A minimally invasive procedure is now available in the treatment of excessive uterine bleeding. Excessive uterine bleeding, also called menorrhagia effects one out of every five women. The most common cause is hormonal imbalance, especially in women ages 35-45, prior to menopause. Benign (non-cancerous) uterine growths, such as fibroids or polyps, infection, or chronic illness can also be the cause of excessive uterine bleeding.

If you think you suffer from excessive uterine bleeding, visit your doctor for a check-up. Your doctor will take a thorough history and may perform a hysteroscopy (see hysteroscopy info) to diagnose the cause of your excessive uterine bleeding. If your doctor determines you need the Uterine Balloon Therapy procedure to treat your excessive uterine bleeding, he or she may schedule you for the procedure. This procedure is less invasive than a traditional hysterectomy and unlike hysterectomy, which takes out the entire uterus, Uterine Balloon Therapy just destroys the lining of the uterus. This procedure can be performed in your doctor's office providing a faster recovery, with a return to normal activity within two days for most patients.

If you still want to have children, the Uterine Balloon Therapy procedure is not for you. Pregnancies after ablation of the uterus can be dangerous for both fetus and mother. Please discuss these options with your physician.

When you arrive at your doctor's office for your Uterine Balloon Therapy procedure, about an hour before the procedure, your doctor may give you medication, which minimizes any cramping during and after the procedure. You may also be given a mild sedative to help you relax. In most cases, you will be awake during the procedure and may experience cramping or discomfort. Your doctor may use a local anesthetic to numb the cervix and the uterus.

During the procedure, a soft flexible balloon attached to a thin catheter (tube) is inserted into the vagina, through the cervix and placed gently into the uterus. Then the balloon is inflated with a sterile fluid, which expands to fit the size and shape of your uterus. The fluid in the balloon is heated to 87oC or 188o F and maintained for eight minutes while the uterine lining is treated. When the treatment cycle is complete, all the fluid is withdrawn from the balloon and the catheter is removed. Nothing stays in the uterus. The uterine lining has been treated and will slough off like a period in the next seven to ten days.

After the procedure you may feel mild or moderate cramping like a menstrual period, and if needed your doctor will give you a mild medication to make you more comfortable. After about one hour of recovery, you may be driven home where you should rest for the balance of the day. Most women can return to work and family commitments by the next day. Sexual activity can be resumed after your first check-up, usually seven to ten days. Most patients also experience a pinkish and watery vaginal discharge for about two weeks, sometimes as long as a month. In some cases, the first few periods after the procedure may continue to be heavy but will begin to improve thereafter. You should call your doctor if you develop a fever of 100.4o F or over, worsening pelvic pain that is not relieved by ibuprofen or other medication prescribed by your doctor, nausea, vomiting, bowel or bladder problems, or greenish vaginal discharge. As with any type of uterine procedure, there may also be the risk of infection, usually easily managed with oral antibiotic therapy. There also is the possibility of some rare, but possible safety risks.

This Uterine Balloon Therapy product does contain natural rubber latex, which may cause an allergic reaction.

If you would like information about this procedure please contact your physician, or fill out our Request Information Form to submit your request for a physician referral.

The information contained here-in does not dictate an exclusive course of treatment or procedure to be followed and should not be construed as excluding other acceptable methods of practice. Variations taking into account the needs of the individual patient, resources, and limitations unique to the type of practice may be appropriate.

The treatment methods and parameters discussed in this web site are intended for a reference only and do not serve as a direct recommendation of treatment method or dosimetry.