Endometrial ablation is a non- Surgical procedure that destroys the lining of your uterus to reduce your flow during menstruation. Every month women get their periods which is nothing but The uterus shedding its lining. Through endometrial (uterus lining) ablation(destroy), the menstrual flow is brought down or sometimes even completely stopped .
Menstrual flow differs from woman to woman. While some may have a light and manageable flow or pain, some women experience heavy flow and a lot of pain that even prevents them from carrying on with their regular activities. Some women take painkillers to help them through these 2 or 3 days but for some, even these painkillers don’t work.
When a woman has an unusually heavy period that soaks a pad or a tampon within just 2 hours or lasts for more than 8 days and leads to anaemia or severe weakness, it is not normal. She cannot go through such a cycle every month. So to reduce this bleeding, the doctor might suggest endometrial ablation.
Usually, the first course of action by a doctor to reduce such heavy bleeding is to prescribe medications or an IUD. If these are not feasible or do not work, then they will suggest Endometrial ablation.
Unfortunately, no. Even if you have severe bleeding, you cannot have an endometrial ablation if:
· If you already have or are at risk of uterine cancer
· Have abnormalities in your uterus
· Have an active pelvic infection
· If you are post-menopausal
· Have a C-Section scar
· The uterine wall is weak
· Have a uterus or endometrium disorder
If you have these complications and are experiencing severe menstrual flow, get in touch with a specialist to discuss your options.
Let’s take a deeper look into this endometrial ablation and understand how the doctor will help bring down your menstrual flow. Endometrial ablation is not an invasive procedure, so the doctor will not cut or make an incision anywhere in your body. They will insert a thin tool into your uterus through your vagina. The tool they use will depend on the type of ablation.
The different types of ablation a doctor can suggest for you are:
In this method, your doctor will pass a thin tube through your uterus. This thin tube will have a special balloon at the end. Next, they will fill this balloon with heated fluid, which will expand and destroy the lining of your uterus.
In this method, your doctor will pump your uterus with fluid. Next, they will heat the fluid and in 10 minutes or so, it will destroy the lining of your uterus.
Also known as cryoablation, in this technique, your doctor will use a thin probe with a very cold tip and freeze the lining of the uterus.
Microwave energy is used via a special wand to destroy the uterine lining.
In this method of endometrial ablation, the doctor will insert an electrical mesh into the uterus and expand it. Next, they will use strong radio waves to send heat and energy to this mesh and destroy the uterine lining. With the help of suction, the mesh and the destroyed lining are taken out.
This method is generally not used by most doctors. In this method, the doctor will destroy the uterine lining using an electric current.
So, can periods return after endometrial ablation? For some women, the menstrual flow will decrease; for some, it may even stop completely. Though you may not have your monthly periods, you are not sterile. So, you need to use contraception if you do not want to get pregnant.
One of the biggest concerns of women who undergo this procedure is –What if the ablation stops menstrual flow completely? Can I get pregnant after that?
Yes, you can get pregnant after an endometrial ablation procedure. However, since the lining of the uterus has been damaged and altered, it can be risky for both mother and the baby. Endometrial ablation can lead to an ectopic pregnancy – where the fertilized egg attaches to the fallopian tube instead of the uterus or even lead to a miscarriage due to the weak uterus.
Since there is no surgical incision, the recovery should not take more than a few days. In the first 24 hours following your endometrial ablation, you may experience an urge to pee or even feel nauseous. In the following 3 weeks, you may bleed and have a bloody or watery discharge along with some cramping.
To help you recover fully and quickly, your doctor might prescribe some medications and limit your physical activity. This includes abstaining from sex, the use of tampons or douching.
Remember to not self-medicate your pain or bleeding as it might interfere with the other medications or the body’s way of recovery. Always discuss your issues and concerns with your doctor and get medical help.
If you notice any of the following during your recovery time, you need to consult your doctor at the earliest:
· Vaginal discharge has a strong odour
· Stomach pain or cramps are very strong and intense
· Heavy bleeding or if the bleeding does not stop even 2 days after the procedure
· You have trouble passing urine
· Fever or chills
Sometimes, endometrial ablation alters your uterine lining. While most times it does help in relieving your pain or symptoms successfully, it can sometimes have the following rare complications:
· Infection
· Damage to the nearby organs when the procedure is not done properly
· Surgical instruments can puncture or injure the uterine wall
The chances you might suffer the above complications are very low. Ensure you opt for a well-qualified doctor from a well-reputed institution with facilities to attend to any complications at the earliest.
So is endometrial ablation worth it? Does going through all the medical procedures positively impact your health? Periods or menstrual cycle is meant to be a regular part of a woman’s life. It is not meant to disrupt her lifestyle. If you are unable to carry on with your regular activities because of your periods then endometrial ablation can help all e vi ate this issue.
When you undergo a cervical ablation or a nova sure ablation procedure, your period’s flow will decrease considerably, after a few months. Sometimes, you may not have any menstrual flow.
Tri care covers procedures that are proven and needed. Some services may be covered in some plans. So talk to your representative before you undergo an endometrial ablation.
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When you undergo a cervical ablation or a NovaSure ablation procedure, your period’s flow will decrease considerably after a few months. Sometimes, you may not have any menstrual flow.
Tricare covers procedures that are proven and needed. Some services may be covered in some plans. So talk to your representative before you undergo an endometrial ablation.
Ablation may sometimes cause rare complications like pain, bleeding, infection, and damage to the adjacent organs when the procedure is not handled properly or when surgical instruments injure the uterine wall. Endometrial ablation may sometimes alter the uterine lining. The chances of negative side effects are low, but ensure you get the procedure from a qualified doctor at a reputable medical facility.
After an endometrial ablation, you should avoid vaginal penetration activities like using tampons or douching for at least two weeks or until the vaginal discharge stops. Avoid swimming and hot tubs to prevent bacterial entry into the uterus. Avoid strenuous exercise and lifting heavy objects as your body is still recovering. Avoid alcohol for a few days after the procedure, and do not take aspirin, as there is a risk of increased bleeding.
