Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is a common condition that can significantly impact a woman's quality of life. Although most cases of AUB are benign, some can be associated with more serious underlying conditions. Treatment of AUB depends on many factors, including:
- The patient's age
- The presence of heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia)
- The severity of symptoms
Take a look at some of the common types of treatment for abnormal bleeding.
Endometrial Ablation
Endometrial ablation is a medical procedure that involves removing the uterus lining (the endometrium). It is typically used to treat abnormal uterine bleeding, which is any bleeding that occurs outside of the normal menstrual cycle. Endometrial ablation can be performed using different techniques, including:
- Microwave ablation
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Hydrothermal ablation
Your doctor will choose the best endometrial ablation method based on your situation. Keep in mind that not everyone is eligible for this procedure. For example, you may not be a candidate if you're of childbearing age and would like to become pregnant in the future.
Hysterectomy
Abnormal bleeding can cause anemia, fatigue, and reduced quality of life. If abnormal bleeding is severe and other treatments have been unsuccessful, a hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus) may be recommended.
A hysterectomy is considered a last resort to treat abnormal bleeding because of the lengthy recovery period. Additionally, this procedure carries the risk of serious complications, such as infection, blood loss, and damage to surrounding organs. For these reasons, hysterectomies are typically only recommended when other treatments, such as medication or less invasive surgeries, have failed to control the bleeding.
Alternative treatments may be explored first for women who still want to have children.
Hysteroscopy
A hysteroscopy is a procedure that allows your doctor to examine the inside of your uterus using a thin, flexible camera. The camera can help identify the cause of your abnormal bleeding.
Depending on the results, treatment can be targeted directly at the underlying problem. In some cases, the procedure can be used to treat the underlying problem, for example, by removing fibroids or polyps. In other cases, a hysteroscopy may provide valuable information that can be used to plan further treatment.
Like any medical procedure, there are risks associated with hysteroscopies, including infection, bleeding, and damage to the uterus. However, these risks are typically very low. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of hysteroscopy with you before the procedure is scheduled.
Contact your OBGYN to learn more about the treatment of abnormal bleeding.
