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Abnormal Bleeding
Abnormal Bleeding Specialists at CIGC
Abnormal bleeding can severely impact your life and regular activities, so it’s important to be evaluated by a specialist to determine the cause of the bleeding. CIGC specialists are experts in diagnosing and treating GYN conditions that are responsible for abnormal bleeding.
There are several gynecological conditions that can cause abnormal bleeding, including fibroids, polyps and adenomyosis. While some cases of bleeding can be regulated with different types of medical therapy, many of these conditions will require surgery.
GYN specialty surgeons at CIGC are trained to treat these conditions with advanced minimally invasive surgical techniques that put your experience as a patient first. Our innovative techniques involve only two small incisions that result in a quick recovery time and barely there scarring. After evaluating your unique case, our specialists will provide you with a personalized treatment plan to regulate your cycle and help you get back to your life.
What Is Abnormal Bleeding?
Abnormal bleeding is any frequency or volume of bleeding that falls outside the typical menstrual cycle. Contrary to popular belief, heavy bleeding during your period is not normal. It’s also not normal to go months without a period.
Abnormal bleeding can be dangerous. In severe cases of frequent heavy bleeding, it’s possible to develop anemia, a condition usually caused by iron deficiency. If you don’t have enough iron, your body is unable to make enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to the rest of your body.
For women who are concerned about their level or frequency of bleeding, it’s important to discuss your symptoms with a specialist to rule out any GYN conditions that may be causing the bleeding. If you do end up with a diagnosis for a GYN condition, the specialists at CIGC are here to give you the treatment you deserve.
Abnormal Bleeding Treatment Options
Treatment for abnormal bleeding will vary based on its cause. Fibroids causing heavy bleeding can be surgically removed through a myomectomy or hysterectomy.
CIGC specialists have developed innovative techniques for both of these procedures: the LAAM® myomectomy is the procedure of choice for those who wish to remove fibroids while retaining future fertility options, and the DualPortGYN® hysterectomy is the best choice for fibroid removal for those who are past their childbearing years.
If your abnormal bleeding is caused by adenomyosis, the recommended treatment is the DualPortGYN hysterectomy. The minimally invasive procedure allows patients to recover in an average of one to two weeks.
For abnormal bleeding caused by hormonal irregularities, you may only need nonsurgical treatment such as birth control or another hormone medication. The most important step is to find out the cause of your bleeding and then treat it accordingly. Speak with an expert about the best treatment for your needs.
Why CIGC?
Gynecological Surgery Center of Distinction
CIGC is recognized as a Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Surgery by AAGL (the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists).
Advanced Techniques
For cases of abnormal bleeding that require surgery, CIGC’s techniques are minimally invasive surgical methods that allow patients to avoid the hospital. These advanced techniques are performed on an outpatient basis so patients can return home the same day to start their recovery.
Compared to open, robotic and standard laparoscopic techniques for GYN surgeries, CIGC surgical specialists use fewer and smaller incisions to minimize scarring and speed up recovery, resulting in lower complication rates. No one should have to experience abnormal bleeding, so our goal is to treat you with the best possible care and get you back to your life symptom-free.
| DualPortGYN Procedure | Standard Laparoscopic | Robotic | Open | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length of Procedure | 30 min–1 Hour1 | 2–3 Hours2,3,4 | 2–3 Hours2,3,9 | 1–2 Hours3,9 |
| Number of Incisions | 2 (5 mm)1 | 4 (5 mm)5 | 3–7 (8–12 mm)1,10 | 1 Large (10–15 cm)12,13 |
| Hospital Stay | 0 Days1 | 0–1 Day1,6,7 | 1–2 Days7,11 | 3 Days3,7 |
| Recovery Time | About 1 Week1 | Up to 3 Weeks8 | Up to 6 Weeks1 | Up to 8 Weeks8,14 |
| LAAM Procedure | Standard Laparoscopic | Robotic | Open | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length of Procedure | 74-90min1 | 107-124min1 | 159-252min1 | 229-275min1 |
| Number of Incisions | 21 | 3–45,6 | 4–58,10 | 1 x 10–15 cm13,14 |
| Max Number of Fibroids Removed | 1031 | 181 | 131 | 651 |
| Hospital Stay | 0 Days1 | 1 Day14 | 1 Day4,11 | 2–3 Days4,11 |
| Recovery Time | 10–14 Days1 | Up to 3 Weeks7,17 | Up to 3 Weeks12 | Up to 8 Weeks10,15,16 |
| Conversion to Open Surgery | 0.7%1 | 22.9%1 | 8.2%1 | N/A |
Success Stories
Hear from patients who found relief from abnormal bleeding after procedures at CIGC:
“Sometimes you really do need to push to get your diagnosis. Don’t take ‘it’s normal’ for an answer. It’s very common, but it’s not normal.” -Rupal
Hear More from Rupal
“I feel like a totally different woman. I don’t have to hold back. I can plan my life.” -Kia
Hear More from Kia
“I’m looking forward to being in a bathing suit and playing in the water the entire time on my vacations. Before, I didn’t get to do everything I wanted to do when I went away — just be free and not have to think about my period.” -Katrina
Hear More from Katrina
Our Doctors
The GYN specialists at The Center for Innovative GYN Care® (CIGC) are highly skilled in identifying potential causes of abnormal bleeding. If a GYN condition is diagnosed, our specialists are experts in treating the condition in the most effective way with the best outcomes. Women travel from all around the world for minimally invasive surgery with our GYN specialty surgeons.
