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What Are the Side Effects of Endometrial Ablation?

Endometrial ablation is an outpatient procedure which utilizes various methods for burning and destroying the endometrial tissue. The procedure is commonly used to alleviate heavy bleeding but is less severe than hysterectomies, which were the choice procedure before.

  1. Significance

    • The average woman looses 2 oz. of blood throughout her period. Menorrhagia, which is excessive menstrual bleeding, occurs in one out of five women. Endometrial ablation is the most common medical procedure used to remedy these situations.

    Types

    • There are six procedures that can be used to perform the enodometrial ablation. Which of the six procedures is performed depends on the medical professional and the needs of the patient. Whether through radio frequency, liquid or mesh, all procedures seek to burn the endometrial tissue by entering through the vagina, leaving no incisions.

    Side Effects

    • The most common side effects to endometrial ablation is cramping. Although the pain can last for a few days, it is similar to those experienced during typical menstruation. Some patients may experience a blood-tinted, watery discharge that can last for a few weeks. Some patients experience feelings of nausea, but most of these side effects go away within a few days.

    Recovery Time Frame

    • Because endometrial ablation is a no-scalpel procedure, recovery time is only about 2 hours. Pain reducing medication is usually utilize to ease discomfort. The outpatient procedure rarely takes more than an hour and usually patients are kept for a few hours as a precaution.

    Warning

    • There are severe risks which should be considered. Although rare, it is possible to experience burns to areas exposed throughout the procedure like the vulva and bowels. Embolisms are always a possibility and are extremely dangerous. Although pregnancy is not likely after the procedure, it can occur. Reliable birth control is indicated.

    Considerations

    • Endometrial ablation is usually considered for pre-menopausal women, but it is becoming more common for woman who are finished with child bearing or who do not plan to have children. It is best to have a gynecological consultation to evaluate the procedure's availability.

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