Abnormal Uterine Bleeding in Atlanta

Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is defined as sudden, unusual episodes of uterine bleeding or bleeding from the uterus that is longer than usual or that occurs at irregular times. AUB can cause significant stress and adversely affect your personal and professional activities. It can even cause anemia leading to fatigue, exercise intolerance and shortness of breath. From embarrassing accidents while in public to putting a huge strain on intimacy, AUB although not generally life threatening certainly can steal quality of life.

Causes of abnormal uterine bleeding may be due to hormonal fluctuations or to problems with the uterus itself. Hormonal changes during perimenopause, uterine fibroids, adenomyosis or uterine or cervical polyps can cause AUB. There are many options for therapy and the best treatment option depends on your goals for childbearing and your overall treatment goals. Some procedures can be done under local anesthesia in the office. Others may require surgery.  

Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids: Some fibroid symptoms can be managed with diet and oral medications. If these measures fail, fibroids can be treated in the office with hysteroscopic removal or ablation, or in the operating room with vaginal hysterectomy, laparoscopy or robotic surgery. Your goals for therapy and the location and size of your fibroids determine the best approach for you.

Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis: Adenomyosis is a condition where the lining of the uterus grows into the muscle of the uterus. It causes the uterus to be enlarged, painful and leads to heavy painful bleeding, pelvic pain and painful sex. Medications may help but hysterectomy is often needed to relieve the pelvic pain caused by adenomyosis.

Uterine or cervical polyps

Uterine or cervical polyps can be removed in the office through hysteroscopy. Hysteroscopy is the use of a small scope to visualize and remove fibroids and polyps from the uterus. It can be performed in the office under local or general anesthesia. It is highly successful and doesn’t require any incisions.

Endometrial Ablation

Endometrial ablation is a procedure that can be performed in the office with or without anesthesia. This procedure burns the lining of the uterus to remove it and stop uterine bleeding.  Most women (85%) who undergo this procedure are satisfied with the surgical result and have significant improvement in abnormal bleeding symptoms. Many will stop uterine bleeding completely. This procedure is done through the vagina in the office without incisions.