Endometrial Ablation Specialist

What is endometrial ablation? 

Your uterus has a lining known as the endometrium. This lining thickens during your menstrual cycle; when you have your period, your uterus contracts to slough off the endometrium.

Endometrial ablation is a procedure that addresses menorrhagia, or very heavy menstrual bleeding. The procedure removes the endometrium, resulting in a significant reduction or elimination of your flow.

Am I a good candidate for endometrial ablation?

If you have heavy bleeding whenever you have your period, such that you need to change your pad or tampon every two hours for at least 24 hours, you may suffer from menorrhagia. 

Menorrhagia may be caused by:

• Hormonal imbalance
• Irregular ovulation
• Uterine fibroids 
• Uterine polyps
• Endometriosis

If you are postmenopausal or you have heavy bleeding due to gynecological cancer, you may not be a candidate for endometrial ablation. If you wish to become pregnant in the future, endometrial ablation is not recommended.

How is endometrial ablation performed?

The skilled team at the Center for Women’s Health has experience with several methods of endometrial ablation. Your provider recommends the process that is best for the condition that is causing your heavy bleeding.

The experienced physicians at the Center for Women’s Health perform several types of endometrial ablation, including:

NovaSure® 

NovaSure uses radiofrequency energy to permanently remove the endometrium. This procedure is performed in the operating room and only takes five minutes for the actual ablation, which can lighten or eliminate your heavy period.

Thermachoice®

This procedure involves a flexible silicone balloon that is inserted into the uterus and filled with fluid. The fluid is then gently heated and circulated for eight minutes. Following the Thermachoice procedure, the endometrium will slough off, similar to a menstrual period, resulting in lighter periods. Similar to NovaSure, it is also performed in the operating room under anesthesia.

Most cases can be addressed with these minimally invasive procedures. In severe cases, electrosurgery may be necessary. Electrosurgery is performed in an operating room under general anesthesia and uses electric current to destroy the endometrium.

What should I expect during the endometrial ablation procedure?

Most types of endometrial ablation are performed in the operating room. The anesthesiologist will put you to sleep while the ablation takes place. Your expert provider dilates, or opens, your cervix and then uses a slender probe inserted through your vagina to perform the ablation procedure. 

You can expect some cramping, urinary urgency, or bleeding for up to 36 hours after your procedure. Your provider may restrict your exercise and sexual activity for a few weeks while your body is healing. 

A few months after your endometrial ablation, your flow becomes lighter. You may eventually stop having periods.

To end heavy bleeding with endometrial ablation, call the Center for Women’s Health today, or make an appointment at the nearest clinic near using the online scheduler.