Heavy menstrual bleeding that causes discomfort may be remedied with endometrial ablation. Dr. Young Kim of Youngs OBGYN in Antioch, California, is a proficient OBGYN with over 40 years experience helping women reduce heavy menstrual bleeding. Call today or book an appointment online to find out if you’re an ideal candidate for the procedure.
Endometrial ablation is a surgical procedure to reduce the amount of blood during your menstrual flow. This happens by destroying (or ablating) the uterus lining (endometrium). For some women, after they have an endometrial ablation, their menstrual flow ends completely.
You can get pregnant after an endometrial ablation surgery, but your pregnancy may be considered high risk due to having had the procedure. Endometrial ablation may also cause an ectopic pregnancy, defined as a fetus that develops in the cervix or fallopian tubes rather than the uterus. Endometrial ablation may also increase your chances of a miscarriage since your uterus lining is affected by the procedure.
Postmenopausal women typically aren’t ideal candidates for endometrial ablation surgery. Neither are women with abnormalities in the uterus. The procedure also isn’t recommended if you’ve had or are at risk of having uterine cancer. Endometrial ablation isn’t recommended if you’ve had an infection in your pelvis.
As with any surgical procedure, complications, though rare, exist. They include:
Heat or cold damage to organs can occur, and this depends on whether cold- or heated-fluid instruments are used during the procedure. Surgical instruments can also cause puncture injuries.
This surgery requires no incisions. Instead, a tool is inserted between your vagina and uterus. The tools for the procedure vary depending on your circumstance. The size and condition of your uterus determines how endometrial ablation is done. You may have this procedure done at Dr. Kim’s office or in an operating room.
Endometrial ablation is a chosen treatment to mitigate or reduce your menstrual flow. If you’ve experienced excessive bleeding, this procedure may be the best option for you. Dr. Kim may recommend this treatment if you experience:
Usually, endometrial ablation becomes a recommendation after previous treatment options have shown low success rates. If you’ve been prescribed medication or had an intrauterine device (IUD) inserted but excessive bleeding continues, this surgery may be an option.
