Excessive menstrual bleeding is an inconvenience for thousands of women in the US. In many cases, women with abnormally heavy or irregular bleeding are treated with hormone-based medications, but these are not always successful or available depending on the patient. Endometrial ablation is a procedure that surgically diminishes the lining of a woman’s uterus in an attempt to reduce menstrual flow. It is common for patients who are not eligible or would prefer not to undergo a hysterectomy to opt for endometrial ablation instead.
NovaSure® endometrial ablation performed at Gynecology Associates of Gwinnett is a one-time procedure that stops excessive bleeding by removing the lining of the uterus. Endometrial ablation with NovaSure® is a gentle procedure that can drastically reduce or stop bleeding completely in as little as five minutes. Many patients prefer this procedure to more invasive surgical alternatives and hormone therapies that can come with side effects.
To be of assistance, we’ve taken the time to answer some commonly asked questions about endometrial ablation and who it may be able to help:
Are there medical conditions that would prevent me from undergoing Endometrial Ablation?
Yes. Endometrial ablation should not be performed on women who are post-menopause. We would also not recommend it for women who were recently pregnant or suffer from the following medical conditions:
- Uterine or Endometrium disorders
- Endometrial Hyperplasia
- Uterine cancer
- Current or recent infection of the uterus
Will I still be able to become pregnant after Endometrial Ablation?
Pregnancy after endometrial ablation is very rare, but not impossible. For women who wish to become pregnant in the future, endometrial ablation is not recommended due to the increased chances of pregnancy complications associated with the procedure.
What side effects can I expect after Endometrial Ablation?
There are some side effects commonly associated with endometrial ablation, however they are relatively minor. These can include temporary nausea, frequent urination and cramping immediately following your procedure. Some patients may experience a watery discharge mixed with blood for up to two weeks following their endometrial ablation. A full recovery is expected within two weeks.
What will my periods be like after undergoing Endometrial Ablation?
Every woman is different, so we can’t know for sure right away. We recommend taking about three months after your procedure to let your body heal in order to resume its normal cycle. After that time, you and your board-certified gynecologist should be able to tell what your cycle and your periods will be like.
When it comes to your reproductive health, you can never have too much information. We hope that after reading this, you have a better understanding of endometrial ablation and whether it may be the solution to your bleeding problems. If you have any more questions, we encourage you to contact Dr. Kristine Gould at Gynecology Associates of Gwinnett today to request an appointment. During your appointment, we will talk you through your options and make sure you are on the correct path to reproductive health and wellness. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+ for more information and updates.
