Treatment options for abnormal uterine bleeding include endometrial ablation, hormonal therapy, and surgery. Together with your doctor, you will develop a treatment plan based on:

• The cause of the bleeding

• The extent of the bleeding

• Your wishes regarding pregnancy

Although this procedure is rarely done, your physician may recommend an endometrial ablation to treat your abnormal uterine bleeding. This operation involves the destruction of the endometrial lining of the uterus by means of electrical energy, heat, or cold. It also eliminates the possibility of future childbearing.³⁷ Get more information on endometrial ablation at Gynecare.com.

After diagnosing the cause of your abnormal uterine bleeding, your doctor may turn to medicine as the first treatment option. Some estrogens and progestins are approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat abnormal uterine bleeding. However, hormonal therapy may not be effective in reducing bleeding to acceptable levels in some women.³⁷

For certain causes of abnormal uterine bleeding, surgery may be the best treatment. Surgical options include:

• Myomectomy—if your abnormal bleeding is caused by fibroids, a myomectomy may be performed to remove the fibroids without taking out the healthy tissue of the uterus.

  Click here to watch an animation comparing an open and minimally invasive fibroid removal (myomectomy).

• Hysterectomy—abnormal uterine bleeding may be caused by many conditions. If the cause of your bleeding is a condition that is treatable by surgery, such as fibroids or endometriosis, hysterectomy may be recommended. There are various types of hysterectomies your physician may recommend.

  During the most commonly performed hysterectomy, a total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH), the uterus is removed through a large incision in the abdomen. Recovery requires a hospital stay of three to five days. Normal activity may resume in six weeks. ⁴

  However, there are other surgical options for you to consider as well. Minimally Invasive Procedures (MIP), such as vaginal or laparoscopic hysterectomies, may result in less recovery time, less time in the hospital, less scarring, and less pain.

  Click here to watch an animation comparing an open and minimally invasive hysterectomy.

  Find out more about MIP for hysterectomy and whether or not MIP may be an option for you.