical treatment has risks and complications.
Know what your doctor will be looking for.
Dr. Rabin can only make an accurate diagnosis after ruling out
other menstrual disorders, medical conditions or medication
side-effects as
possible causes of heavy bleeding.
We may start by asking about your medical history and your
menstrual cycles. We may perform a physical exam, or recommend
one of the following tests:
-
Blood tests screen
for anemia, thyroid disorders or blood-clotting
abnormalities.
-
Pap tests detect
infection, inflammation or changes that may be cancerous or
may lead to cancer.
-
Pelvic exam let your
doctor check your internal organs for abnormalities.
-
Endometrial biopsy
rule out cancer or other serious conditions.
-
Ultrasound scan (sometimes
Saline-Enhanced Ultrasonography)
to produce
images of your uterus, ovaries and pelvis. The saline
enhanced exam can show us if there are polyps or submucous
(inside the uterine cavity) fibroids.
-
Hysteroscopy to take a
picture of your uterus using a small camera inserted through
your cervix.
To get a free report from Dr. Rabin explaining heavy
bleeding; the causes and the solutions simply fill out this form
and click the "Get More Info" button!
Click Here to Request an
Appointment!
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