What is endometrial ablation?
Endometrial ablation is an outpatient procedure for heavy menstrual bleeding. In this procedure, the lining of the uterus (endometrium) is destroyed, and following the ablation, most women report substantially lighter menstrual flow, and many no longer menstruate at all.
Endometrial ablation is only considered after non-surgical treatments, an intrauterine device (IUD), or birth control pills have failed to resolve or manage the abnormal uterine bleeding.
For some women, endometrial ablation is an alternative to a hysterectomy, which removes the entire uterus.
What conditions does endometrial ablation treat?
Endometrial ablation is usually performed as a treatment for menorrhagia, the clinical term for excessive menstrual bleeding. Women with menorrhagia experience heavy, clotting, or abnormally long menstrual periods. Menorrhagia typically presents as a symptom of another gynecological problem, such as:
- Infection. Uterine or cervical infections can cause excessive bleeding.
- Bleeding disorders. Conditions that keep the blood from clotting, such as hemophilia.
- Endometriosis. A common cause of heavy bleeding results from endometrial tissue developing outside the uterus.
- Uterine polyps or fibroids. Benign (non-cancerous) uterine growths can cause heavy bleeding.
- Hormonal imbalance. The hormones estrogen and progesterone are responsible for regulating your monthly cycle. Fluctuations in the balance of these hormones can cause problems, including heavy periods.
- Uterine cancer. In rare cases, heavy bleeding could be a symptom of uterine cancer.
Our gynecologist can diagnose the cause of your menorrhagia. Endometrial ablation treats the symptom—it does not necessarily treat the underlying condition. Speak with our OB-GYN to better understand your illness and the best course of treatment for you.
What is considered “excessive bleeding”?
Menorrhagia is a clinical condition that only your doctor can diagnose. Some experts estimate that menorrhagia affects up to 20% of women. Consider making an appointment for an evaluation if your periods are interfering with your everyday activities or if you:
- Have periods that go on for more than 7 days.
- Find large clots in your menstrual blood.
- Experience fatigue during your period.
- Soak through two or more tampons or pads in an hour.
How does endometrial ablation work?
During the procedure, your cervix will be slightly dilated, and two instruments will be inserted into your cervix: a hysteroscope and a Hydro ThermAblator (HTA) sheath. The hysteroscope is equipped with a lighted camera and will allow your doctor to view the inside of your uterus.
The tools vary depending on the type of endometrial ablation. Methods might include extreme cold, heated fluids, microwave energy, or high-energy radio frequencies to destroy the uterine lining.
What should I expect during my endometrial ablation procedure?
Endometrial ablation is typically performed as an outpatient procedure in your doctor’s office. You will be asked to undress from the waist down and lie on the examination table with your feet propped up in stirrups at your appointment. You and your doctor may decide what type of anesthesia to use:
- Local anesthesia – You will be awake during the procedure, but your pelvic area will be numbed. You may experience some mild cramping.
- Sedation – You will feel drowsy and numb and may not remember the procedure.
- General anesthesia – You will be asleep during the procedure.
The procedure is not surgery, so you will have no incisions.
Endometrial ablation recovery
Following your procedure, you may experience some mild cramping and possibly some nausea and vomiting. These symptoms should start to clear up after about a day. Most women can return to their regular routines the next day.
- You may experience some bloody discharge for several weeks after the procedure. Wear a pad to soak up the discharge.
- Avoid inserting anything into your vagina, including tampons, and refrain from vaginal sex for seven days after the procedure.
- If you experience abdominal pain, your pain worsens, or you develop a fever, call your doctor immediately.
While your menstrual periods may remain heavy for the next few months, this should subside. Most women find their periods become dramatically lighter and shorter as a result of the procedure, and some women’s periods disappear altogether. In a clinical trial, 98% of women reported that they were satisfied with their periods after receiving the treatment.
Why choose Dr. Thais Aliabadi?
If heavy menstrual periods negatively impact your normal daily activities or lead to iron-deficiency anemia, schedule a consultation with Dr. Aliabadi and receive personalized expert care.
As one of the nation’s leading OB/GYNs, Beverly Hills’ Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi offers the very best in women’s health and well-being. With her warm, professional team, Dr. Aliabadi supports women through all phases of life. She fosters a special one-on-one relationship between patient and doctor.
Dr. Aliabadi specializes in up-to-date, minimally invasive surgical techniques, promising her patients shorter recovery times, reduced pain, and the least interruption to their daily lives.
We invite you to establish care with Dr. Aliabadi. Please make an appointment online or call us at (844) 863-6700 for general inquiries.
Endometrial ablation FAQs
Who’s not a candidate for endometrial ablation?
Endometrial ablation generally isn’t recommended for women after menopause. It also isn’t recommended for women who have:
- Certain uterus conditions and uterine cancer
- Endometrial cancer
- An active pelvic infection.
- A desire to get pregnant in the future.
Can I get pregnant following endometrial ablation?
Endometrial ablation significantly reduces a woman’s ability to become pregnant. While it is not impossible to get pregnant following ablation, it is generally recommended that ablation only be performed for premenopausal women who are finished having children.
However, endometrial ablation is not a sterilization procedure. While the chances of getting pregnant are small, patients should use contraception or seek out sterilization after ablation. Pregnancy after an endometrial ablation could be very dangerous for both the woman and the fetus.
What are the side effects and risks of endometrial ablation?
Like all medical procedures, endometrial ablation carries some risks. Please discuss your concerns with your doctor. Possible risks include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Perforation of the uterus
- Pulmonary edema or embolism
- Injury or burns to pelvic organs and tissue
- Post-ablation tubal sterilization syndrome – A painful complication that arises in some women who have undergone tubal ligation, followed by endometrial ablation.
Supported by her warm professional team, Dr. Aliabadi treats women through all phases of life and cherishes the special one-on-one relationship between patient and doctor.