Uterine ablation vs hysterectomy?

I want to know what other people think of this procedure that have had it done..

My sister had the ablation with the balloon. She said it has taken care of her excessive bleeding problem. For some women however, a hysterectomy is the best way to go. I had one almost 2 years ago and now I wonder why I didn't do it sooner.

It would be best for you to read up on the subject, then talk to your doctor so you can both decide which procedure you should have. It all depends on your particular circumstances.

Edit: A hysterectomy would only put you into menopause if you have your ovaries removed along with your uterus. That again would depend on your situation and whether your ovaries are healthy or not.

I am a nurse in a GYN office. Ablation can be a great alternative if you have the right kind. Depending on how smooth the interior contour of your uterus is, some ablations (balloons) can miss parts of the uterine lining. Hydrotherm ablation uses hot liquid to scald the lining of the uterus. It is much more efficient. It is an out patient procedure and sometimes an in office procedure so it is much less invasive. Hysterectomy is 100% effective at stopping bleeding, though. Talk to your doctor.

I had an ablation 4 yrs ago and it took away the heavy periods, and in about a year, they disappeared completely. It was a day surgery and took I guess about an hour, I was out for it, and then as soon as I finished one IV bag of Pitosin, and could sit up, I was allowed to go home. I slept the rest of the day and SHOULD have stayed home the next, but went back to work. I felt very weak and really wish I had not gone. So if you have this, give yourself 2-3 days off to recuperate.
With a hysterectomy, you would be in menopause instantly and would take from 2 weeks to 6 weeks to heal depending upon the method used.
I would certainly do the ablation instead of the invasive surgery. I have about 5 friends at work who have had the ablation and it worked for all of us. There will be those whom it won't work for, and they will probably need to go on to the hysterectomy.

I hope this helped.

I had a hysterectomy about 7 years ago at the age of 18. I kept my ovaries and haven't gone through menopause. Even with my complications of being exposed to something I was allergic to and being on a ventilator for 3 days I was out in 5 days. I was back to school the next week. Surgery and pain wise it was one of the easier ones I have had.

Edit: My mom had one about 15 years ago and was home the next day and driving a few days later even though they tell you not to.