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Endometrial Ablation
Heavy uterine bleeding severely affects your daily activities and quality of life. At Reston Women’s Center in Reston, Virginia, the experienced doctors can treat uncontrollable, heavy bleeding with endometrial ablation, a procedure that destroys a thin layer of the uterine wall. Call the office or book an appointment online to learn if endometrial ablation is the right procedure for you.
What is Endometrial Ablation?
During endometrial ablation, your doctor at Reston Women’s Center surgically destroys a thin layer of your uterine lining, called the endometrium. This doesn’t halt all menstrual bleeding but dramatically reduces it.
Who is a Candidate for Endometrial Ablation?
If you have heavy bleeding, are premenopausal, and medication fails to control your bleeding, the doctors at Reston Women’s Center may recommend endometrial ablation. They also work to determine that your bleeding isn’t due to cancer or specific disorders of the uterus before proceeding with endometrial ablation.
You should be sure your family is complete before having the procedure, as the ability to get pregnant following endometrial ablation is greatly reduced and, if you should get pregnant, greatly increases your risk of miscarriage.
How is Endometrial Ablation Done?
Many different methods for endometrial ablation are possible. The doctors at Reston Women’s Center may use radiofrequency, freezing, electrosurgery, or another method, depending on your particular health status and condition. The method also depends on whether you’ll have additional surgeries, such as sterilization, performed at the same time.
What is Recovery Like After Endometrial Ablation?
You should expect minor side effects for a few days after surgery, which may include:
- Cramping for a few days
- Increased urination for 24 hours
- Nausea
- A watery, bloody discharge that lasts for a few weeks (it’s heaviest in the first two to three days following the procedure)
You’ll need to take it easy for about a week by avoiding intense activity. After that, your doctor may advise you to resume all normal activities.
How Successful is Endometrial Ablation in Reducing Excessive Bleeding?
Most women who undergo endometrial ablation experience a reduction in excessive bleeding, and as many as half stop having their periods altogether. However, it should not be used as a method of birth control.
In some cases, endometrial ablation fails to halt abnormal bleeding permanently, and you may need retreatment if heavy bleeding returns. That’s especially true in women who have the procedure when younger than 45 years old and in women with more than four children. The procedure is repeatable without consequence.
Endometrial ablation can successfully stop abnormal bleeding that interferes with your quality of life. Call Reston Women’s Center or book an appointment online to learn more.