Endometrial Ablation
Endometrial ablation is an outpatient, nonsurgical procedure used to treat heavy menstrual bleeding in women who do not plan to have children after the procedure. During endometrial ablation, the lining of the uterus, the endometrium, is removed. In some cases, your physician will use a hysteroscope, which allows him or her to see inside the uterus during the procedure. Your physician will insert small tools into your vagina and will use one of the following methods to remove the endometrium:
Who is a candidate for endometrial ablation?
You may be a candidate for endometrial ablation if you have:
Because the procedure removes the endometrial lining required to nourish a fetus during pregnancy, it may be difficult for you to become pregnant after the procedure.
What causes abnormal menstrual bleeding?
There are several factors that may increase your risk of heavy menstrual bleeding:
- Electricity
- Fluids
- Balloon therapy
- High-energy radio waves
- Cold (cryoablation)
- Microwaves (microwave ablation)
Who is a candidate for endometrial ablation?
You may be a candidate for endometrial ablation if you have:
- Heavy periods (requiring you to change your tampon or pad each hour)
- Excessively long periods (lasting more than seven days)
- Bleeding between periods
- Anemia from excessive vaginal bleeding
Because the procedure removes the endometrial lining required to nourish a fetus during pregnancy, it may be difficult for you to become pregnant after the procedure.
What causes abnormal menstrual bleeding?
There are several factors that may increase your risk of heavy menstrual bleeding:
- Hormone issues (particularly if you are in or near menopause)
- Polyps
- Fibroids
- Endometrial or uterine cancer
