ENDOMETRIAL ABLATION
Endometrial Ablation, Gainesville, Texas
An Endometrial Ablation is a conservative alternative to a hysterectomy that surgically eliminates a small layer of tissue in the uterine lining. As a result, the patient will have lighter menstrual cycles or will stop having them altogether.
One of the unique factors of endometrial ablation is that it doesn’t require any incisions. This significantly reduces the risk of infection while shortening recovery time, so that you can get back to your normal daily activities quicker than with alternative surgical procedures.
What can Endometrial Ablation treat?
Endometrial Ablation is a procedure that is used to treat heavy menstrual flow and women who have completed childbearing. Irregular bleeding and painful periods can be disrupting to women’s lives, with some not able to go out during menstruation. With endometrial ablation, women can alleviate these symptoms and restore comfort back to their lives. Heavy periods can be caused by a variety of conditions such as fibroid uterus or endometriosis.
This treatment offers a range of benefits:
- No incisions required
- Periods reduced or eliminated
- Reduced pain during sex
- Eliminates period-induced pain
How Is Endometrial Ablation Performed?
There are a variety of methods of Endometrial Ablation, all with the goal of destroying the endometrial tissue and putting an end to heavy bleeding. Each method requires no incisions and instead uses thin tools to reach your uterus.
Hydrothermal
Fluid is gently pumped into the uterus and then heated. Within 10 minutes, your uterine lining will be destroyed.
Heated Balloon Therapy
A special balloon is guided with a thin tube into the uterus, where heated fluid fills the balloon to expand it and destroy the lining and endometrial tissue.
High-Energy Radio Waves
An electrical mesh is inserted into your uterus and then expanded. The energy and heat produced by radio waves damage the lining, which is then removed with suction.
Freezing
Also known as “Cryoablation,” a cold and thin probe is inserted and freezes off the uterine lining.
Microwave
A wand is inserted into the uterus, which then emits microwave energy to destroy the uterine lining.
Electrical
What are the benefits?
Endometrial Ablations are an effective method for easing heavy bleeding and is an outpatient procedure that can have you back to work the next day compared to weeks of healing with invasive surgeries. After an Endometrial Ablation, most patients generally have complete amenorrhea or no menstrual bleeding each month. Others, notice a significantly decreased amount of menstrual blood each month.
However, the bleeding will be less heavy and more manageable. In some cases, women who undergo this procedure continue to experience more bleeding than they would like years down the road. At this point, additional procedures may be necessary.
Is there any downtime or side effects?
There is essentially no downtime. You can return home the same day and resume your daily activities within the following 1-2 days. Patients may experience menstrual-like cramping for a few days after endometrial ablation. Women may also have to go to the bathroom frequently for the next 24 – 48 hours.
Some women experience nausea; however, this should subside within a few days. It is also common for women to have a watery discharge mixed with blood for a few weeks following.
Am I a candidate?
Women who have experienced failed hormonal means of controlling their menstrual cycle or who have persistently painful heavy periods make good candidates for Endometrial Ablations. Your OB/GYN may recommend this procedure as it can benefit women who soak a pad or tampon every two hours, have menstrual cycles that lasts longer than eight days, or lose enough blood to cause anemia.
It is important to note that ablation techniques are not a form of birth control and it is necessary to continue using contraception or have another form of a sterilization procedure performed either prior to Endometrial Ablation or at the same time as your ablation.
In addition to endometrial ablation, we also offer feminine rejuvenation treatments such as the Monalisa Touch. Book a consultation today and see how you can improve your reproductive health and well-being!