Your doctor might advise you to consider this minimally invasive approach to treating excessive menstrual bleeding. It can offer:
An alternative to hysterectomy and other major surgical procedures
Reduced or eliminated bleeding
Less need for general anesthesia compared to more invasive surgeries
A fast recovery, with a return to normal activity the next day for most patients
An outpatient procedure; no hospital stay
Talk with your doctor to learn more about treating excessive bleeding. To learn more about GYNECARE THERMACHOICE Uterine Balloon Therapy, click here.
Are you a candidate for GYNECARE THERMACHOICE Uterine Balloon Therapy?
To be a candidate for uterine balloon therapy, your doctor must rule out abnormal uterine conditions such as fibroids, and your Pap smear and biopsy must be normal. This is not a treatment for uterine cancer.
Who should not consider GYNECARE THERMACHOICE Uterine Balloon Therapy?
Women who still want to have children are not candidates for The GYNECARE THERMACHOICE Uterine Balloon Therapy System.
Results
In most cases, bleeding during your period will be reduced to moderate or light flow. Some women may experience spotting; some may experience no bleeding at all. Clinical data have shown that up to 15% of patients may not respond to GYNECARE THERMACHOICE Uterine Balloon Therapy and may require additional treatment.
How it works
First, a soft, flexible balloon attached to a thin catheter (tube) is inserted into
the vagina, through the cervix, and placed gently into the uterus. The balloon is
made of a silicone material which eliminates the risk for latex-sensitive women.
Then the balloon is inflated with a sterile fluid that expands to fit the size and
shape of the uterus. The fluid in the balloon is heated to 87°C, or 188°F,
and the temperature is maintained for 8 minutes while the uterine lining is treated.
During this time, the sterile fluid is circulated within the balloon, allowing for a
uniform thermal effect. When the treatment cycle is completed, 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withdrawn from the balloon and the catheter is removed.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 7
to 10 days.
The day of the surgery
About an hour before therapy, your physician may give you medication that will minimize 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 and/or discomfort. Your doctor may use local anesthesia to numb the cervix and uterus. You may want to be "put to sleep" with general anesthesia, after which you may experience some nausea. This is an option for you to discuss with your doctor.
How you'll feel afterwards
You may feel cramping, as with a menstrual period. If needed, your doctor will give you a mild medication to make you more comfortable. You should arrange to be driven home after 1 to 4 hours in the recovery room, where you can take it easy for the rest of the day.
How Women Feel About GYNECARE THERMACHOICE Uterine Balloon Therapy
Ninety-six percent of women surveyed 1 year after treatment with GYNECARE THERMACHOICE Uterine Balloon Therapy were satisfied with the results of the treatment, according to the results of a patient satisfaction survey.
Getting back to normal
Most women can return to work and family commitments by the next day. Most patients have a pinkish and watery vaginal discharge for about 2 weeks but sometimes for as long as a month. In some cases, your first few periods after the procedure may continue to be heavy but will begin to improve thereafter. Sexual intercourse can be resumed once the discharge ceases.
Click here for prescribing information (PDF format) on GYNECARE THERMACHOICE Uterine Balloon Therapy.
To learn more about GYNECARE THERMACHOICE Uterine Balloon Therapy, click here.
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