Richardson Her Option Cryoablation Therapy

Understanding Cryoablation Therapy Solution To Heavy Periods

Her Option office Cryo-Endometrial Ablation Therapy (CEA) is a freezing procedure that is performed in AOA’s office under local anesthesia as one solution to heavy periods. It was the first FDA approved, in-office endometrial ablation procedure for the treatment of heavy menses. Studies show a 94% of patients feel it was affective in decreasing the amount of bleeding, number of bleeding days, and cramps. In our experience, 20-25% of our patients even develop amenorrhea (no more periods) without affecting their hormone levels. Schedule your Cryoablation Therapy today by contacting Advanced OB-GYN and Associates at (972) 276-9902.

History Of Cryoablation Endometrial Ablation

In the past, endometrial ablations have been thermal in nature and required either general anesthesia or IV sedation in a hospital or ambulatory surgery center. Research has shown that cryoablation is not only very effective but also easier on the patient in regards to perioperative and postoperative pain tolerance. Only 4% of patients were uncomfortable during the procedure without IV sedation.

The Cryoablation Therapy Procedure

The procedure usually lasts only 20-25 minutes and the patient can be up and about within hours with no restrictions on activities the following day. Dr. Salter is one of the 7-10 physicians in the Dallas-Fort Worth area that perform this procedure exclusively. Please call us or visit HerOption.com for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions About Her Option: Treatment of Heavy Menses

If you have completed having children and you are unhappy with your periods, then you are a candidate for CEA. Women who have already gone through menopause are not candidates.

CEA is a safe endometrial ablation procedure. A pre-procedure sonogram is performed to measure the size of the uterus. Other tests are performed to make sure there are no other reasons for your heavy periods. During a CEA procedure, the sonogram is utilized to watch the placement of the cryo probe and then the growth of the freezing zone to make sure no damage is done to the surrounding organs. None of the thermal ablations utilize a sonogram during the procedure as an extra measure of safety.

Before the procedure, you are given medication to help you relax and to prevent significant cramping, but you are awake during the procedure. You will feel movement of the probe during the procedure, but it will not be painful. Because we are freezing rather than burning the endometrial lining, pain receptors in the uterus freeze similar to the way an ice pack makes a sprained wrist go numb, so there is no perception of pain. Because of the medications given, you will need to have someone to drive you to and from your appointment. You will have cramping on the way home, sometimes it can be a little intense. The majority of the cramping will resolve in 45-60 minutes.

The actual procedure lasts approximately 30 minutes. You will be asked to arrive approximately 1 hour before your appointment to be given your medications and allow them time to take effect. You are welcome to have whomever brought you to your appt. come in with you and visit with them during your procedure, or bring your own music to listen to during the procedure. Total time is approximately 1 1/2 hours.

When you return home you should take it easy for a couple of hours. No alcoholic beverages or driving until the next day. You may have a vaginal discharge for several weeks requiring a tampon or pad. Spotting is expected and can sometimes be heavy, especially around the time for you subsequent period.

Sometimes the results can take several months. The first cycle can be heavy with clots, cramps, and even tissue. Even though the procedure freezes the endometrial lining; there is still a scab, similar to freezer burn. The uterus will either reabsorb the scab in which case the rest of your periods should be lighter or non-existent. If your uterus doesn’t reabsorb the scab, then at your first or second cycle the scab will release causing a heavy period. No decision on the success or failure of the procedure should be made until the 3rd month after the procedure. By 6 months you will know if the procedure is a success.

While you are having vaginal discharge, you should refrain from intercourse. By having intercourse too soon, you might introduce normal vaginal bacteria into the uterus where it doesn’t belong, and cause an infection requiring hospitalization and I.V. antibiotics.

Her Option is intended to be a one-time procedure with the results lasting until you go through menopause. Occasionally some patients will return to having heavier than desired periods. At this time, most insurance carriers are paying for repeat procedures.

You will need to take off the day of the procedure and the following day; if you feel up to it, you may return to work.

It is best to have the procedure done the week after you finish your cycle. The endometrial lining is at it’s thinnest at that time, and doing the procedure at this time gives you the best chance of success. Waiting until later in the cycle allows the lining to get thicker. You can be given medicine to take after your cycle starts to keep your lining thin and allow you more freedom scheduling your procedure.

Most insurance carriers cover Her Option. Our office always calls to check with your insurance company before your procedure is scheduled. You are also given information so you can call and find out what your insurance will require.

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