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        For abnormal uterine bleeding  modern treatment without surgery, another choice, is ThermaChoice Uterine Balloon Therapy.

        Dr Vasundra Thiagarajan, Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Laparoscopic Surgeon, Sonologist, Infertility Consultant, Member - International Academy of Human Reproduction (IAHR), presented her paper at Malaysia on November 2006 in the World Congress of Obstetric & Gynaecology.

        Excessive menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia), is a debilitating condition that affects approximately 22 per cent of all menstruating women and accounts for more than 30 per cent of the 600,000 hysterectomies performed in the United States. Hysterectomy, the second most frequently performed surgical procedure in the United States, is the common surgical treatment for menorrhagia. Although hysterectomy provides a cure for menorrhagia, it is often accompanied by numerous physical and psychological effects. Hysterectomies performed to treat excessive menstrual bleeding cost the US healthcare system an estimated US $ 1.5 billion annually.

        What is ThermaChoice Uterine Balloon Therapy?

        It is a new outpatient procedure to reduce excessive menstrual bleeding. Unlike hysterectomy, which takes out the entire uterus, the procedure just destroys the lining of the uterus by the use of heat.

        What can one expect from ThermaChoice?

        In most cases, bleeding during the period will be reduced to moderate or light flow. Some women may experience spotting; a few may experience no bleeding at all. Clinical data has shown that up to 15 per cent of patients may not respond to ThermaChoice therapy and may require additional treatment.

        Who is a candidate for Therma Choice?

        Your doctor must rule out abnormal uterine conditions like some fibroids, and your pap smear and biopsy must also be normal. This is not a treatment for uterine cancer. If you will want to have children, ThermaChoice is not an option since the uterine lining is destroyed during therapy.

        How does ThermaChoice work?

        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.

        Then the balloon is expanded with a sterile fluid which expands to fit the size and shape of your uterus.

        The fluid in the balloon is heated to 188 degree Fahrenheit and maintained for 8 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 your uterus. Your uterine lining has been treated and will slough off like a period in the next 7-10 days.

        Can one get pregnant after treatment?

        This therapy should not be used if you ever want to have children - in fact, pregnancies after ablation can be dangerous for both fetus and mother. Since there is a chance pregnancy could occur, contraception or sterilization should be used after treatment. Please discuss these options with your physician.

        What will one feel during the procedure?

        About an hour before therapy, your physician may give you medication which minimises 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 a local anesthesia to numb the cervix and the uterus. Sometimes patients want to be 'put to sleep' using general anesthesia after which you may experience some nausea. This is an option for you to discuss with your doctor.

        Are there any post-procedure complications for which I should call my physician after I get home?

        You should call your physician if you develop a fever of 100.4 degree Fahrenheit or over, worsening pelvic pain that is not relieved by ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) or other medication prescribed by your physician, nausea, vomiting, bowel or bladder problems, and/or a greenish vaginal discharge.