Why would a woman need 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).
Can periods return after endometrial ablation?
Will I still have periods after an ablation? About one third of women will stop having their periods after an ablation, but most women will have lighter periods. Over time, periods usually return so ablation is often not the best option for women who are many years away from menopause (more than ten years).
What happens when a woman has an ablation?
Endometrial ablation is a procedure that surgically destroys (ablates) the lining of your uterus (endometrium). The goal of endometrial ablation is to reduce menstrual flow. In some women, menstrual flow may stop completely. No incisions are needed for endometrial ablation.
How painful is an endometrial 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.
Which is better ablation or hysterectomy?
Interpretation. 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.
What is your first period like after an 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.
Do you still get PMS after an ablation?
The vast majority of women (35/36, 97%) reported improvement in PMS after undergoing endometrial ablation. Both validated measures of PMS, Daily Symptoms Report and Daily Record of Severity of Symptoms, showed statistically significant improvement in PMS symptoms.
Which is better ablation or IUD?
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.
Does 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.
How long should you rest after ablation?
When Can I Go Back to Work? “If they're feeling well and if their work isn't too strenuous, I tell most patients that it's okay to go back to work 3 to 4 days after their ablation,” Dr. Arkles says. For strenuous jobs like nursing or law enforcement, he recommends a two-week wait.
Are you awake during endometrial ablation?
There are options for anesthesia for this outpatient procedure; you may choose to have general anesthesia (where you are asleep) or I.V. sedation (where you are awake). To begin the procedure, we will dilate your cervix (the opening to your uterus) slightly.
What are the pros and cons of ablation?
During ablation, the abnormal heart tissue is destroyed by burning or freezing it. Ablation has a greater chance of reducing and even eliminating your symptoms and making you feel better. But the procedure is invasive, expensive, and not right for everybody.
Why am I bleeding years after ablation?
Occasionally, abnormal bleeding or pelvic pain can occur after endometrial ablation. This can occur several months to many years after the procedure. This happens 10% of the time, and may require additional evaluation and treatment. Sometimes after endometrial ablation, the cavity of the uterus can form scar tissue.
Why am I having a period after ablation?
Can periods return after endometrial ablation? There is always the slight possibility that your heavy periods may return after having endometrial ablation. An Endometrial Ablation removes the lining of your womb. In some cases post-operation, patients have reported continuance of a period.
How long after an ablation do you get your period?
Plan to give your body about 3 months to fully heal on the inside and resume its normal cycle. Then, you and your doctor should be able to tell what your cycle and your periods will be like.
How long does an ablation of the uterus last?
Our NovaSure endometrial ablation procedure takes about five minutes. However, please note that this is the time for the procedure itself and does not include prep time.