Our Centers
Our abnormal bleeding specialists perform their advanced procedures at ambulatory surgery centers, which are not attached to hospitals. Patients are able to have outpatient surgery and go home the same day. With convenient locations near major cities like Washington, D.C., and New York City, each center is fully set up with state-of-the-art equipment and staffed with friendly, compassionate employees who are committed to helping you find the relief you deserve.
We follow CDC guidelines to ensure the enhanced cleanliness and safety of each center. During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we are offering telemedicine consultations in addition to in-person appointments to discuss the treatment options that are available to you.
Related Blog Posts
REFERENCES
DualPortGYN Chart:
1Danilyants N, MacKoul P, Baxi R, van der Does LQ, Haworth LR. Value-based assessment of hysterectomy approaches. JOGR. 2018.
2Pasic et al. Comparing Robot-Assisted with Conventional Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: Impact on Cost and Clinical Outcomes. JMIG. 2010 17 (6): 730-738
3Landeen LB, Bell MC, Hubert HB, Bennis LY, Knutsen-Larson SS, Seshadri-Kreaden U. Clinical and cost comparisons for hysterectomy via abdominal, standard laparoscopic, vaginal and robot-assisted approaches. South Dakota Medicine 2011; 64(6): 197-199
4Drahonovsky J., Haakova L., Otcenasek M., Krofta L., Kucera E., and Feyereisl J.: A prospective randomized comparison of vaginal hysterectomy, laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy, and total laparoscopic hysterectomy in women with benign uterine disease. EJOGRB 2010; 148: pp. 172-176
5Einarsson, J. I., & Suzuki, Y. (2009). Total laparoscopic hysterectomy: 10 steps toward a successful procedure. Reviews in obstetrics & gynecology, 2(1), 57-64.
6Paraiso MF, Ridgeway B, Park AJ, et al. A randomized trial comparing conventional and robotically assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomy. AJOG. 2013;208(5):368.e361–367.
7Wright KN, Jonsdottir GM, Jorgensen S, Shah N, Einarsson JI. Costs and outcomes of abdominal, vaginal, laparoscopic and robotic hysterectomies. JSLS. 2012;16(4):519-24.
8Aarts JWM, Nieboer TE, Johnson N, Tavender E, Garry R, Mol BWJ, Kluivers KB. Surgical approach to hysterectomy for benign gynaecological disease. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2015, Issue 8. Art. No.: CD003677.
9Schmitt, J. J., Carranza Leon, D. A., Occhino, J. A., Weaver, A. L., Dowdy, S. C., Bakkum-Gamez, J. N., Pasupathy, K. S., Gebhart, J. B. (2017). Determining Optimal Route of Hysterectomy for Benign Indications: Clinical Decision Tree Algorithm. Obstetrics and gynecology, 129(1), 130-138.
10Mayo Clinic
11Paraiso MF, Ridgeway B, Park AJ, et al. A randomized trial comparing conventional and robotically assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomy. AJOG. 2013;208(5):368.e361–367.
12Yeung P, Bolden C et al. Patient Preferences of Cosmesis for Abdominal Incisions in Gynecologic Surgery. JMIG. 2013; 20(1): 79-84
13Jones, H. W., III, & Rock, J. A. (2015). Te Linde’s operative gynecology (Eleventh edition). Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer.
14Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists, London, UK.
LAAM Chart:
2 Bedient CE, Magrina JF, Noble BN, et al. Comparison of robotic and laparoscopic myomectomy. AJOG, 2009;201:566.e1-5.
3 Sangha R, Eisenstein D, George A, Munkarah A, Wegienka G. Comparison of surgical outcomes for robotic assisted laparoscopic myomectomy compared to abdominal myomectomy. JMIG, 2010; 17(Suppl):S108.
4 Barakat et al. Robotic-Assisted, Laparoscopic, and Abdominal Myomectomy: A Comparison of Surgical Outcomes. 2011; 117(2): 256-266.
5 Rossetti, A., Sizzi, O., Chiarotti, F., & Florio, G. (2007). Developments in techniques for laparoscopic myomectomy. JSLS. 11(1), 34-40.
6 Seinera et al. Laparoscopic myomectomy: indications, surgical technique and complications. Human Reproduction vol.12 no.9 pp.1927–1930, 1997.
7 Alessandri, Franco et al. Randomized study of laparoscopic versus minilaparotomic myomectomy for uterine myomas. JMIG. 2006; 13(2):92-97.
8 Advincula AP, Xu X, Goudeau S, Ransom SB. Robot-assisted laparoscopic myomectomy versus abdominal myomectomy: a comparison of short-term surgical outcomes and immediate costs. JMIG. 2007;14:698–705.
9 Sangha R, Eisenstein D, George A, Munkarah A,Wegienka G. Comparison of surgical outcomes for robotic assisted laparoscopic myomectomy compared to abdominal myomectomy. JMIG. 2010;17(Suppl):S108.
10 Asmar J, Even M, Carbonnel M, Goetgheluck J, Revaux A and Ayoubi JM (2015) Myomectomy by robotically assisted laparoscopic surgery: results at Foch Hospital, Paris. Front. Surg. 2:40,
11 Gobern JM, Rosemeyer CJ, Barter JF, Steren AJ. Comparison of robotic, laparoscopic, and abdominal myomectomy in a community hospital. JSLS. 2013;17(1):116-20.
12 Mayo Clinic
13 Yeung P, Bolden C et al. Patient Preferences of Cosmesis for Abdominal Incisions in Gynecologic Surgery. JMIG. 2013; 20(1): 79-84,
14 Jones, H. W., III, & Rock, J. A. (2015). Te Linde’s operative gynecology (Eleventh edition). Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer.
