What to Expect During and After Endometrial Ablation

 If you’re dealing with abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding, you may want to consider endometrial ablation. Usually endometrial ablations are helpful in cases of heavy, regular periods but may not be as helpful for irregular menstrual cycles. 

Heavy periods are often linked to an overgrowth of the uterine lining, or endometrium, and endometrial ablation works by destroying this lining to reduce bleeding. Although some women do not experience any bleeding after an ablation, most women still have periods, they are just lighter.  Sometimes ablations can help with pain related to heavy periods but are less helpful with pelvic pain symptoms.  

It can be a great option for women whose bleeding disrupts their daily life because it often provides significant relief from bothersome symptoms — but if you’re wondering what the procedure entails, you’re not alone. 

At South Valley Women's Health Care in Bluffdale, Utah, we offer endometrial ablation. We’re here to help you understand what to expect and whether it might be a good option for you. 

It is important to remember that an ablation is not a form of contraception and pregnancy after an ablation is very high risk so your provider will likely discuss what effective birth control options prior to the procedure. Most likely you will also need a preoperative endometrial biopsy and ultrasound to see if you would be a good candidate for the procedure.  We take into account your age and goals for therapy in deciding if an ablation would be helpful for you.

What happens during endometrial ablation

On the day of your procedure, you arrive at the hospital for your outpatient procedure. You will be asleep during the procedure and are able to discuss your options with the anesthesiologist. 

The procedure takes about 30 minutes or less. Depending on your unique health needs, we may use radiofrequency, freezing, or heated fluid to target and thin your endometrial tissue. We commonly use the radiofrequency-type of ablation.

We’ll guide you through each step of the procedure and take steps to make sure you're comfortable. In most cases, endometrial ablation is an outpatient procedure, which means you can go home the same day.

What to expect after endometrial ablation

Once we complete the ablation, we move you to a recovery room and monitor you for a short period of time before you’re free to go home. Mild cramping and light bleeding are common during recovery and typically last for a few days. Some women also experience a watery discharge for several weeks as their bodies heal and remove any remaining treated tissue.

Follow our post procedure care instructions and take it easy at home. While you can generally reintroduce normal activities gradually after a few days, we recommend avoiding heavy lifting and intense exercise for about a week to give your body time to heal.

If you experience unusual symptoms, like heavy bleeding, fever, or severe pain, contact us right away. And remember that we’re always available to answer your questions during the recovery process.

After a few weeks, you may begin to notice the results of the procedure. Many women report a significant reduction in menstrual bleeding, and some find their periods become much lighter or even stop altogether. 

Is endometrial ablation right for you?

Endometrial ablation might be a good option if heavy menstrual bleeding affects your quality of life and other treatments haven't worked well enough. It’s a straightforward minimally invasive procedure that’s generally safe for most women. Depending on your age it may or may not be an appropriate procedure as the beneficial effects will sometimes fade over time.

However, it’s not suitable for women who wish to have children in the future because it affects your uterine lining and makes it challenging for an embryo to implant and grow successfully.

If you’re wondering whether endometrial ablation is right for you, book a consultation with our team at South Valley Women's Health Care. We can discuss your symptoms, goals, and treatment options to help you make the best decision for your health. Contact us at 801-569-2626 to get started.