How painful is uterine ablation?

Depending on the type of endometrial ablation, the device sends energy, heat or cold to destroy part of the lining. The technology makes things quick and you should have minimal or no discomfort during the procedure.

What does a uterine ablation feel like?

It is normal to have vaginal bleeding for a few days after the procedure. You may also have a watery-bloody discharge for several weeks. You may have strong cramping, nausea, vomiting, or the need to urinate often for the first few days after the procedure. Cramping may continue for a longer time.

How long does it take to recover from a uterus ablation?

It shouldn't take you long to heal from an ablation. Most women are back to their normal routine within a few days. You may have some cramping and bleeding for a few days and a watery or bloody discharge for up to 3 weeks.

Will I be in pain after endometrial ablation?

Is back pain after endometrial ablation normal? Largely, back pain is not normal, though some abdominal cramping immediately following the surgery is to be expected. In rare cases, some women develop cyclic pelvic pain (CPP) after the procedure, which can last for months or even years.

How much pain is there after an ablation?

Some patients describe the feeling as similar to a sunburn. On average, this pain lasts no longer than 1 to 2 weeks after the procedure. Full pain relief can be expected within 2 to 3 weeks after the procedure, since it can take some time for the ablated nerves to die and stop sending pain signals.

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Will I lose weight after endometrial ablation?

After the procedure, will I see weight loss? Endometrial ablation does not affect a patient's weight.

Are you put to sleep for endometrial ablation?

Some methods of endometrial ablation require general anesthesia, so you're asleep during the procedure. Other types of endometrial ablation might be performed with conscious sedation or with numbing shots into your cervix and uterus.

Why are my cramps worse after ablation?

Ablation invariably leads to scarring of the uterus, but sometimes endometrium can regrow underneath that scarring, McCausland said. Pools of blood can then build up, unable to escape, resulting in hematometra that can cause pain, usually to the pattern of a monthly cycle.

What is your first period like after a uterine ablation?

Most patients have a pinkish and watery discharge for up to a month or so. In rare cases, the first period after the ablation is heavy, but this will begin to improve thereafter. You should seek medical help if you develop a fever, pelvic pain not relieved by ibuprofen, vomiting, or a greenish discharge.

Is endometrial ablation major surgery?

Endometrial ablation is a treatment for menorrhagia (abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding). Endometrial ablation is a common but major surgery with significant risks and potential complications. You may have less invasive treatment options.

Is an ablation a serious surgery?

This is major surgery. You'll spend a day or two in intensive care, and you may be in the hospital for up to a week. At first, you'll feel very tired and have some chest pain. You can probably go back to work in about 3 months, but it may take 6 months to get back to normal.

Which is better hysterectomy or ablation?

Laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy is superior to endometrial ablation in terms of clinical effectiveness and has a similar proportion of complications, but takes longer to perform and is associated with a longer recovery.

How long does bloating last after endometrial ablation?

After endometrial ablation most women feel the same as after a D & C. There may be mild, crampy, lower abdominal pain or mild abdominal bloating for a few days.

Is uterine ablation worth it?

For many women, endometrial ablation is a good option because it is minimally invasive and avoids chronic medication use. Endometrial ablation can reduce abnormal bleeding or stop bleeding completely by destroying the lining of the uterus, or the endometrium, through high levels of heat.

Which is better IUD or ablation?

In randomized trials comparing an IUD with endometrial ablation and hysterectomy, "the procedure that always wins is IUD insertion," Ghomi said. "It's reversible, it can be removed without difficulty," he said.

Can endometrial ablation cause mood swings?

A neuroactive peptide emitted by the degenerating endometrium causes changes to the vasculature of the Limbic System, which affects mood. Mood swings are nearly always perceived as being negative and burdensome, and they stop after Advanced Endometrial Ablation at The Ashford Center.

Does ablation help with hormones?

It will not affect your own hormones in any way and will not resolve hormonal symptoms like mood swings, bloating, and breast tenderness. Ablation does not provide contraception and you should not get pregnant after an ablation, so consider how you wish to prevent pregnancy following your procedure.

What are the long term side effects of endometrial ablation?

Any bleeding from persistent or regenerating endometrium behind the scar may be obstructed and cause problems such as central hematometra, cornual hematometra, postablation tubal sterilization syndrome, retrograde menstruation, and potential delay in the diagnosis of endometrial cancer.

Does ablation stop bloating?

Advanced Endometrial Ablation at The Ashford Center stops premenstrual bloating by gently removing the lining of the uterus, which means no more periods or bloating!

Why do my ovaries hurt after ablation?

PATSS is a complication that potentially occurs following a global endometrial ablation in women with previous tubal sterilization. PATSS presents as cyclic pelvic pain caused by tubal distention from occult bleeding into the obstructed tubes.

Does an ablation stop period pain?

Many women experience less bleeding after the procedure. Some may experience little to no periods afterward. Cramping will also significantly decrease. An endometrial ablation is a safe and effective treatment to ensure your menstrual periods are properly managed with little to no pain.

How do you prepare for an ablation?

Why do a D&C before ablation?

This procedure is sometimes performed to allow your doctor to examine the lining of the uterus before the ablation to look for polyps, fibroids, scar tissue, or perforations (holes in the uterus). Dilation and curettage (D&C) allows your doctor to take a sample of the tissue that lines your uterus (endometrium).

What kind of anesthesia is used for an endometrial ablation?

Anesthesia is required for endometrial ablation. The type of anesthesia will vary depending on the surgical setting, the surgeon's experience, and the endometrial ablation technology. Oral sedation, paracervical block, IV sedation, and general anesthesia are all potential anesthetic options.

Does endometrial ablation speed up menopause?

No, endometrial ablation affects only the endometrial lining preventing it to bleed. Your ovaries continue to function normally so your hormonal status is not changing and you won't go into menopause early due to that.