Endometrial Ablation

Endometrial Ablation is a medical procedure that is used to control heavy, prolonged vaginal bleeding that has failed to respond to other treatments. It is typically performed in cases where a woman has decided not to have any more children but when the patient prefers not to have a hysterectomy or when other medical issues make a hysterectomy inappropriate.

Your doctor may recommend endometrial ablation if you are experiencing unusually heavy periods, sometimes defined as soaking a pad or tampon every two hours or less, bleeding that lasts longer than eight days, and/or anemia as a result of the excessive blood loss you experience during menstruation.

Endometrial Ablation Procedure

To reduce excessive menstrual bleeding, doctors generally start by prescribing medications or an intrauterine device (IUD). However, if these treatments prove to be ineffective, endometrial ablation might be an option. During this procedure, the uterine lining, or endometrium, is destroyed (ablated) through any one of several different methods, including the following:

• Laser Thermal Ablation
• Heat (thermal ablation using radio waves or heated saline
• Electricity (using a resectoscope with a loop or rolling ball electrode)
• Freezing
• Exposure to microwave radiation

The endometrium then naturally heals by scarring, which usually reduces or prevents future uterine bleeding. An endometrial ablation procedure can take about 45 minutes and generally uses only local or spinal anesthesia, although general anesthesia is sometimes used. Typically, Dr. Gould will perform the procedure in our offices, but it can also be performed in a hospital if the patient’s insurance requires it.

Endometrial Ablation FAQs

What should I expect after an endometrial ablation?
Although endometrial ablation is an outpatient procedure, some minor side effects after the procedure are common. These can include cramping, like menstrual cramps, for 1–2 days, a thin, watery discharge mixed with blood, which can last a few weeks, frequent urination for 24 hours, and nausea. It may take anywhere from a few days to 2 weeks to recover, although you can usually go home the same day.

Who should NOT have endometrial ablation?
Endometrial ablation should not be done in women past menopause, and it is not recommended for women with certain medical conditions, including:

• Disorders of the uterus or endometrium
• Endometrial hyperplasia
• Cancer of the uterus
• Recent pregnancy
• Current or recent infection of the uterus

 If you have further questions about whether or not you are a candidate for endometrial ablation please contact our office for a full examination and consultation.