We may recommend endometrial ablation if you’re experiencing heavy or abnormal bleeding and period pain during your menstrual cycle, and don’t plan to have any children.
During this procedure, a thin layer of tissue lining the uterus, known as the endometrium or endometrial lining, is removed through the vagina. This procedure isn’t surgery, and you don’t have to stay in the hospital. We perform endometrial ablations in our office.
Menstrual bleeding should lessen or stop completely. You may not be able to get pregnant after this procedure, because the endometrial lining is where the egg implants after being fertilized, and is removed. Pregnancies that occur after an endometrial ablation aren’t normal, therefore it’s important to use a reliable form of birth control. You will still have your reproductive organs.
Recovery
Typically you’re are able to go home about 2 hours after the procedure. You may want to wear a sanitary pad for bleeding. It’s normal to have bleeding for a few days after the procedure or watery-bloody discharge for several weeks.
While symptoms in women vary after an endometrial ablation, you may experience:
- Strong cramping
- Nausea or vomiting
- Urge to urinate often for the first few days after the procedure
Pain Relief
Take a pain reliever for cramping or soreness as recommended by our office. Aspirin or certain other pain medicines may increase the chance of bleeding and should not be taken. Be sure to only take recommended medicines.
Restrictions
Do not douche, use tampons, or have sex for 2 to 3 days after an endometrial ablation, or as instructed by our office. We will tell you about limits to your activity, such as no tiring activity or heavy lifting.
Diet
You may go back to your normal diet unless we tell you otherwise.
Warning Signs
Contact us immediately at 423-492-7100 if any of these symptoms occur:
- Foul-smelling drainage from your vagina
- Fever or chills
- Severe pain in your abdomen (stomach)
- Heavy bleeding, or heavy bleeding longer than 2 days after the procedure
- Trouble peeing
You can also find more information about this procedure by clicking here.