By: Elizbeth Corridan

EAST LONGMEADOW, Mass (abc40) -- For some women monthly bleeding is more than just a nuisance. It can take over their lives.  80% of cases of excessive bleeding are not triggered by hormonal or anatomical problems.  For those women who are done having children, there is a treatment option that will keep them off the operating table.

Endometrial cryoablation is a mouthful to say but for women experiencing excessive bleeding it could be the answer to their prayers.  The small device is inserted into a woman's uterus.  The wand is then chilled to negative 100 degrees.  In a matter of minutes the uterine lining is frozen.

Doctor Robert Howe, a gynecologist and reproductive endocrinologist, says, "By freezing the lining of the uterus in the office and creating frostbite, the body then absorbs the uterine lining and the cavity scars over."

For most patients the results are permanent, meaning little or no more bleeding.  The best part is there is little or no pain associated with the procedure.  Howe explains. "By chilling the inside of the uterus down to -100 degrees we numb it so the patient perceives nothing."

No pain, with none of the side effects or potential complications of a hysterectomy or other surgical procedure.  Dr. Howe lists some of the benefits, saying, "It can be done in the office, requires no anesthesia, requires one maybe two days out of work and it has a success rate in excess of 90%."

Over the past 2 years, Dr. Howe has had dozens of success stories.  He says, "Patients come in and say it was the easiest thing in the world and they say not bleeding anymore."

Like any medical procedure, there are risks associated with endometrial cryoablation.  You will want to discuss them with your doctor.  There are four physicians in western Massachusetts licensed to perform this procedure and it is covered by most insurance providers.

To contact Dr. Howe or to learn more about endometrial cryoablation, log onto www.roberthowemd.com