Endometrial Ablation

An endometrial ablation is a gynecologic procedure that consists of removing the lining of the uterus, also known as the endometrium, in order to control Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB) and its effects.

By using cold, heat, radiofrequency, and other types of energy, your provider is able to destroy the uterine lining and remove it. This can dramatically change your periods, making them lighter and more manageable.

Who Needs an One?

If you suffer from:

• Periods that last longer than eight days
• Experience heavy bleeding during menstrual phase
• Have a low red blood cell count (or anemia) due to blood loss

And medications haven’t worked when trying to manage these symptoms, your doctor can recommend an endometrial ablation. Other alternatives can be going on birth control pills or using an intrauterine device (IUD).

Nonetheless, endometrial ablation isn’t the right option if you:

• Are or wish to get pregnant
• Are post-menopausal
• Have certain uterus conditions
• Have uterine, cervical, or endometrial cancer or high risk of them
• Have a vaginal, cervical or pelvic infection
• Have a C-section scar

At Women’s Health Institute, we will assess your case and determine the best path to move forward so you can feel comfortable with your cycle and your body.

NovaSure for Endometrial Ablation

At Women’s Health Institute, we use NovaSure for this minimally-invasive, non-hormonal procedure. Thanks to its use of SmartDepth technology, it is one of the safest alternatives to deal with abnormally heavy periods.

NovaSure stands out from other methods because it:

• Is done in 5 minutes.
• Requires 14% less dilatation than other devices.
• Is not considered surgery, since no cuts are made.
• Does not use hormones.
• Is more precise with less invasive methods.

How It Works

At the start of the treatment, your doctor will insert a hysteroscope into your uterus to measure it and confirm that its conditions are appropriate. If so, the NovaSure device will be passed through your cervix and accommodated inside your womb. Radiofrequency energy will be emitted from inside your uterus to remove the endometrium lining.

Under the endometrium is the myometrium, which is a more dense muscle the RF can not penetrate. SmartDepth technology is constantly monitoring and measuring tissue impedance during the procedure, so when the endometrium has been ablated, it knows when to stop and prevents further damage to your system.

Endometrial ablation with NovaSure has the highest satisfaction rate among patients, and secures a customized result that adapts to each particular anatomy.

Will It Hurt?

Your type of endometrial ablation will determine what preventive measures will be taken in order to avoid pain. Some cases might require general anesthesia or sedative shots, while others can be perfectly handled through lighter pain medicine.

 Make sure you discuss your options beforehand with your medical provider.

What Are the Associated Risks?

While very rare, risks include allergic reactions, pain, abnormal bleeding, infections, uterus wall injuries, and heat or cold damage to nearby organs.

Please contact your provider if you notice:

• A strong-smelling discharge
• Fever
• Intense cramping
• You have trouble peeing
• Heavy bleeding for longer than 2 days

While possible, it is not recommended to get pregnant after undergoing an endometrial ablation because of the high risks it represents for the baby and the carrier. For example, when the endometrium has been damaged, the placenta may not implant correctly and result in an ectopic pregnancy.

If you’re considering an endometrial ablation for your AUB, your provider will discuss your fertility history and future plans with you. It is recommended you engage in long-term or definitive birth control methods after this procedure.

➡ Check out our Office Information for more on your gynecologic tests.