What is an Endometrial Ablation?

What is endometrial ablation?

Excessively heavy menstrual periods can be very disruptive to a woman’s everyday life, and even lead to heath problems like anemia. Endometrial ablation is a relatively common procedure that surgically ablates or “burns” the lining of the uterus – or the endometrium. By destroying the lining, menstrual flow will be greatly reduced and sometimes even stopped for good.

Why choose an ablation?

Endometrial ablation procedures have improved greatly over the last several years. The procedure is short (usually takes just a few minutes!), relatively low-risk, and is often performed in an outpatient setting or even in the office. Ablation has very high rates of patient satisfaction and efficiacy (>90%), and is a less invasive alternative to a hysterectomy with fewer days away from work.

Is the ablation right for me?

Women who are having heavy menstrual bleeding and are finished having children may benefit from an ablation. The reasons for the heavy menstual bleeding must be evaluated prior to the procedure to be sure you are a good candidate. This usually includes studies such as a pap smear, ultrasound and an endometrial biopsy.

Which patients are not right for an ablation?

For patients who are considering future pregnancy, ablation is not a good choice. Ablation of the endometrium can make it difficult or impossible to carry a pregnancy (although it is not considered a contraceptive method). Patients with a history of pelvic pain should talk with their OB-Gyn about the pain; there are some situations when an endometrial ablation may cause an increase in pain. Also, if you are at risk for endometrial cancer, the ablation procedure may make it difficult to diagnose this condition in the future.

Author

R Ellen Eye, MD, FACOG Rita Ellen Eye, MD is a board-certified OB/GYN physician who joined Premier OB-Gyn in 2014. Dr. Eye is originally from Potosi, Missouri, a small town near St. Louis (and she remains a loyal fan of the St. Louis Cardinals!). She graduated from her high school as Valedictorian. She attended Missouri University of Science and Technology, earning her Biological Sciences degree while graduating with Magna Cum Laude honors. She received her doctoral degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2006. Dr. Eye went on to complete her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology and was honored by being elected Chief Resident at the University of Oklahoma in Tulsa. She began her successful private practice in Texas where she lived and worked for four years before moving to Florida. She is married to husband Chet and a proud mom to a sweet daughter named Faith. Dr. Eye is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.