Please help, there must be some other option

I have had issues with heavy long periods for years and years and years. I have two kids and with each one they got worse. After I had my 2nd daughter 2.5 years ago, after weaning, my periods were about 14 days, and so heavy the first few days that it was impossible to play sports, or even sleep through the night. I would have to wake up at least 2 times to change my super plus tampons.

In January, 2009, I underwent a microwave endometrial ablation. After that healed, my periods were lighter. In the sense that I didn't bleed through tampons anymore, however, I now have spotting/bleeding almost every single day of the cycle. I will have about a week where the bleeding is heavier, and I need to use regular tampons, changing about every 4 hours. And then the rest of the cycle, I have annoying spotting, however, sometimes I need to use a small tampon.

If I have intercourse, I usually end up bleeding all over DH, even if I wasn't bleeding much before.

I have pretty much had to wear a pad every day for the past 7-8 months.

Family doctor and gyn who did the ablation both say I need a hysterectomy.

I cannot go on the pill due to issues with blood clots.

There must be some other options?????

I did have some thyriod bloodwork that showed normal.

What other tests shoudl I have? Ultrasound was normal.

I'm so sorry to hear that you're suffering at the moment

I too had a micro-ablation which really lightened my periods but unfortunately after about 18mths I started spotting all the time & sex really became an issue as (like you) I would bleed during and after.

Having a hysterectomy is a huge decision & it sounds as if you are really thinking about all your options which is great. I too did alot of research before finally deciding to have the surgery. My gyno advised that while it wasn't essential I have one, there was nothing more that he could do & I either put up with things as they were (constant pain, spotting etc...) or fix it for good. I am now very comfortable with my surgery & do not regret it for a second, I only now realise what life can be like without ever having another period again

I wish you all the best of luck.

Hi Pcan,
I'm sorry you're going through this. I wanted an alternative also when I was told I needed a hysterectomy. It took a lot of research on my part, and determination to find a doctor willing to preserve my reproductive organs. I did find one, and it was well worth the wait and effort.

Depending on what is causing your bleeding, there could be a variety of options available. Have you had any testing done that had indicated why you are having bleeding issues? I had a hysteroscopy to look inside my uterus and a laparoscopy to see what was happening on the outside. They also did a D&C to try to stop the bleeding. The results showed my uterus was covered in endometriosis and my only option was the hysterectomy.

I would suggest asking your doctor if he can determine why you are bleeding so you can explore the options for the specific diagnosis. I would also suggest at least a second opinion to help determine what is best for you!