Endometrial ablation is a quick outpatient treatment for heavy bleeding.
Endometrial ablation is the removal or destruction of the endometrium (lining of the
uterus). It does not require hospitalization, and most women return to
normal activities in a day or two. Ablation is an alternative to hysterectomy for
many women with heavy
uterine bleeding who wish to avoid major surgery. After a
successful endometrial ablation, most women will have little or no menstrual bleeding.
Patient selection and physician experience is essential to a good outcome.
Gynecare Thermachoice®One effective treatment for heavy periods is a global endometrial ablation (GEA) procedure called GYNECARE THERMACHOICE® Uterine Balloon Therapy System. GYNECARE THERMACHOICE®
is an effective, nonhormonal, permanent treatment for heavy periods. It
involves a minimally invasive, 8-minute procedure that can be performed
in your doctor’s office or in a hospital.
A clinical study showed:
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95% of women treated with GYNECARE THERMACHOICE® reported normal to no periods up to 5 years later
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3 out of 4 women treated had reduction of menstrual pain and cramping
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Nearly 2 out of 3 experienced either mild or no PMS symptoms after treatment
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93% reported they were still satisfied with the results 5 years after treatment
You don’t have to live with heavy periods. Learn more about your period, read more about GYNECARE THERMACHOICE®The Novasure System
 Another new device, the Novasure System™
, is now available, and has a number of advantages over other systems. It only takes a
few minutes and has an excellent safety record.
Click here for more
information on the Novasure System™ The Her Option System
Her Option® Office Cryoablation Therapy is a safe and effective ablation procedure
that uses sub-zero temperatures (cryoablation) to reduce your heavy periods to normal
levels. The cold temperatures destroy the endometrium. With the endometrium reduced or eliminated,
there’s less tissue to shed each period. The result? Dramatically less menstrual
bleeding. Click here for more
information on the Her Option System™ Recovery from endometrial ablation
Most women are able to go home within an hour after
the an endometrial ablation. There may be mild cramping, which can usually
be relieved by ibuprofen. Occasionally stronger medicine may be needed.
It is normal to be tired for a few days, but most women are able to return to
most normal activities in a day or two. Intercourse and very strenuous
activity is usually restricted for 2 weeks. It is normal to have a
increased discharge for 2 to 4 weeks afterward, as the lining is shedding.
I normally do the first check-up 4 weeks afterwards.
Who should consider endometrial ablation?
Women who have menstrual bleeding
that is impacting their life, and do not have other problems that require a
hysterectomy should consider endometrial ablation.  You limit your activity
because of your periods.
Bleeding is causing you to be anemic and
tired. Bleeding limits your
intimate time with your partner. You do not desire to
retain fertility.
Risks of endometrial ablation
As with any surgical procedure, there
are risks, which should be compared to the risks of things we do in every day
life. A number of things can be done to reduce these risks.
Some of the risks of
endometrial ablation procedures are perforation of the uterus, absorbing
excess fluid, bleeding, infection, injury to organs within the abdomen and
pelvis, and accumulation of blood within the uterus due to scarring.
Another rare, but important, concern after any endometrial ablation procedure
is that it might decrease your doctor's ability to make an early diagnosis of
cancer of the endometrium. Abnormal bleeding should be evaluated whether
or not you have had an ablation.
A small
percentage of properly selected women having an ablation will still eventually need a hysterectomy,
but the vast majority will not. Having done endometrial ablation since
1985, I can often identify women who will have a successful ablation and those
who would be better off with other treatment.
Who shouldn't have an endometrial ablation?
Since an endometrial ablation
destroys the lining of the uterus, endometrial ablation is not
for anyone who desires to keep her fertility. Women who have a malignancy or
pre-malignant condition of the uterus are not candidates for ablation. Women who
have severe pelvic pain, unless the pain is coming from an intracavitary myoma, may be
better served by alternative treatments. Although pregnancy is unlikely
after ablation, serious complications could arise. It is essential for
to use reliable contraception after an endometrial ablation.
Who can help me decide if an endometrial ablation is for me?
It is helpful to see a gynecologist who is familiar with, and who is able to provide
all of the alternatives for the treatment of your problem. A
physician who does not do endometrial ablation on a regular basis is unlikely
to have the experience to help you make the best decision. The
physician should be expert at vaginal-probe ultrasound and at
diagnostic hysteroscopy, and should consider non-surgical treatments,
as well as discussing the advantages and disadvantages of all the
options available. While the physician can provide you with
information, the decision is ultimately yours.
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