• How long does the Her Option procedure take? The procedure typically takes 20 to 30 minutes and is performed in your doctor’s office.

• Is the procedure painful? Most women do not experience pain during the procedure. You may feel a sensation similar to menstrual cramps. Taking an over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen before the procedure can help reduce any discomfort.

• How long will my recovery be? Many women are able to leave the physician’s office in as little as 15 minutes or up to 2 hours. Limited activity is recommended for the rest of the day.

• How is Her Option different from other ablation procedures? There are two types of ablation procedures—cryoablation and thermal ablation. Her Option uses cryoablation (cold temperatures) to destroy or eliminate the uterine lining. Because cold is a natural pain killer, anesthesia generally is not needed during this procedure. Thermal ablation, however, uses energy or heat to destroy the uterine lining and generally requires some form of anesthesia. Unlike some thermal ablation procedures, Her Option does not require cervical dilation or distention of your uterus. It is reassuring to learn that cryoablation has been used for years in medical treatments and gynecologists are very familiar with it.

• What will my period be like after the procedure? The decrease in bleeding after a Her Option procedure varies from woman to woman. For some women, periods return to more “normal” levels. For others, bleeding is completely eliminated or they experience spotting just a few days a month.

• What results have women experienced with Her Option? One study has demonstrated that Her Option is so effective that 91% of patients surveyed at two years post-treatment were very or extremely satisfied with treatment results. A full 96% of patients would recommend Her Option to a friend.

• What are the drawbacks to having a Her Option procedure? There are 10% of cases in which endometrial cryoablation will not be effective and may require additional treatment, such as a hysterectomy.

• Who is a good candidate for the procedure? Her Option may be the right option for a woman who is pre-menopausal, experiences abnormal uterine bleeding is due to benign causes and does not intend to become pregnant in the future. Her Option is not recommended for everyone. You will need to be evaluated by your doctor to find out if it is right for you. You will not be a candidate if you intend to become pregnant, use an IUD, or suffer from uterine cancer, an active urinary tract infection, pelvic inflammatory disease or if you have certain types of uterine abnormalities. Every medical treatment has risks and complications. Talk to your doctor.
  

Return to Cryoablation Page