Endometrial Ablation

Heavy bleeding during your period isn't just inconvenient — it can be exhausting and often very painful. If you have bleeding problems, the board-certified obstetricians and gynecologists at Lenox OBGYN can help. They provide outstanding care for a comprehensive range of gynecological conditions for women living and working in the Midtown West area of Manhattan in New York City. Their expertise in endometrial ablation could mean the end of your heavy bleeding for good, so call Lenox OBGYN today or schedule an appointment using the online booking form.

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What is endometrial ablation?

Endometrial ablation is a procedure that your provider at Lenox OBGYN uses to remove the endometrium — a thin layer of tissue lining your uterus. The outcome is a reduction in menstrual bleeding for women who have heavy periods.

Most women who have problems with heavy bleeding improve with medication, but if you've been taking your medicine and are still experiencing problems, endometrial ablation could be the answer.

Am I a suitable candidate for endometrial ablation?

Endometrial ablation is an effective solution for bleeding problems, but it's not suitable for everyone. You shouldn't undergo endometrial ablation post-menopause, or if you have conditions such as:

Endometrial hyperplasia
Cancer of the uterus
Recent pregnancy
Current or recent infection of the uterus
Uterine disorders
Endometrial disorders

Although pregnancy is possible after having endometrial ablation, it's unlikely, and the risks of miscarriage and complications are far higher. You should only undergo endometrial ablation if you’re sure about not wanting pregnancies in the future.

How is endometrial ablation carried out?

There are several different approaches to carrying out endometrial ablation. These include:

Radiofrequency ablation

For this procedure, your provider at Lenox OBGYN inserts a probe into your uterus through your cervix. The end of the probe then transmits radiofrequency energy that produces enough heat to destroy the uterine lining without damaging your uterus. Your provider uses suction to remove the remains of the endometrial tissue.

An alternative is to use microwave energy to achieve the same result.

Cryoablation

Cryoablation also uses a probe, but instead of heat energy, cryoablation achieves the same effect by freezing the endometrial tissue.

Heated fluid and balloon

Using an instrument called a hysteroscope, your provider fills your uterus with a hot liquid, or inserts a balloon and fills that with hot liquid. The liquid stays in your uterus for about 10 minutes, long enough for the heat to destroy the endometrial tissue.

How long does it take to recover from endometrial ablation?

The methods used to perform endometrial ablation are all minimally invasive, so recovery shouldn't take more than a few weeks. You might experience some mild short-term side effects from the procedure, such as:

Nausea
Frequent need to urinate
Cramping
Thin, watery or bloody discharge

The discharge might be heavy to begin with and could last several weeks.

Following endometrial ablation, you should use contraception to prevent pregnancy, or consider sterilization. Your provider at Lenox OBGYN can advise you on the right choices for your circumstances.

If heavy bleeding is affecting your quality of life, find out more about the benefits of endometrial ablation. Call Lenox OBGYN today or book an appointment online.