Sterilization may be a good option to prevent pregnancy after ablation. A woman who has had ablation still has all her reproductive organs. Routine cervical cancer screening and pelvic exams are still needed.
Radiofrequency—A probe is inserted into the uterus through the cervix. The tip of the probe expands into a mesh-like device that sends radiofrequency energy into the lining.
The energy and heat destroy the endometrial tissue, while suction is applied to remove it. Freezing—A thin probe is inserted into the uterus. The tip of the probe freezes the uterine lining. Ultrasound is used to help guide the procedure. Heated fluid—Fluid is inserted into the uterus through a hysteroscope, a slender, light-transmitting device.
The fluid is heated and stays in the uterus for about 10 minutes. The heat destroys the lining. Heated balloon—A balloon is placed in the uterus with a hysteroscope.
Heated fluid is put into the balloon. The balloon expands until its edges touch the uterine lining. The heat destroys the endometrium. Microwave energy—A special probe is inserted into the uterus through the cervix. The probe applies microwave energy to the uterine lining, which destroys it. Electrosurgery—Electrosurgery is done with a resectoscope. A resectoscope is a slender telescopic device that is inserted into the uterus. It has an electrical wire loop, roller-ball, or spiked-ball tip that destroys the uterine lining.
This method usually is done in an operating room with general anesthesia. It is not as frequently used as the other methods. Thin, watery discharge mixed with blood, which can last a few weeks. You should also stop smoking. Your doctor will also discuss the procedures available for uterus ablation surgery and those that require general anesthesia and conscious sedation.
We do not recommend the removal of the uterus lining in postmenopausal women, those planning to get pregnant, or who have:. Pregnancy after ablation is rare, but it can happen. Women who undergo surgery should still use birth control methods. This is because complications can arise from pregnancy after ablation, as the endometrium would not support fetal development.
This can also increase the risk of having a miscarriage. Some women also choose to undergo sterilization after uterine ablation surgery. You can get back to your normal routine within a few days, and you may experience pain and bleeding for a few days. Some patients also have watery or bloody discharge within the first three weeks and nausea for the first 24 hours. Your surgeon may recommend that you avoid having sex, douching, or using tampons for the first few days. Let your healthcare provider know so they can suggest a different over-the-counter medication.
Now that we have covered what you can expect during your uterine ablation recovery, we can move on to discuss the risks and complications of the procedure.
Uterus ablation risks and complications are rare, but all surgical procedures carry some risks. Here is a list of some possible complications that patients can experience :. Additionally, people who have a history of painful periods or have undergone tubal sterilization may have a higher risk of developing worsening pain after uterine ablation surgery. They should also talk to their doctor if they smoke, drink or have diabetes or obesity as these can increase the risk for complications. Some patients may start having heavier and longer periods again after a few years.
An endometrial biopsy would be beneficial to determine the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding. Still, it would not be able to take place because of the scar tissue that develops from the initial ablation surgery. They may also develop cyclic pelvic pain months or years after the procedure, which may be similar to labor pain. In addition, the healthcare provider may perform an ultrasound to detect a hematometra. It is easily detectable as the menstrual blood that accumulates in the uterine cavity appears as black dots.
Patients that experience bleeding or cyclic pelvic pain months or years following ablation surgery may consider the following:. If you have uterine fibroids, heavy periods, or endometriosis, you can undergo uterine ablation surgery to treat your condition. Long periods are described as lasting longer than 7 days.
Menstrual bleeding problems may be caused by hormone problems. This is especially true for women nearing menopause or after menopause. Other causes include abnormal tissues such as fibroids, polyps, or cancer of the endometrium or uterus.
Endometrial ablation lessens menstrual bleeding or stops it completely. You may not be able to get pregnant after endometrial ablation. This is because the endometrial lining, where the egg implants after being fertilized, has been removed. Pregnancies that occur after an endometrial ablation are not normal, therefore it is important to use a reliable form of birth control. You will still have your reproductive organs. You may have other risks based on your condition.
Be sure to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider before the procedure. You may have an endometrial ablation in your healthcare provider's office, as an outpatient, or during a hospital stay.
The way the test is done may vary depending on your condition and your healthcare provider's practices. The type of anesthesia will depend on the procedure being done. It may be done while you are asleep under general anesthesia. Or it may be done while you are awake under spinal or epidural anesthesia.
If spinal or epidural anesthesia is used, you will have no feeling from your waist down. The anesthesiologist will watch your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and blood oxygen level during the procedure.
The recovery process will vary, depending on what type of ablation you had and the type of anesthesia used. If you had spinal, epidural or general anesthesia, you will be taken to the recovery room. Once your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing are stable and you are alert, you will be taken to your hospital room or sent home.
If you had the procedure as an outpatient, plan to have someone else drive you home. You may want to wear a sanitary pad for bleeding. It is normal to have vaginal bleeding for a few days after the procedure.
You may also have a watery-bloody discharge for several weeks. You may have strong cramping, nausea, vomiting, or the need to urinate often for the first few days after the procedure. Cramping may continue for a longer time. Do not to douche, use tampons, or have sex for 2 to 3 days after an endometrial ablation, or as advised by your health care provider.
You may also have other limits on your activity. These may include no strenuous activity or heavy lifting. Take a pain reliever for cramping or soreness as recommended by your healthcare provider. Aspirin or certain other pain medicines may increase the chance of bleeding and should not be taken. Be sure to take only recommended medicines.
Your healthcare provider may give you other instructions after the procedure, based on your situation. Talk with your healthcare provider about appropriate types of birth control for you. Health Home Treatments, Tests and Therapies. He or she can use: Electricity electrical or electrocautery. In this method, your provider uses an electric current that travels through a wire loop or roller ball. The current is put on the uterus lining to destroy it.
Fluids hydrothermal. This method uses heated fluid. It is pumped into the uterus to destroy the lining. Balloon therapy. Your health care provider puts a thin tube catheter into the uterus. The catheter has a balloon at the end.
Your provider fills the balloon with fluid and heats it. The heated fluid destroys the lining.
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