Done with heavy periods? Here are some positive changes to expect after endometrial ablation

Unless you’re comparing your periods with other women – and most of us aren’t! – you may not even realize that you have abnormally heavy periods. But if you’re soaking through multiple tampons or pads every day, your periods last longer than a week, or you sometimes can’t make it to work or school because of period problems, a visit to our San Antonio gynecology specialists is in order. There are several ways we can treat your concerns, including hormonal methods and a quick outpatient procedure called endometrial ablation. Here, we detail some positive changes to expect after endometrial ablation, which typically resolves heavy bleeding permanently.

With this minimally invasive procedure, your OBGYN inserts tiny tools into your uterus that use heat, cold or energy to permanently destroy the uterine lining, or endometrium. With this tissue gone, heavy bleeding is dramatically reduced or eliminated, improving the quality of life for women who struggle with heavy periods. Most women go back to their regular activities in just a few days, and then enjoy the benefits of endometrial ablation for the rest of their lives.

What are the positive changes to expect after endometrial ablation?

While this procedure is not right for everyone, those who choose it generally report a dramatic improvement in their symptoms and quality of life.

• Significant reduction in heavy menstrual bleeding for most women, with periods stopping altogether for some
• Less cramping and pain during periods
• Improvement in symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome)
• Lower risk for anemia
• Feeling better during your period, so you can do all the things you need and want to do
• Hormone levels stay the same, so there are no hormonal side effects

What else to know about this procedure to stop heavy periods

If we recommend this procedure for you, our San Antonio gynecology specialists will make sure you understand not only the positive changes to expect after endometrial ablation, but also some other important factors you’ll need to consider. One of these is the fact that this procedure can make a future pregnancy higher risk, so we don’t typically recommend it for women who want to have children later in life.

Because endometrial ablation destroys the uterine lining where an embryo could implant and grow, women who have had this procedure are at higher risk for pregnancy complications, including miscarriage, preterm birth, problems with the placenta, and even uterine rupture. Those who choose this procedure should prevent pregnancy by staying on birth control as long as they are sexually active. Many choose tubal ligation or vasectomy to prevent any chance of a future pregnancy.

Stop the monthly struggles, and reach out for help

No woman should suffer with the inconvenience, pain and health complications that can come along with heavy periods. We have several treatment options available, starting with birth control to help regulate your cycles and get your symptoms under control. We encourage you to make an appointment with our San Antonio gynecology specialists to learn more about available treatments, as well as the positive changes to expect after endometrial ablation if it is recommended for you.