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Uterine Ablation

Buzzle Staff
If your periods last too long or are heavy, your doctor may prescribe medications to curb the profuse flow. However, if the medications do not work, you may be suggested to opt for a uterine ablation, which is a very good alternative to hysterectomy.
Severe blood loss can be associated with a number of reasons. This problem of heavy blood loss is referred to as menorrhagia, and it affects more than 10 million women in the United States. This condition is characterized by extremely heavy periods that last more than 7 days and is accompanied by symptoms, like fatigue, back pain, cramps, and anemia.
Uterine or endometrial ablation involves the destruction or removal of the endometrium (uterus lining). Fortunately, as this process does not require hospitalization, women who suffer from heavy uterine bleeding opt for this procedure instead of going in for a major surgery. Tap ahead for more information on this procedure.

When should I consider endometrial ablation?

Women opt for this procedure when:
  • Excessive bleeding makes them tired and anemic
  • Activities are limited because of their periods
  • The bleeding restricts them from having an intimate time with their partner
  • The bleeding has not responded to any other procedure
  • The process of childbearing is complete
  • They cannot opt for hysterectomy because of some medical problem

How can endometrial ablation be done?

It can be done using the following processes:
  • Electricity: In this process, a resectoscope with a loop or rolling ball electrode is used.
  • Heat: This process uses radio frequency and a balloon that has been filled with a saline solution that has been heated to 85ºC.
  • Freezing
  • Laser beams

How do I know if uterine ablation is right for me or not?

Your physician, after studying your medical history, will help you decide if it is right for you or not. Apart from that, he/she might also conduct other tests, such as blood tests, uterine lining sampling, ultrasonography, and/or hysteroscopy.

What does this procedure involve?

In this procedure, a narrow viewing tube is inserted through the cervix and vagina into the uterus. A camera, that is fitted to the viewing tube, allows the cavity to be shown on a TV monitor during the surgery.
Once the cavity is viewed, it is filled with a harmless liquid and then burned or vaporized using a heat-generated tool that is inserted through the viewing tube.

What do I need to take care of after the procedure?

After the procedure, the doctor may advise you to:
  • Meet him/her for about a week after the surgery
  • Not to have sexual intercourse for a specified period, which is usually 2 weeks or until the discharge stops
  • Avoid any activity that causes strain for at least 24 hours after the procedure

What are the risks associated with this procedure?

Usually, there are no risks associated with uterine ablation. Of course, if they do occur, they can be quite severe.
Some of the complications include:
  • Burns on the surface of the bowel or the uterus
  • Fluid in the lungs, also known as pulmonary edema
  • Accidental perforation or puncture of the uterus
  • Arterial blockage of flow within the lung, also known as pulmonary embolism
  • Opening of the uterus getting torn, which is also referred to as cervical laceration
After the procedure, it may take quite a few months to see the desired results. However, endometrial ablation greatly succeeds in decreasing the amount of blood lost during menstruation.
Most women tend to have lighter periods while a few others may stop menstruating completely. Despite that, there are still chances of getting pregnant, but it might turn out to be hazardous and end in a miscarriage. So, it is advisable to use contraception since this isn't a sterilization procedure.
Disclaimer: This post is for informative purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.