Endometrial ablation can put an end to heavy menstrual bleeding

Are you dealing with heavy menstrual bleeding? The endometrial ablation procedure may help you. This outpatient, minimally invasive procedure uses radiofrequency energy to destroy a layer of the uterine lining, or endometrium. Thinning the endometrium can reduce or stop heavy bleeding in women who have no plans to get pregnant in the future. See our Austin and Dripping Springs OB/GYNs to determine whether you are a good candidate for this procedure.

How this procedure reduces or stops heavy menstrual bleeding

During your period, you shed your uterine lining. For some women, this causes heavy or irregular bleeding. Our physicians can remove a thin layer of the endometrium to reduce or stop the bleeding in some patients. If you have periods that go on for longer than seven days or cause problems in your daily life, you might benefit from endometrial ablation.

It’s very important to consider whether or not you plan to have children. If you do, this procedure is not an option for you. Even though it’s very unlikely that you will get pregnant after the procedure, you or your partner will need to use birth control unless you have had a tubal ligation or your partner has had a vasectomy. There are other reasons why you may not be a candidate.

  • Abnormally shaped uterus

  • Post-menopausal

  • Uterine cancer

  • Having a uterine infection

  • Uterine disorders

  • Endometrial disorders

The benefits and risks of endometrial ablation

If you do have the procedure, you should notice a reduction or cessation of heavy bleeding due to endometriosis, uterine fibroids or polyps, irregular ovulation, and other problems.

This procedure is minimally invasive, so you will experience less bleeding, less risk of infection, and a faster recovery than you would with traditional surgery. However, every procedure has certain risks.

  • Slight risk of heavy bleeding or infection

  • Slight risk of the instruments puncturing the uterine wall or bowel

  • Allergic reaction

Things to know about the procedure

Our surgeons perform the NovaSure® procedure. During the endometrial ablation, our team doesn’t need to make any incisions. Instead, we pass a special medical device through your vagina, dilated cervix and into the uterus. The device delivers radiofrequency energy that gently heats and destroys a thin layer of the endometrium. The procedure itself is very quick, usually taking between five and 10 minutes.

After you go home, you may have some cramps, watery vaginal discharge that contains some blood, nausea, and the frequent need to urinate for the first 24 hours. In the rare event that you have problems urinating, heavy bleeding, intense cramps, smelly vaginal discharge or fever, you should call our physicians.

For most women, recovery time is short. You should feel like yourself again after two to three days. After about eight weeks to three months, you should begin to notice lighter bleeding during menstruation. You may stop bleeding altogether.

Our experienced Austin and Dripping Springs OB/GYNs are highly skilled and trained

You can rely on our experienced physicians when you need medication, endometrial ablation or a minimally invasive surgery to treat your heavy menstrual bleeding. We will work with you to help diagnose and treat your gynecologic issues. Contact us for an appointment.