If you visited your gynecologist recently and were offered an in-office treatment you may be wondering what to expect. You may have questions, but you are not sure where to start.

Will I be spending the night? Will they use anesthesia?

Is the office as clean as an operating room?

How will they treat discomfort during the treatment?

We understand your concerns and we’re here to help.

You will be relieved to know that many treatments once performed in the hospital can now safely be completed in your doctor’s office. These are typically called “minimally invasive” gynecologic treatments. According to VeryWell Health, these options may include1:

Colposcopy: Examining the cervix, vagina and vulva using a magnifying instrument. A colposcopy is typically performed following an abnormal pap smear.

LEEP: Removing abnormal tissue from the cervix using a small electrical loop. A LEEP is usually performed following an abnormal pap smear, colposcopy or biopsy.

Hysteroscopy: Examining the uterus by inserting a thin tube with a miniature camera through the vagina. A hysteroscopy may be performed to remove polyps and fibroids.

Endometrial ablation: Permanently removing endometrial tissue that lines the inside of the uterus to reduce or eliminate heavy periods. Minerva ES Endometrial Ablation is for use in premenopausal women with Abnormal Uterine Bleeding for whom childbearing is complete. It is a safe, simple and effective 2-minute treatment.

For more information on in-office treatments, we spoke with Dr. Denise Schumacher, MD, a board-certified OBGYN from ima Healthcare in Fargo, ND. She provides gynecologic care to women of all ages and prides herself on providing women with a comfortable environment during in-office treatments.

When Dr. Schumacher selects her patients for an in-office treatment, her first goal is to set expectations prior to the day of the treatment. She talks to them about how they may feel during and after the treatment, discusses their options for pain management and when they should have someone drive them to and from the appointment. The great news about an in-office treatment is that you are often in and out in less than an hour! Many treatments don’t even require anesthesia but often pain medications ease discomfort and anxiety. “This is an important part of the conversation prior to the appointment because they may need someone to drive them home,” says Dr. Schumacher. She also stresses the importance of coming to your appointment with questions.

Many of her patients come to her for problems with their period. During those initial visits, she wants them to describe what they are experiencing so that she and the patient can discuss it together and discover if it does fall outside of a normal period. She reminds us, “there are a lot of things we can do to help, and you don’t have to suffer from heavy menstrual bleeding!”

Perhaps you are wondering about the environment in which you will receive the treatment. The rooms and equipment are sterilized before and after treatments. You should feel confident that the same precautions taken in a hospital will also be applied in the office.

Dr. Schumacher said “it’s so important for the patient to be comfortable during the treatment. Sometimes we even start talking about their plans for later that day or what their kids are up to.” She continued, “The treatment rooms at ima Healthcare are spacious and the chairs are very comfortable. We provide pillows that the patient can move around as they feel comfortable and the music playing in the room can be personalized to their liking.”

Listen to our full conversation with Dr. Schumacher on our Time To Talk…Period Podcast. She describes what to expect during an in-office gynecologic treatment and how and why she chooses patients that may benefit from a Minerva ES endometrial ablation.

To find a gynecologist that offers Minerva ES near you, visit the Find a GYN locator.

Join the conversation! Sign up to receive tips to help navigate your AUB symptoms, like heavy bleeding.

The Minerva ES® Endometrial Ablation System is intended to ablate the endometrial lining of the uterus in pre-menopausal women with menorrhagia (excessive bleeding) due to benign causes for whom childbearing is complete. The most common side effects of endometrial ablation occur during or immediately following the procedure and include uterine cramping, vaginal discharge, bleeding or spotting, nausea and/or vomiting, fatigue, and abdominal pain. As with all endometrial ablation procedures, serious injury or death can occur.

CAUTION: Federal law (USA) restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician. Rx only. The physician using the system must have sufficient and adequate experience in performing procedures in the uterine cavity.
For Indications and a complete list of contraindications, potential adverse events, warnings and precautions, visit www.minervasurgical.com/safety.

Results and patient experience may vary. Talk to your doctor about the right treatment for you.

*Results from different clinical investigations are not directly comparable. Information provided for educational purposes only.

References:

1.Cornforth T. Verywell health. 6 common gynecology surgeries and procedures. Available at: https://www.verywellhealth.com/gynecology-surgery-and-procedures-101-3522623. Updated November 11, 2021. Accessed December 7, 2022.

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