Heavy periods are so common that we are not sure that we even have treatment for it! There is a treatment for heavy periods and this is known as uterine balloon therapy.
What do we know about the uterus and the menstrual cycle ?
Our uterus is the chief reproductive organ of our body’s system. The ovaries release an egg to the uterus, by the process of monthly ovulation, wherein it will wait for fertilization by the male sperm or else be discarded in our monthly periods. This monthly period is the menstrual cycle. Menstruation is classified normal when the uterine bleeding happens every 21 to 35 days and the bleeding is not excessively heavy. The normal duration of the menstrual period is anything between two to seven days.
What is menorrhagia ?
Menorrhagia is basically blood loss which exceeds 80 milliliters per menstrual cycle. It is a relatively common problem in women of the reproductive age group. Its cause is mostly unknown, if there is no organic pathology, hormonal imbalance, bleeding disorders or structural abnormalities in the uterus.
What are the clinical features of menorrhagia ?
Women’s periodic monthly cycles vary widely from each other and can still be considered very “normal.” Yet, you may be having excessively heavy periods, if the following patterns are regular.
- If your period lasts for longer than 7 days. The usual time frame is 4 to 6 days.
- If your period has blood clots.
- If your period soaks a tampon or pad excessively every hour for 2 hours or more.
It is associated with significant psychological, physical, behavioural and social distress as well. It is a primary cause of absenteeism from work, schools and colleges amongst women.
Associated symptoms include back pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and fatigue.
How is menorrhagia diagnosed ?
- A complete physical examination of the body is mandatory.
- A thorough menstrual history including the age of onset at menarche, the menstrual cycle length and regularity, the duration and amount of blood flow is vital in the diagnosis. History helps to establish the diagnosis.
- An ultrasound and endoscopic examination may have to be done, for diagnosis of causes of Menorrhagia to check presence of underlying problem.
- Ultrasound of the uterus- This will have to be undergone to study the uterus and its lining. The uterine check-up involves pelvic ultrasonography, trans-vaginal ultrasound and other imaging tests. Mostly, MRIs are more of use than CTs in imaging pelvic structures.
How does uterine balloon therapy work ?
Uterine Balloon Therapy is an effective, non-hormonal treatment for heavy periods, otherwise known as menorrhagia. It is a minimally-invasive, short procedure that can be done in your doctor’s office or in a hospital as an outpatient procedure.
What does uterine balloon therapy procedure entail ?
The endometrium or the inner uterine lining (womb) is removed. With local anesthesia, the doctor puts a small silicone balloon into the uterus, which is then pumped with fluid and then softly heated to treat the uterus lining. No incision or invasion of tissue is required. A slight warmth or pressure may be felt during the treatment time and the entire appointment usually lasts approximately only half an hour. Mostly, patients can resume their daily normal activities the very next day.
What care is to be taken after the uterine balloon therapy procedure ?
The first postoperative check-up is to be in 7 to 10 days post procedure, and your doctor will let you know if sexual activity can resume after the medical check-up. Your immediate few periods post procedure may still be heavy, with improvement after that. Some women might have a watery-pink discharge from 2 weeks to a month.
How to find gynecologists for uterine balloon therapy ?
Now you can find gynecologists for uterine balloon therapy from different hospitals and destinations on a single platform, Hinfoways. You can avail opinions from multiple gynecologists, get approximate cost of uterine balloon therapy from different hospitals, compare things and then choose a gynecologist for uterine balloon therapy .
Find and choose a gynecologist for uterine balloon therapy on Hinfoways. Make an informed choice.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
