What's New

November 2004:
Introducing: Gynecare Thermachoice
A permanent solution for heavy periods

Finally, a safe, effective and permanent solution to heavy periods!

More than one in five women suffer from excessive menstrual bleeding and the anxiety, discomfort, and lifestyle restriction it causes. Together with Gynecare, a division of Johnson & Johnson, we are proud to offer the Thermachoice Uterine Balloon Therapy, a cutting-edge treatment option that permanently reduces menstrual flow.

“Before Thermachoice, my period was so heavy I was afraid to leave the house. Now I hardly notice it!” —B.R.

Most women are familiar with the D&C, or dilation and curettage. In this minor procedure, the inner lining of the womb is scraped off, providing temporary relief of heavy menses. Doctors have been doing D&C's for decades to help women with excessive periods. The problem? The lining of the womb quickly grows back. While many women will get temporary relief from a D&C, there periods become heavy again before long.

The Thermachoice system is designed to offer permanent relief. To achieve these results, we first perform a D&C, gently scraping away the inner lining of the uterus. Then, while you're still under anesthesia, we place the Thermachoice Balloon inside the womb. This instrument looks like a long rod with a balloon on its end. A tube inside the rod allows us to fill the balloon with water while inside the womb, and a heating element warms the fluid inside. A simple eight-minute heating cycle permanently inactivates the inner lining of the uterus. In other words, the lining doesn't grow back. In clinical studies, 93% of women surveyed five years after Thermachoice said they were still satisfied with the results.

Women having the Thermachoice procedure are under anesthesia for less than 30 minutes. They return home a few hours after the procedure, and can generally return to work the next day. The results are apparent from the very first period after the procedure: Women who are accustomed to flooding, clots, and wearing two pads at a time often find that their period after Thermachoice consists only of a few days of light staining. Most women notice a significant improvement in cramping also.

More than 300,000 women have been treated with the Thermachoice method. It is very safe, very effective, and very easy to perform. If you suffer from heavy menstrual flow, we invite you to be evaluated in the office for Thermachoice Balloon Therapy. Take the self quiz below to see how heavy your periods really are.

For more information, visit www.gynecare.com.

Thermachoice Balloon Therapy: How it works



Figure A: The Thermachoice balloon is inserted into the uterus	Figure B: The baloon is inflated with heated water during an 8-minute treatment cycle	Figure C: The baloon is removed, leaving the lining permanently deactivated

Self-Quiz: Are my periods too heavy?

If you are experiencing heavy, prolonged menstrual periods, take a few minutes to answer the following questions. Your answers to these questions can help your doctor determine if you have menorrhagia and, if so, what may be causing the condition. Answer every question to the best of your ability, print out your answers, and discuss them with your doctor at the Woman's Health Pavilion.

1) Do tampons or sanitary napkins quickly become soaked, causing a frequent need to change them? __Yes __No

2) Do you often experience heavy bleeding with clotting? __Yes __No

3) Do you have a heavy period, even while using birth control pills? __Yes __No

4) Are you exceptionally tired or weak during your period?__Yes __No

5) Have you missed work because of your period? __Yes __No

6) Do you rearrange social events or daily activities to accommodate your period? __Yes __No

7) Do you tend to stay home when you have your period because it is easier? __Yes __No

8) To be prepared, do you carry large quantities of feminine products or even a change of clothes? __Yes __No

Heavy Periods Self-Quiz Results

These results should be used as a guide. You should always consult your doctor or health professional. Print out the results of this quiz, and discuss them with your doctor. If you need help locating a doctor use the GYNECARE Network Physician Locator or you may call 1-888-GYNECARE.

0: Although your bleeding may be heavy at times, it does not seem that you suffer from abnormally heavy bleeding.

1-2: The amount of bleeding during a "normal" period differs with each woman. For many women, heavy bleeding is only a temporary condition associated with hormonal changes during puberty or menopause. For others, it may be a symptom of a more serious underlying medical condition.

Your heavy bleeding indicates that you may have Menorrhagia. Because this is a highly treatable condition, you should visit your doctor to find the cause of your excessive bleeding. Talk to your doctor about all of your options, including the Thermachoice uterine balloon system.

3-4: You may be suffering from heavier than normal menstrual bleeding. There is a strong likelihood that you suffer from Menorrhagia, which may be a symptom of a more serious underlying medical condition. This is a highly treatable condition in many cases. Visit your doctor to determine the cause of your excessive bleeding, and to rule out any possible serious causes. Talk to your doctor about all of your options, including Thermachoice.

5+: Your answers indicate that you are very likely to suffer from excessive menstrual bleeding. There are several possible causes of excessive bleeding. Your doctor can rule out any serious medical conditions, and help determine the best treatment option for you. Talk to your doctor about all of your options, including Gynecare Thermachoice.

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