The GYNECARE THERMACHOICE Uterine Balloon Therapy System is a one-day treatment option designed to end heavy menstrual flows by removing the lining of the uterus.

This medical device resolves heavy menstrual periods (clinically known as menorrhagia) due to benign causes in premenopausal women who have completed childbearing. Unlike hysterectomy, which takes out the entire uterus, the device only treats the lining of the uterus with heat through a process called endometrial ablation.

GYNECARE THERMACHOICE has been used by physicians for 8 years and has been used in more than half a million women worldwide. It is now being used during a minimally invasive 8-minute treatment that can be performed with a local anesthetic in the convenience of a gynecologist's office, eliminating the need to go to the hospital and making it easier to schedule it into your busy life. Recovery is fast and most women can return to their normal activities by the next day.

• Candidates
• How It Works
• Frequently asked questions

Candidates for GYNECARE THERMACHOICE

Women are eligible for GYNECARE THERMACHOICE if they:

• Are unable to, or do not wish to, take long-term hormone therapies
• Have completed childbearing but wish to retain their uterus
• Do not have abnormal uterine conditions
• Have not reached menopause

How It Works

Before the treatment starts, your gynecologist will talk to you about the procedure and how you may expect to feel during it. Then your doctor will give you a local anesthetic to minimize the discomfort you may feel while the treatment is taking place.

Then, a soft, flexible balloon attached to a thin catheter is inserted into the vagina, through the cervix, then into the uterus. The balloon is inflated with a small amount of sterile fluid and expands to conform to the shape of the uterus. Next, the fluid in the balloon is heated and the temperature is maintained for 8 minutes while the uterine lining is treated. When the treatment cycle is completed, the fluid is withdrawn and the catheter is removed and discarded. The uterine lining will slough off in the next 7 to 10 days.

The first postoperative check-up usually occurs within 7 to 10 days after the procedure, and sexual activity can resume after that check-up. Your first few periods after the procedure may continue to be heavy, with improvement thereafter. Some women experience a pinkish watery discharge for about 2 weeks that can last as long as 1 month. All medical procedures carry risks. Talk to your doctor to determine whether GYNECARE THERMACHOICE might be the right choice for you.

• Next Page: Frequently asked questions

GYNECARE THERMACHOICE Uterine Balloon Therapy System is not intended for women who are pregnant or want to become pregnant. Most common side effects are discharge, cramping, nausea and vomiting. As with all procedures of its type, there's a risk of injury to the uterus and surrounding tissue. For a complete description of risks related to this treatment, please see the adverse events section of the Essential Product Information (requires Adobe Acrobat).

To learn more visit www.gynecare.com or talk to your doctor.