What is a female ablation procedure?

Endometrial ablation is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat heavy menstrual bleeding (periods). The procedure works by ablating (destroying) the tissue in the lining of the uterus, which is called the endometrium.

Why would a woman need an ablation?

Endometrial ablation is a treatment for excessive menstrual blood loss. Your doctor might recommend endometrial ablation if you have: Unusually heavy periods, sometimes defined as soaking a pad or tampon every two hours or less. Bleeding that lasts longer than eight days.

What happens when a woman has an ablation?

Endometrial ablation is a procedure to remove a thin layer of tissue (endometrium) that lines the uterus. It is done to stop or reduce heavy menstrual bleeding. But it is only done on women who do not plan to have any children in the future. The procedure is not surgery, so you will not have any cut (incision).

How long does it take to heal after endometrial ablation?

You may have cramps and vaginal bleeding for several days. You may also have watery vaginal discharge mixed with blood for a few days. It may take a few days to 2 weeks to recover.

Is an ablation painful?

Depending on the type of endometrial ablation, your provider may numb your pelvic area and give you sedatives so that you don't feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure.

Endometrial Ablation with Gynecologist Dr. Maryann Prewitt

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.

Will I lose weight after endometrial ablation?

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

How many years does an ablation last?

Long-term success of AF ablation procedures, defined as freedom from arrhythmia recurrence for a minimum of 36 months off antiarrhythmic therapy, can be achieved in many patients.

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.

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.

Can the lining of the uterus grow back after an ablation?

Can the uterine lining grow back following an endometrial ablation? Yes. It's possible that the endometrial lining will grow back after an endometrial ablation. However, it usually takes a long time.

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.

Do you still get a period after uterine ablation?

After endometrial ablation, many women still have periods, but they are much lighter. One consequence of endometrial ablation is that scar tissue forms within the uterus after the procedure, changing the structure of the uterine cavity.

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.

What is the difference between a D&C and endometrial ablation?

You may take a bath or shower the next day. For a D&C, you may have some light vaginal bleeding for several days. For an endometrial ablation, you can expect light/tan colored vaginal discharge for several weeks after the procedure. You may have some cramping for 2 to 3 days after surgery.

Can you get fibroids after ablation?

Considerations. Radiofrequency ablation reduces the size of fibroids but does not eliminate them. Fibroids can regrow, and new fibroids can develop after the procedure. As a minimally invasive surgery, however, the complications and recovery time are minimal.

When is an ablation necessary?

Catheter ablation works better in people who have paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (episodes last 7 days or less) than in people who have persistent atrial fibrillation (episodes last longer than 7 days). For both types, episodes may go away on their own or go away after treatment.

How many times can you have an ablation?

Often, around two catheter ablations are the average, but there is no real limit to the number. There will also be some rare occasions when it's justified to have five or six ablations, but that will be very rare.

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.

Does uterine ablation affect 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.

Does insurance cover an ablation?

As a result, insurance should cover the costs of vein ablation. This means that your out-of-pocket costs will depend on your insurance coverage; if you have a high deductible, you may pay a significant portion of the costs out-of-pocket, but you may pay very little if you have a low deductible and copay.

Does an ablation cause menopause?

Can endometrial ablation cause early 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.

What are the side effects of an ablation?

Risks Associated with Ablation

Bruising or bleeding after the procedure where catheter was placed. Blood clots. Heart attack or stroke. Narrowing of veins to heart may occur.

Who should not get a uterine ablation?

Endometrial ablation should not be done in women who are past menopause and is not recommended for those with the following medical conditions: Disorders of the uterus or endometrium. Endometrial hyperplasia. Cancer of the uterus.

Does ablation cause dryness?

Side effects of the medication include vaginal dryness, hot flashes, and night sweats. The effects will go away once the medication is out of your system. Ablation is a short procedure. It is done as outpatient surgery in most cases.