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Endometrial ablation is a non-invasive, hormone-free treatment that can decrease or stop heavy menstrual bleeding. It is recommended for women who suffer with heavy periods and have no desire for any future pregnancies. We will work with you to determine whether you’re a good candidate for the procedure and help you decide if it’s the best option for your particular needs.
Endometrial ablation is a procedure that is performed through the vagina. Therefore, you won’t need abdominal incisions as you would with other non-invasive gynecologic procedures.
The procedure destroys the lining of the uterus (the endometrium). A tool is inserted into the vagina and through the cervix into the uterus. Then, microwave energy, extreme cold, high-energy radio frequencies, or heated fluids are used to ablate the endometrium. The size and condition of your uterus will help your OB/GYN determine which ablation method is best for you.
Typically, endometrial ablation is performed under sedation. In most cases, it does not alter hormone levels and will not cause you to go into menopause. Every woman is different, but at a one-year, post-procedure check-up, 72% of women had their period completely eliminated, while over 90% of women experienced reduced menstrual bleeding.
Typically, endometrial ablation is best for perimenopausal or premenopausal women who suffer from unusually heavy periods. Ideal candidates are women who:
To determine whether you’re a good candidate for this procedure, we’ll do a complete diagnostic work-up to discover the cause of your abnormal bleeding.
Endometrial ablation is not a sterilization procedure. You will still need birth control post-procedure.
We recommend that women who have this procedure are those who do not want to get pregnant in the future. Pregnancy after endometrial ablation is strongly discouraged. Your physician does not advise it due to the abnormal and high-risk nature of post-ablation pregnancy.
This is why we recommend that our patients be on some sort of birth control post-procedure. Birth control options include:
An IUD is not an option for birth control after an ablation due to the scarring of the endometrial cavity that occurs post-ablation.
Most women take one to two days of work for the procedure and recovery time and can return to normal activity within 24-48 hours.
We recommend avoiding sexual intercourse and the use of tampons until you’re medically cleared by your Plano OB/GYN at your postoperative visit.
Typically, endometrial ablation is performed under sedation for a safe, pain-free procedure. In many cases we can provide this service in our office with an anesthesiologist.
Pain after the procedure is minimal. Most women notice moderate cramping post-procedure for about two to three days. It isn’t uncommon to experience clear vaginal discharge during recovery, which typically resolves after four weeks.
Each woman is unique. What works for one woman isn’t always the right choice for another. We will discuss your needs and help you decide if endometrial ablation is right for you. And if it’s not, they’ll provide you with other options so you can choose the procedure that will best fit your needs and provide you with relief from your symptoms.