Endometrial ablation is a surgical practice that aims to remove or ablate the uterus lining, also known as the endometrium.
The endometrium ablation procedure minimizes or stops heavy menstrual bleeding. The endometrium procedure is not a surgery; therefore, there is no cut involved. Instead, Dr. Paoloni of River City Ob/Gyn inserts small tools in the vagina to get to the uterus.
When is endometrial ablation done?
The endometrial ablation procedure is a treatment for women who experience heavy menstrual blood loss. The treatment is recommended if you experience the following:
- Anemia due to excessive blood loss
- Heavy bleeding that goes for more than one week
- A heavy period is also defined as soaking a tampon or a pad every two or fewer hours
First, your expert healthcare provider generally begins by prescribing an intrauterine device, which is also known as IUD, or medications to minimize menstrual bleeding. When other therapies, prescriptions, and treatments don’t help, endometrial ablation is the option.
Endometrial ablation is not recommended if you have the following:
- An active pelvic infection
- Specific abnormalities in your uterus
- An increased risk of uterine cancer or cancer of the uterus
What endometrial ablation treats
The outstanding benefit of the treatment is that it offers an alternative to hysterectomy and chronic medication treatments if you suffer from heavy and painful periods.
An endometrial ablation procedure can be carried out to reduce endometriosis symptoms, which often results in a heavy, painful, and irregular period. The procedure also helps women reduce pain when there is no relief from using other therapies and treatments but don’t want a hysterectomy procedure.
Women struggling with AUB, which is also known as abnormal uterine bleeding, may have global endometrial ablation performed.
GEA is a slightly invasive procedure that involves the ablation of the uterine lining through cryotherapy, radiofrequency, or heat.
Final verdict
The procedure isn’t a sterilizing procedure; therefore, pregnancy may still be possible. However, pregnancy will likely be unsafe and may end in miscarriage. Endometrial ablation reduces the amount of blood lost during menstruation, although it may take a few months to get the final results. In most cases, patients will experience lighter periods, while some will stop having periods entirely.
River City Ob/Gyn uses the most advanced technology to diagnose and treat women suffering from endometriosis, heavy or irregular periods, or other gynecological issues. If you need specialty OB/GYN care in Richmond, Virginia, contact River City Ob/Gyn for an appointment. We are happy to help!
