Endometrial Ablation Infections

Endometrial ablation is a procedure used for treatment in women with excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding. There is a slight risk of infection caused by the procedure, according to MedicineNet.com.

Procedure

• In an endometrial ablation, doctors destroy a layer of the the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) to reduce or stop menstrual bleeding. The doctor will dilate the cervix and insert the surgical instruments into the uterus.

Symptoms

• According to Dr. Don Wescott in his article on Just the Berries for Family Physicians, "Patients with infection generally present several days or a few weeks later feeling generally unwell, with severe low back ache and a foul vaginal discharge."

Treatment

• Broad spectrum antibiotics are used to treat an infection after an endometrial ablation, according to Wescott. Antibiotics may be given through an IV.

Risks

• If the infection in the uterus is not treated immediately, it can spread to the fallopian tubes and into the pelvis. Pelvic inflammatory disease can result, causing infertility.

Prevention/Solution

• Some doctors will be prescribe prophylactic antibiotics before the surgery to help prevent infection after endometrial ablation.