Endometrial ablation – simple, safe, effective.

Since 1992, Dr. Miranda has successfully helped women put an end to heavy painful periods through the use of a simple procedure called endometrial ablation. An alternative to hysterectomy, this procedure is performed in‑office and combines computer‑assisted technology and hysteroscopy to remove the lining of the uterus and stop the bleeding. Benefits to the patient include:

• Fast Recovery Time • Minimal Discomfort • No Hospital Stay

Dr. Miranda's experience and expertise in endometrial ablation have changed the lives of hundreds of women. In many cases, there is a permanent end to menstrual bleeding and the pain associated with it.

Woman-to-woman care, for those who prefer it.

Sometimes a woman feels more comfortable being seen by another woman. For that reason, Dr. Miranda employs a certified full‑time female nurse practitioner. Shelley Bryant, MSN, NP‑C, has been an integral part of Women's Health Group team since 1993 and offers patients knowledgeable care with a woman's special touch.

Break Free From Heavy Periods

Do heavy periods interfere with your life?

If so, you're not alone. One in four women suffer from heavy periods caused by abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). AUB can be emotionally and physically devastiating, causing many women to limit their activities and lifestyle.

Your doctor may call this condition menorrhagia (men-or-ra'-jah), a medical term for menstrual periods that are too heavy, too frequent, or last too long.

Many treatment options are available including drug therapy, minimally invasive procedures or a hysterectomy. Her Option Office Cryoablation Therapy is a unique choice for women with AUB who are seeking a minimally invasive alternative to a hysterectomy.

Her Option reduces or eliminates menstrual periods in most women. This treatment can free you from the limitations and pain associated with heavy periods without the need to remove your uterus or disrupt your natural hormones.

What is Her Option and how does it treat AUB?

Her Option is a safe and effective treatment that uses sub-zero temperatures to destroy the tissue lining the uterus (endometrium). It is this tissue that sheds during your period that causes bleeding. By destroying most or all of this lining, your periods willl be reduced or eliminated.

There are many reasons that women choose Her Option:

• High success rate in reducing bleeding

• No need to remove the uterus or to disrupt the natural hormones

• The treatment can be performed in the comfort of a doctor's office with a return to normal activities the next day.

• Cryoablation acts as natural anesthetic, inceasing patient comfort during the procedure.

How is Her Option treatment performed?

Her Option is most often performed in the doctor's office. Sometimes the doctor will perform it in a hospital. Your doctor will help determine which setting and sedation level is best for you. During the treatment, your bladder will be full to allow your doctor to monitor the progress of the treatment using abdominal ultrasound.

A slender probe will be gently inserted through your vagina into your uterus and cooled until it reaches sub-zero temperatures. Typically, multiple ice zones are formed. The procedure should take 20 to 30 minutes.

What happens immediately after the treatment?

Immediately following the treatment, some patients feel crapmping similar to a menstrual period. Your doctor may give you a mild medication, such as ibuprofen, to keep you comfortable. A heating pad may also help.

You should plan on having someone drive you home. You may want to take it easy for the rest of the day. Most patients can return to normal activities the next day.

You may experience a watery discharge for up to three weeks following the treatment as the tissue heals. This is normal.

Your doctor may ask you to hold off on sexual activity until after your first check-up. Your doctor will provide you with additional information on how to care for yourself after the treatment.

96% of women would recommend

Her Option to a friend

When will I see results and what will my bleeding be like?

Within the first three months following the treatment, you should experience a reduction in bleeding. It's not unusual to experience two or three normal menstural cycles before you see the full extent of the treatment take effect, although some patients see results immediately.

The decrease in bleeding varies from woman to woman. Some women find that their periods return to more normal levels. Other women find that their bleeding is completely eliminated, or that they spot for only a few days a month.

What else can I expect?

In a clinical study it was determined that 94% of Her Option Office Cryoablation Therapy treatments were successful. In addition, patients who undergo the treatment often report a reduction in PMS symptoms, such as fatigue, irritability and cramping. Furthermore, the treatment should not change your desire for, or your enjoyment in, sexual activity.

You should only have Her Option if you no longer desire to have children. However, it is possible to become pregnant following the treatment. Such a pregnancy would be high-risk for the woman and the fetus. Therefore, a reliable form of birth control is necessary following treatment.

Every medical treatment has risks and complications, and you should talk to your doctor to be sure that you understand the potential complications and results you can expect.

Take control of your periods.

You do not need to live with heavy periods and the limitations associated with AUB. Join other women who have had Her Option Office Cryoablation Therapy and once again enjoy an active lifestyle with your family and friends.

What the are signs of AUB?

The amount of menstrual bleeding that is bothersome varies from woman to woman. AUB occurs most often in women ages 35 to 50.

Discuss with your physician if your periods are longer or heavier than in the past, or if your periods are affecting your day-to-day life.

Common symptoms may include:

• Soaking through at least one pad or tampon every hour for serveral hours.

• Heavy periods that last for more than 7 days.

• Clot formation.

• Paleness or fatigue (due to anemia).

What causes AUB?

A number of conditions can cause AUB. The most common causes are hormonal imbalances and/or benign (non-cancerous) growths, such as fibroids or polyps. Complications from pregnancy and other illnesses can also result in heavy periods.