Surgery may be needed to treat problems that don't get better with other treatment. All surgery has some risk. Some if these surgeries may prevent future pregnancy. The care team will talk to you about risks and benefits before surgery.
Amenorrhea
Surgery is rare. It may be done to:
- Remove ovarian cyst.
- Clear blockage of the vagina.
- Fix problems of the uterus.
- Fix problems of vagina that cause blockage.
Menorrhagia
Ablation is a procedure that destroys tissue. In this case, the lining of the uterus is destroyed. Periods can happen after the procedure, but the flow should be lighter. It can make it very difficult to get pregnant. There are different ways the tissue may be destroyed:
- Radiofrequency
- Freezing
- Heated fluid
- Heated balloon
- Microwave energy
- Electrosurgery
The ablation tools can be passed through the vagina to the uterus. Incisions are not needed. Ablation is not right for all types of menorrhagia.
Abnormal tissue, such as a polyp or a fibroid, may need to be removed. It can be removed with a hysteroscope. A tube is passed through the vagina into the uterus. Tissue can then be removed or repaired.
The uterus may be removed with a hysterectomy. It is only done for women with severe symptoms. A woman no longer has periods after this surgery. Pregnancy will no longer be possible.
D&C is a scraping of the lining of the uterus. New, healthier cells will grow in place. It may ease bleeding. This procedure is done through the vagina so incisions are not needed.
D&C is not helpful for all types of menorrhagia.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review BoardBeverly Siegal, MD, FACOG
- Review Date: 09/2019 -
- Update Date: 10/29/2019 -