What Is a Thermal Endometrial Ablation?

Endometrial ablation is a medical procedure in which a woman's uterine lining is removed. This may be an option for women suffering from heavy menstrual bleeding and severe PMS symptoms. With thermal endometrial ablation, your doctor will insert a "balloon" into your uterus. She'll fill the balloon with fluid and heat it gently. The fluid will circulate in your uterus for about eight minutes, after which your doctor will remove the fluid and the balloon. You will then shed your uterine lining over the next week.

Types

• Thermal ablation is one technique that is used. Other ablation techniques that may be used include freezing, laser, electrical current and radiofrequency.

Side Effects

• Side effects from this procedure may include vaginal discharge (lasting days or weeks), nausea and vomiting.

Warnings

• Talk to your doctor about possible complications from this procedure. Rare complications may include damage to other internal organs, uterus perforation and blood loss (treatable with a blood transfusion).

Considerations

• According to Aetna, women who undergo any type of endometrial ablation, including thermal, are not likely to become pregnant afterward. However, it is still possible, so use birth control. Pregnancies after endometrial ablation can be dangerous and may result in serious health risks (such as a miscarriage) for both the mother and the baby.

Benefits

• Thermal endometrial ablation is a short procedure that can be performed on an outpatient basis.