Endometrial ablation is a permanent treatment for heavy periods
For some women, a monthly period is more than a minor inconvenience. Heavy bleeding during periods can have a big impact on your life, and in some cases, can cause compromise your overall health. Our Bexar County OBGYNs have several treatments for heavy periods, including endometrial ablation. This procedure permanently resolves heavy bleeding, and may be recommended when a woman has completed her family-building and other treatments have not been effective.
What is endometrial ablation?
Endometrial ablation is an outpatient, minimally invasive procedure in which the uterine lining, or endometrium, is permanently destroyed. Eliminating this tissue is an effective way to reduce abnormally heavy bleeding during periods, as endometrial tissue is what the uterus sheds each month during a menstrual cycle. In some women, bleeding during periods stops completely after having this procedure.
To perform this procedure, our OBGYNs use a long, thin tube, inserted through the vagina and through the cervix, to insert tiny tools into the uterus. The uterine lining can then be destroyed with extreme heat, extreme cold, or certain types of energy. You may receive general or localized anesthesia to keep you comfortable during the procedure.
Most women return to work and everyday activities within a few days, though some experience cramping, spotting or discharge for a few weeks. Women must abstain from sexual intercourse until all of these symptoms have stopped and healing is complete.
Who needs these treatments for heavy periods?
Women may need this procedure when other treatments have failed to control severe symptoms of heavy periods.
- Heavy bleeding requiring frequent or even hourly changes of pads or tampons
- Periods that last longer than a week
- Anemia, which is a low red blood cell count due to blood loss
- Missed work or social events due to heavy periods
- No other reasons are present for heavy periods, such as cancer or other disease
Typically, your OBGYN will prescribe other treatments for heavy periods, such as birth control pills or an IUD, before recommending endometrial ablation.
This procedure is not recommended for women who hope to become pregnant in the future, as it can increase the risk of dangerous pregnancy complications or cause miscarriage. Women who have undergone endometrial ablation should always use birth control to prevent pregnancy, and many decide to get their tubes tied or have their partners get a vasectomy to ensure that pregnancy cannot occur.
Women who are in menopause or who have uterine cancer or infections are also not good candidates for this procedure.
Talk to us about whether this procedure is right for you
Your OBGYN will advise you if uterine ablation is a good choice for you, and will discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure with you to help you make an informed choice.
If you are experiencing troublesome menstrual symptoms, we urge you to reach out to our experienced Bexar County OBGYNs to learn about all available treatments for heavy periods. Contact us to schedule an appointment.
