Endometrial Ablation: Your Questions Answered

November 21, 2022 11:39 am Published by Meenakshi Jain, M.D., FACOG

Women who bleed between periods, have a very heavy flow, or experience periods that last longer than normal may be candidates for endometrial ablation. This procedure removes the endometrium or lining of the uterus. Endometrial ablation: your questions answered.

What Is Endometrial Ablation And How Does It Help?

This quick outpatient procedure uses heat, cold, or other types of energy to destroy the tissue that lines the uterus, so you will bleed less. When it’s time for your period, you will bleed less because there will be less of the uterine lining to shed.

Tools are inserted into the vagina to reach the uterus. These tools will deliver warm heat, radiowaves, a freezing tool, or microwave energy to destroy the endometrium.

In most cases your period will return to normal after the procedure or you will have a lighter flow. Sometimes it may completely stop. Expect to have some minor cramps and nausea immediately after the procedure, and there may be a watery or bloody discharge for up to a few months.

Within a day or two, most women are back to doing normal activities.

Who Are Good Candidates For Endometrial Ablation?

• Women who have very heavy periods and cannot perform normal activities during this time are possible candidates.
• This is especially true if their periods last longer than normal, for instance, more than eight days.
• If medications have not relieved any of the symptoms.
• If Dr. Meenakshi Jain has not found any other reason for your heavy periods like cancer or thyroid disease.
• You are absolutely sure you do not want another child and will use some form of birth control. After endometrial ablation there is not enough tissue to support fetal growth and it can be dangerous.

Those Who Should Not Have Endometrial Ablation

If your uterus is an abnormal size, you are post-menopausal, have pelvic inflammatory disease, a vaginal or cervical infection, or a weak uterine wall, you should not contemplate an endometrial ablation.

During your consultation with Dr. Meenakshi Jain in St. Petersburg, FL, we will discuss other reasons why you may or may not be a good candidate.

There are many reasons for heavy periods, so be sure you are fully evaluated prior to scheduling this procedure to rule out any other causes.