Hello Doctor345,
You are so lucky to be able to go on a cruise!
In answer to your question, you have three choices; A same day
surgery, a new birth control pill, and a flow collection cup. You will
need to see your gynecologist to discuss the first two options. The
last option is a non-prescription device you can purchase online, or
find in some health food stores.
1) Uterine Ablation (also known as endometrial ablation, and Uterine
Balloon Therapy) is currently being used to stop women?s periods. This
surgery is often used after a woman no longer wants children, as it
will usually (not always)render a woman sterile.
Uterine Ablation
? A less invasive, drastic alternative to hysterectomy
? Sometimes called Endometrial Ablation or Uterine Balloon Therapy
? An outpatient, same-day procedure for women who are past childbearing years
? Minimally-invasive, requiring no incision
? Typically takes about a half-hour to perform
? During the procedure: A soft, flexible balloon is inserted into the
uterine cavity through the vagina; the balloon is filled with water
which is heated to a temperature high enough to burn and cauterize the
lining of the uterus.
After the procedure: Uterine Ablation has been shown to reduce
menstrual flow by an average of 86%; In some cases, menstrual bleeding
stops altogether.
? Recovery is fast and most women return to their normal activities in
just two or three days, and occasionally even as soon as the next day
? The treated uterine lining sloughs off (like a period) over the
seven days following the procedure
? The result is drastically reduced (lighter) periods and no more
worrying about profuse and potentially embarrassing bleeding
http://www.virginiahospitalcenter.com/content/Uterine_Ablation_Facts.asp
?This operation is done in a same day surgery setting. Either
general anesthesia or regional anesthesia can be used. General
anesthesia means the person is put to sleep with medications. Regional
anesthesia means the person will be awake, but numb below the waist. A
medication may be given to make the person drowsy.
A tool called a hysteroscope is inserted into the vagina. This
contains a camera and light source. The device is then advanced
through the cervix and into the uterus. This allows the doctor to view
the inside of the uterus on a television screen. The endometrium and
some of the underlying tissue is scraped off. The wall of the uterus
is then cauterized to stop bleeding. Cauterization destroys the tissue
with an electric current.
A newer method, called balloon ablation, has been used since 1998. In
this procedure, a specially constructed balloon is placed within the
uterus and a sterile fluid, heated to 188 degrees F, is pumped through
the balloon. The heated fluid destroys the lining of the uterus
without affecting the rest of the uterus or other pelvic organs.?
http://www.medicineonline.com/references/Womens_Health/info/Endometrial-Ablation/
Another technique: ?This technique is called a hysteroscopic
endometrial ablation or "roller ball surgery". Patients who have had
this procedure have been followed for up to 10 years. During this
period of time, they have enjoyed either complete, or almost complete,
cessation of menses in over 90 percent of the cases. The "Roller ball"
is done under general anesthesia or regional block (spinal or
epidural). This is the outpatient procedure. Hospitalization is not
necessary, except in rare instances. Following the procedure, patients
note a brownish to slightly bloody discharge, which occurs shortly
after the procedure, and last up to 6 weeks.
Patients are advised to refrain from any kind of exercise for at
least 3-4 weeks because there have been reports of heavy bleeding
following strenuous exercises(i.e., moving furniture, cutting wood,
jogging). Half the patients will experience no side effects with the
cautery technique, and are back to normal activity within 2-3 days:
the other half will notice a cramp-like sensation, and are tired for
several days. Over 90 percent of the patients are back to normal
activity within 4-5 days after surgery. Most patients take 4-5 days
off work following their surgery, although some individuals have
returned to work within 24 hours.?
http://www.midlife-passages.com/page99.html
This site illustrates and thoroughly explains the procedure:
http://www.patient-education.com/Documents/Speciality_PDF/OBGYN/OBGYN.pdf
2) Seasonale - Birth Control Pills that allow you to have only 4 periods a year
?Menstrual manipulation refers to changing the way you take birth
control pills (oral contraceptives) so that you delay or stop
menstruation. This is good news for women who are able to take oral
contraceptives and who want more control over their menstrual cycles.
Most women live comfortably with monthly menstruation and even
appreciate the predictability of a cycle that reassures them their
bodies are working as they should. But for some, menstruation is so
painful and debilitating that it disrupts daily activities.
When you take traditional 28-day oral contraceptives, you experience
monthly bleeding ? but it's not the same as having a regular period.
Nor is the bleeding necessary for health. Oral contraceptives mimic a
natural menstrual cycle. Some women find them more acceptable that
way. Predictable monthly bleeding also reassures women that they
aren't pregnant.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/womens-health/WO00069
?Seasonale, the newly-approved oral contraceptive, not only
protects women from unwanted pregnancies, but reduces the number of
menstrual periods to four a year. Imagine that?just one cycle in each
season of the year. That means fewer days of cramping, bloating and/or
PMS. It means a n impact on lifestyle and sexual spontaneity and
planning, But it does raise questions too. In this article, I will
explore risks and benefits and share some of the questions my patients
are asking me as their gynecologist.?
http://www.ourgyn.com/article_retrieve.php?articleid=61
3) An alternate is a menstrual cup. I know someone who used these, and
loved them. (You can?t be squeamish though)
http://www.gladrags.com/keeper-menstrual-size-p-95.html?gclid=CNeU78aX-YcCFQtzYAoddD4vGg
Another brands, The Diva Cup
http://www.divacup.com/
One of these would likely do the trick for you! But you will need
to decide and see your doctor ASAP!
Have fun, and good luck!
Sincerely, Crabcakes
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