My cousin had heavy, terrible periods with short times between each. After 2 years of this, she went to her gyn and she had this procedure done. I do not know the term, but am looking for it now: the doctor put her out, and somehow "burned" her uterus with scalding liquid. It scarred her uterus thereby making her sterile (she has 2 boys, her DH has vasectomy). She has light, infrequent periods now and is very happy with results. She said there was some mild cramping for a few days after the procedure but after a week, she was fine. Ibuprofen took care of the cramping.
Ah hah: ENDOMETRIAL ABLATION is the term.