Endometrial Ablation

Are you suffering with heavy abnormal bleeding during your menstrual cycle? If you are, then you are probably searching for a solution. Heavy abnormal bleeding can interfere with your quality of life as well as affect your body image and sexuality. Rather than sit and suffer in silence once a month, let us help you find a solution that may work for you.

What is endometrial ablation?

Endometrial ablation is a procedure that destroys your endometrium. Your endometrium is the lining of your uterus, the portion that is shed during your monthly menstrual cycle. The purpose of an endometrial ablation is to reduce your menstrual flow. Some women find that they experience a much lighter flow while others say that their cycle stops altogether.

It is important to note that an endometrial ablation does not prevent pregnancy from occurring. In fact, it is possible that a pregnancy can lead to a miscarriage. Thus it is recommended that you discuss contraceptive methods with your gynecologist before moving forward with the procedure.

How does endometrial ablation work?

Endometrial ablation is not considered a surgery as there are no incisions necessary. The procedure can be done at our office. The way it works is that your doctor will insert a very slender object through your cervix. Depending upon the type of endometrial ablation done, your doctor will decide to use extreme cold, heated fluids, microwave energy, or high energy radio frequencies to destroy the uterine lining.

Who is endometrial ablation recommended for?

Endometrial ablation may be an option for women who experience heavy abnormal bleeding during their menstrual cycles. Heavy bleeding can be indicated as

• unusually heavy bleeding than most other months

• enough blood loss to soak through a pad or tampon every hour

• a diagnosis of anemia due to excessive blood loss

If you believe that you are, in fact, experiencing heavy blood loss, endometrial ablation may be an option for you.

Who is endometrial ablation NOT recommended for?

Endometrial ablation is not recommended for everyone. If you are in any of the situations below, you may have to consider other alternatives.

• You are considering becoming pregnant in the future.

• You suffer with menstrual cramps.

• You have uterine cancer.

• You recently were pregnant or have given birth.

• You are past menopause.

Are there risks involved with endometrial ablation?

As your preferred OBGYN in Raleigh, NC, we want to inform you of all the risks involved with endometrial ablation so that you can decide if the procedure is right for you at this time. Risks can include:

• a tear in the uterine wall

• heat or cold damage to other organs in the vicinity

• pain, bleeding, or infection

What can I expect to happen after the endometrial ablation?

Once your endometrial ablation is complete, you will be given further instructions for how to proceed with daily activities as well as follow up examinations. You can expect to experience any of the following after your procedure:

• Cramps. You may experience cramps as you may have had during your menstrual cycle following your procedure. You can manage the pain with ibuprofen or acetaminophen from your local pharmacy or drug store.

• Vaginal discharge. You may experience a watery discharge tinted with blood for several weeks following the procedure. The discharge will become lighter as the days go by.

• Frequent urination. You can expect to feel the need to urinate more often, particularly during the first 24 hours after your procedure.

How long will it take to see results from the endometrial ablation?

It may take several months before seeing results from your endometrial ablation. However, patience is key. Most women are able to achieve their goal of having lighter blood flow during their menstrual cycles. Some have reported that their cycles have disappeared altogether.

If you have questions about whether or not an endometrial ablation can help you with your heavy abnormal bleeding, feel free to contact us at your convenience.