When a person is suffering from abnormal uterine bleeding, medical professionals often advise endometrial ablation to reduce the symptoms and normalize the menstrual cycle. The procedure’s name is derived from the word endometrium, which presents the lining of the uterus. To reduce heavy menstrual bleeding, this surgery destroys the lining of the uterus and, that way, helps the person handle symptoms that can be quite severe and painful. 

Situations in which the patient experiences bleeding between periods, a very heavy flow, long-lasting menstruations, and alike are considered highly problematic. The solutions are usually either different medication treatments or endometrial ablation. The causes of a heavy flow can vary, from hormonal changes to fibroids and polyps. 

All the abovementioned issues demand expert support and help, so when choosing services of gynecological care in Boca Raton & Boynton Beach, FL, make sure you do proper research on the experiences and expertise of the medifcal professionals in the clinic of your choice. If you want to experience high-quality services and support, contact Women’s Health Partners and schedule an appointment. 

Uterine Ablation – The How?

The chosen doctor uses the opening of the uterus, i.e., the cervix, to insert different tiny tools and remove the uterine lining. Various methods can be used during endometrial ablation, such as heated fluids, high radio frequencies, extreme cold, etc. This surgery can be done in the doctor’s office and operating room. Different factors impact which method will be used, and they mostly include the size and state of the uterus, the patient’s overall health, etc.

There are a few different types of ablation:

  • Hydrothermal ablation is a process where fluids are pumped into the uterus and heated. 
  • Balloon ablation uses a tube with a balloon, which is inserted into the uterus, and the fluid inside is heated.
  • High-energy radio waves are used to cause damage to the uterine lining due to heat and energy used. 
  • Freezing is a process where a probe with a cold tip is used to freeze the lining of the uterus. 
  • Microwave is a process where a wand that is inserted in the womb radiates microwave energy and destroys the lining. 
  • Electrical ablation uses a current to destroy the uterine lining, but this approach is rarely used. 

Preparation 

Doctor Talking and Laughing With His Patient

The preparation process mainly depends on your chosen doctor. They will perform some checks, tests, and exams to get a complete picture of your overall health and decide when and how to do the ablation. In most cases, the doctor will:

  • Do a pregnancy check. 
  • Check for any types of cancer or potential for the development of cancer.
  • Perform a uterus examination 
  • Remove a previously placed IUD
  • Advise if your endometrium needs thinning before the procedure (via medication or dilation and curettage) 
  • Discuss options when it comes to anesthesia (either general anesthesia, sedation, or numbing shots for the cervix and the womb)

Who Is Eligible for Endometrial Ablation? 

As mentioned, this procedure is done when the patient experiences heavy menstrual bleeding, when the bleeding lasts for an extended period of time (longer than eight days), when they suffer from anemia caused by the loss of red blood cells, etc. 

What doctors usually recommend first are hormonal pills and IUDs. If medication does not work, then uterine ablation is advised. This said, certain factors make the patient ineligible for this procedure, and they include:

  • Post-menopause
  • Uterus issues
  • Cancer of the uterus
  • A pelvic infection 
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease
  • Cervical cancer
  • Endometrial cancer
  • Having plans to become pregnant in the future 
  • Vaginal infection 
  • Infection in the uterus or the cervix
  • Weak uterine wall 
  • C-section scarring 
  • Inserted IUD
  • Issues with the endometrium 
  • Current pregnancy 

Endometrial Ablation Recovery 

When it comes to the endometrial ablation recovery process, there are specific steps you should follow, but in general, the recovery time should not be very long. Most patients recuperate in a couple of days. 

There is a potential for period-like cramps, vaginal discharge, or more frequent urination a few days after the procedure. Still, all of this can be managed with pain medication, rest, and water consumption. Urinating more frequently in the first 24 hours after the uterine ablation might be necessary. Do not worry too much; let a few days pass before contacting your doctor. 

You might feel nauseous and weak, but your body needs some rest after surgery, so make sure you drink plenty of fluids and have enough rest. 

Doctors usually advise avoiding sexual relations, tampons, or douching for those three to four days after the ablation, and limiting activities might be recommended. Also, try to avoid aspirin as a medication because your bleeding might worsen. 

Nevertheless, if you start experiencing the following symptoms, make sure you contact your chosen medical professional as soon as possible:

  • Faulty smell of your vaginal discharge
  • Fever
  • Chills 
  • Severe cramping 
  • Stomach pains 
  • Abnormal uterine bleeding that lasts longer than two days (excluding spotting, which is a regular occurrence)
  • Issues with urination 

What Are the Risks?

Generally, the risks of complications when it comes to endometrial ablation are minimal and very rare, but considering that this is a surgical procedure, some risks exist. They include: 

  • Severe pain
  • Bleeding 
  • Infections 
  • Damage to internal organs due to the usage of heat or cold 
  • Injuries from using tools needed for the ablation (burns, holes, etc.)

When Do I Get to See the Results? 

Doctor and Patient in Consultation at the Clinic Office.

To lower your anxiety and worry, it is essential to underline that the results from an endometrial ablation can take a few months to become visible. When a person has previously suffered from heavy menstrual bleeding, the results of the procedure will be visible in the decrease of the amount of blood that is lost, the periods might become lighter, or they might stop occurring completely. 

It is also important to mention that this procedure is not a sterilization tool, nor should it be viewed as one. The person needs to continue using protection and contraception if they do not wish to become pregnant. On the other hand, pregnancy is possible, but it might be dangerous and unsafe for both the mother and the baby due to a high risk of a miscarriage. If you do not wish to become pregnant, total sterilization is available and can be done after the ablation. 

Contact Us!

Struggling with a heavy menstrual flow, periods which last for ten or more days, and other issues concerning the menstrual cycle can be exhausting and frustrating. To elevate the symptoms and regain control over your reproductive health, speaking to an experienced medical professional is important. Call our clinic, schedule a consultation and create a treatment plan so that you can live pain-free! Contact us; we are here for you!