I've been suffering from excessive menstrual bleeding since my first menstrual cycle at the age of twelve. So severe and excessive was the bleeding, that I'd miss days out of school every single month.

The older I got, the more I learned to just "manage" my symptoms. For a while, I was even able to hold down a job even on my worst days.

I was often informed by many of my female peers that one's menstruation often got better after childbirth, but I wasn't among the fortunate few to be blessed with this added bonus. These last three months however, have brought about an unwelcome change in my menstrual cycle.

Instead of the normal five-to-seven-days-once-a-month-visit, I've been visited by my "little friend" twice a month! I knew I had to make a change.

It was already bad enough to have to endure this cleansing process once a month, but now twice in one month!? I didn't have the time, energy, or patience to "manage" my cycle twice a month, much less once a month. Enough was enough!

I have a family to look after and take care of, and this was really impeding on my life. I couldn't leave the house for at least the first two days, I was so irritable and in so much pain, I wanted to lay down and die.

After discussing the problem with my gynecologist we made an immediate game plan. First, I was thoroughly examined and received a pap-smear and a vaginal ultrasound. Once fibroid tumors, polyps, and other disorders were ruled out, I was given four options:

1.) Birth control pills - (which are accompanied with some very unpleasant side effects).

2.) IUD (intrauterine device) - which is inserted in your uterus, can last up to five years, and prevents sperm from fertilizing eggs ( there have been some who, after scrutinizing how this device works more carefully, considered it as an abortifacient).

3.) Hysterectomy - which involves major surgery; and depending on whether it's a partial or full; will likely involve hormone replacement therapy. Not to mention the four to six recovery time.

4.) Uterine Balloon Therapy - a much less evasive procedure done in the doctor office with light, or general anesthesia

Due to many factors in my life, I made the informed decision to opt for the Uterine Balloon Therapy.

What is Uterine Balloon Therapy, you may ask?

Uterine Balloon Therapy (also called NovaSure or Endometrial Ablation) essentially involves thermally destroying the endometrial lining of the uterus in three stages.

1.) A balloon catheter is inserted vaginally, through the cervix, and into the uterus.

2.) Once the balloon is inserted, it is then inflated with sterile fluid, which heated in 87 degrees Celsius (188 degrees Fahrenheit for eight minutes).

3.) Once the treatment cycle is complete, the balloon is then deflated and the catheter is withdrawn and discarded.

All of this is done under light, or general anesthesia. Most patients; I was informed; experience little to no pain, other than mild to moderate cramping during the first day, which is often managed by over-the-counter pain relievers.

This non-evasive (and practically risk free) procedure has been effective in over 85% of the women who opt for this treatment. The down time for many is no more than a day or two, accompanied by a pinkish and watery vaginal discharge for approximately two weeks to a month (which is all apart of the healing process). The results?

Many women are extremely pleased with the outcome. For many it has lessened their bleeding significantly, while others have stopped having a monthly cycle all together! (It's vital to note, that this procedure is not for those who may want to get pregnant again, for the procedure has the possibility of making a woman sterile).

After receiving this information, and being informed that I would be considered a great candidate for such a procedure, I made the decision to proceed. Therefore, my pre-op will be this coming Friday, and my actual surgery date will be the Friday following.

It is my hopes that this procedure will allow me to experience life without the the encumbrances of a menstrual cycle, accompanied with excessive and heavy bleeding. And just maybe, sharing my personal journey will help other women who suffer from this often times, debilitating condition.

(For more detailed information on Uterine Balloon Therapy, click on this link www.och.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=79&Itemid=83 )

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