Is an Endometrial Ablation Worth It for Your Patient?

Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) ranks near the top of the most common complaints reported to gynecologists.¹ Given the high prevalence of menorrhagia (10 million women in the U.S.) and the large pool of potential treatment options, each patient’s journey to relief will differ to meet individual needs.¹

Defining the Patient Journey

When patients make the decision to see their OBGYN, they’re looking to discuss which treatments would be most appropriate to support both clinical and personal outcomes (like fertility).² For most, this begins with a more conservative medical therapy. While birth control and other hormonal medication may be highly effective for some patients, others are dissatisfied with the results and/or side effects. In fact, one survey found that, among the respondents who were sexually active in the past year, 29% did not use contraception due to unfavorable side effects.³

If medical therapy is not an option or fails to reduce bleeding, the next conversation will likely include a discussion about options for surgical therapy, taking into account each patient’s current needs and future goals. In order to help patients make the most informed decision possible, they should have a comprehensive understanding of the risks, side effects, and potential outcomes of each procedure.

Starting the Conversation About Endometrial Ablation

Choosing the right procedure involves more than weighing the pros and cons — patients may value each outcome differently. First and foremost, the conversation about surgery should examine how each option may impact health and quality of life. If the treatment desire is to avoid a hysterectomy, then a less invasive alternative — like endometrial ablation — may be the right choice.

In addition to explaining the surgical technique and what to expect during the ablation procedure, patients should also understand that:

• Endometrial hyperplasia and/or uterine cancer are disqualifying conditions⁴
• The procedure does not guarantee amenorrhea⁴
• Endometrial ablation is not designed for women who wish to become pregnant⁴
• Contraception must be used until menopause
• Prior laparoscopic sterilization may increase the risk of cyclic or intermittent pelvic pain⁴
• There is a potential risk of thermal injury with heat-based ablation methods⁴

Why You Should Consider Cryotherapy

If you think endometrial ablation is the best option for your patient, the next step is determining which technique to use. While intra-uterine scarring can be an issue with heat-based technologies, cryoablation results in minimal post-ablative scarring. Likewise, due to the natural pain-relieving, or numbing, effect of cryoablation, there is no need for pain management via general anesthesia or IV sedation, meaning patients can be treated at their preferred site of care. 

With the Cerene® Cryotherapy Device, you can deliver a highly effective endometrial cryoablation treatment that:

• Provides a natural pain-relieving effect without the need for general anesthesia or IV sedation
• Can be performed in the familiarity of your office or in an operating room
• Is clinically proven to reduce heavy bleeding and cramping associated with HMB
• Has a fast recovery, with most patients returning to normal activities within 24 hours
• Results in minimal post-ablative intrauterine adhesions to help preserve cavity access
• Preserving cavity access with the ability to evaluate for pathologic change may reduce the need for future hysterectomy

One year after treatment, 90% of patients reported feeling satisfied with the Cerene cryotherapy treatment^†, with 90% having normal, light, or no periods^† and 86% experiencing a significant reduction in cramping.^‡

Want to learn more about how Cerene may be the right treatment for your patients suffering from HMB? Read more at https://cerene.com/healthcare-professionals/

† Patient-reported data are 1 year after treatment with durable results at 3 years

‡ Improvement reported for patients reporting severe/very severe cramping

Key Takeaways: 

• A considerable number of patients are dissatisfied with medical therapy for HMB, due to disruptive side effects and/or a lack of improvement.
• For those wishing to avoid hysterectomy, endometrial ablation is a less invasive alternative. However, patients must be made aware of all procedural considerations.
• The Cerene Cryotherapy Device delivers a highly effective endometrial ablation treatment that reduces heavy bleeding and cramping associated with HMB with high patient satisfaction – while preserving access to most uterine cavities for future diagnostic evaluations.

Important Safety Information

Cerene® Cryotherapy Device is indicated to ablate the endometrial lining of the uterus in premenopausal women with heavy menstrual bleeding due to benign causes for whom childbearing is complete. Pregnancy following the Cerene procedure can be dangerous; therefore, contraception must be used until menopause. The Cerene procedure is not for those who have or suspect uterine cancer; have an active genital, urinary or pelvic infection; or an IUD. There are risks and considerations associated with the use of the Cerene Cryotherapy Device. Temporary side effects may include uterine cramping, vaginal infection, and lightheadedness. For detailed benefit and risk information, consult the Cerene Instructions for Use (IFU) or your healthcare professional. Learn more >

Sources:

1. Heavy Menstrual Bleeding. (n.d.). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved May 11, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/blooddisorders/women/menorrhagia.html 
2. Maybin, J.A. & Critchley, H.O. (2016). Medical management of heavy menstrual bleeding. Women’s Health (London, England) 12(1), 27-34.
3. Frederiksen, B., Ranji, U., Salganicoff, A., Long, M. (2021, April 21). Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Services: Key Findings from the 2020 KFF Women’s Health Survey. KFF. https://www.kff.org/womens-health-policy/issue-brief/womens-sexual-and-reproductive-health-services-key-findings-from-the-2020-kff-womens-health-survey/