Endometrial Ablation
Women who suffer from irregular or heavy bleeding AND do not desire future pregnancies, may have an endometrial ablation to manage their symptoms.
The goal of endometrial ablation is to reduce how much you bleed during periods, also called menstrual flow. Following the procedure, most women will see their period disappear altogether, or see a significant decrease in menstrual flow. Satisfaction rate with endometrial ablation is high.
50% of women will stop having periods
40% of women will have only very light periods.
The uterine lining, also known as the endometrium, is the tissue that thickens throughout your menstrual cycle and sheds during your period when a pregnancy does not occur. The lower layer of the endometrium, called the stratum basalis, is permanently affixed to the wall of the uterus. It is from this layer that the lining of the endometrium builds up every month in anticipation of pregnancy.
Endometrial ablation is a procedure that destroys or removes the uterine lining.
Methods used to ablate the endometrium include extreme cold, heated fluids, microwave energy or high-energy radiofrequencies.
No cuts are needed for endometrial ablation. Ablation is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, along with a hysteroscopy.
When you have decided to proceed with an endometrial ablation, the following steps will be taken:
- A sample of the lining of the uterus is taken (endometrial biopsy), performed around day 21 of your cycle.
- An ultrasound is performed to asses the uterus size and endometrial cavity.
Why have an endometrial ablation?
Endometrial ablation is a treatment for very heavy menstrual blood loss. You might need an endometrial ablation if you have:
- Unusually heavy periods, sometimes defined as soaking a pad or tampon every two hours or less.
- Bleeding that lasts longer than eight days.
- A low red blood cell count from excessive blood loss. This is called anemia.
Endometrial ablation is not recommended for women who are experiencing:
- Menopausal bleeding.
- Certain uterus conditions.
- Cancer of the uterus, or an increased risk of cancer of the uterus.
- An active pelvic infection.
- A desire for future pregnancy.
Endometrial ablation significantly reduces your chances of conceiving naturally, but it is not impossible. We recommend you use birth control, typically a permanent option.
What are the risks of endometrial ablation?
Some minor side effects are common after endometrial ablation:
- Cramping, like menstrual cramps, for 1 to 2 days.
- Thin, watery discharge mixed with blood, which can last a few weeks. The discharge may be heavy for 2 to 3 days after the procedure.
- Frequent urination for 24 hours.
- Nausea.
Less common but more serious risks of endometrial ablation include:
- A small risk of infection and bleeding.
- A risk that the device used may pass through the uterine wall or bowel.
- A risk of burns to the vagina, vulva, and bowel with some methods.
- A rare risk that the fluid used to expand your uterus during electrosurgery may be absorbed into your bloodstream.