Endometrial Ablation

Endometrial ablation is a procedure to stop excessive menstrual blood loss. It involves the removal of a thin layer of tissue (endometrium) which lines the uterus.

Why You Might Need Endometrial Ablation

Endometrial ablation is used to manage heavy bleeding which may have several different causes. Your doctor might recommend endometrial ablation if you have:

• Unusually heavy periods, sometimes defined as needing a new pad or tampon every two hours or less
• Uterine bleeding that lasts more than eight days
• Anemia caused by excessive blood loss

How Advanced Gynecology Can Help

Typically, heavy uterine bleeding is treated first with medication. If heavy bleeding persists despite the use of medication, and if other therapies are not an option, your doctor may recommend endometrial ablation as another option.

Our board-certified team of women’s health experts are ready to help you with diagnostic care and a range of treatment options. We will counsel you about the best options for you and your health.

For more information, schedule an appointment today or call 706-389-9228 to speak with one of our patient coordinators.

Methods for Performing an Endometrial Ablation

Endometrial ablation is not a surgical procedure, so there will be no incision. Instead, your healthcare provider will insert special tools through the vagina to reach the uterus. The most common methods for performing an endometrial ablation are:

Radiofrequency: this method uses radio waves to expand an electrical mesh that has been placed into the uterus to destroy the uterine lining.

Freezing: your provider inserts a probe with freezing capabilities into the uterus. Using an ultrasound to guide the way, the tip of the probe then freezes and destroys the uterine lining.

Hydrothermal: heated fluid is pumped into the uterus to destroy the lining.

Heated balloon: a balloon is inserted into the uterus and then filled with fluid which destroys the lining.

Electrosurgery: your provider uses an electric current that flows through a wire loop or rollerball to electrically destroy the uterine lining.

Microwaves: a thin probe allows microwave energy to reach and eradicate the uterine lining.

Some endometrial ablations are performed using a tool called a hysteroscope which has a small camera at the end. This tool allows your doctor to see the inside of your uterus to properly perform the procedure

Side Effects & Risks of Endometrial Ablation

You may experience a few common, minor side effects after an endometrial ablation:

• Cramps, similar in pain and feel to menstrual cramps for 1 to 2 days
• Thin, watery discharge mixed with blood. This discharge may be heavy for the first 2 to 3 days after the procedure and can last a few weeks
• Frequent urination
• Nausea

On rare occasions, the fluid used to expand the uterus during electrosurgery may be absorbed into your bloodstream which can cause a serious condition. This is typically prevented by carefully checking the amount of fluid used throughout the procedure.

Some risks accompany endometrial ablation. These are typically small; however, some serious risks are possible.

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Rupture of uterine wall or bowel
• Burns to the vagina, vulva, and/or bowel

Endometrial ablation will not cause infertility. While you can still get pregnant after, it is possible that pregnancies after endometrial ablation will pose a higher risk to both mother and baby. For this reason, long-lasting contraception or even sterilization is sometimes recommended after endometrial ablation for this reason.

Who Should Not Receive Endometrial Ablation

Endometrial ablation should not be performed in postmenopausal women. It is also not recommended for women with certain medical conditions, including:

• Certain abnormalities of the uterus or endometrium
• Endometrial hyperplasia
• Cancer of the uterus, or an increased risk of uterine cancer
• An active or recent pelvic infection
• A recent pregnancy