Did you know that certain conditions such as uterine problems and disorders can cause irregular periods? Heavy menstrual bleeding is a difficult and stressful thing to deal with.
When you’ve had enough of it you might wonder what you can do to be more regular. The good news is that there’s endometrial ablation.
You might wonder what that is exactly and if it’s right for you. Read this guide on endometrial ablation and see if it’ll help you today!
What Is an Endometrial Ablation?
An endometrial ablation procedure is what your doctor might consider if you have a heavy flow, bleeding between periods, or have heavy periods that last a while. Speak with your doctor about successful pregnancy after endometrial ablation and any other questions that you might have. It’s an option if medication doesn’t help.
Having an endometrial ablation surgery will remove the endometrium which is the lining of your uterus. Once complete, periods often return back to a light or normal flow.
Is Endometrial Ablation Right for Me?
It’s not recommended for those who have an intrauterine device or have a disorder of the endometrium or uterus. If you have an infection of the uterus, cervix, or vagina, then it’s not a good idea.
Those who have Pelvic Inflammatory Disease shouldn’t get endometrial ablation. If you have a scar from a C-section then it might not be right for you either.
Those who are post-menopausal shouldn’t get it either. Speak with your doctor to see if it’s right for you.
The Different Methods of the Procedure
There are different methods including balloon therapy, electricity, and more. Balloon therapy is where they’ll place a thin tube into the uterus.
The catheter has a balloon at the end of it. The balloon will be filled with fluid and then heated. The heated fluid then destroys the lining.
Another option is to use a very cold temperature to freeze the lining. Microwave energy through a thin probe is another common option.
An electrical current that travels through the rollerball or wire loop is used to destroy the uterus lining. Heated fluid could be used as well. This is pumped into the uterus.
Radiofrequency ablation is where you’ll have an electrical mesh placed into the uterus. Once complete, it’ll expand and the electrical currents will destroy the lining.
Endometrial Ablation Side Effects
While this isn’t technically considered a surgery, there are still risks. You might experience tearing of the uterine wall or bowel.
You might experience bleeding or overloading of fluid into the bloodstream. Let your doctor know if you’re pregnant or think that you might be. Let them know if you’re allergic to medicines, latex, or iodine.
Preparing for an Endometrial Ablation
You can’t eat or drink for 8 hours prior to the procedure. Your healthcare provider will go over all of your allergies and sensitivities prior to the day of your appointment.
Speak to your healthcare provider if you’ve had a bleeding disorder in the past. Let them know if you’re taking any medications that could impact blood clotting, and if you’re taking blood-thinning medicine.
Your healthcare provider might give you medication to help thin the endometrial tissues. The medication might need to be taken for weeks before your procedure.
Understanding What an Endometrial Ablation Is
After exploring this guide, you should have a better idea of what an endometrial ablation is. Speak with your doctor to see if this procedure is right for you.
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