How Long Does It Take to Do an Endometrial Ablation?

Are you plagued by periods that are so excessively heavy that they profoundly affect your everyday life?

Do you bleed through your clothes on a regular basis and find yourself having to change pads in the middle of the night?

If so, then we encourage you to speak to us about whether or not an endometrial ablation would be right for you.

An endometrial ablation is a procedure that can help women with excessively heavy periods  that have not been successfully treated with medication.

For most women, periods will return after an endometrial ablation, but they will be lighter. In certain cases, periods will not return at all. However, it’s important to remember that an endometrial ablation isn’t a sterilization, which is why we encourage you to keep using contraception after the procedure.

There are a lot of important facts you should know about this procedure. We’ll take you through the most frequently asked questions and explain how long an endometrial ablation lasts.

What Is an Endometrial Ablation?

During this procedure, a thin layer of uterine lining is removed. As a result, menstrual periods return to a normal or even a lighter level than they were before the ablation.

Are There Different Types of Uterine Ablation?

Yes, and they can be performed using a variety of techniques. These include:

• Radiofrequency, where a probe sends radiofrequency energy to the lining in order to remove it.
• Freezing, in which the lining is frozen in order for it to be destroyed. Typically, an ultrasound is used to help guide this procedure.
• Heated fluid. Using a hysteroscope, fluid is heated and remains in the area for 10 minutes, removing the lining.

Other procedures to remove the lining use microwave energy, a heated balloon or electrosurgery.
However, at Associates in Women’s Health, we conduct endometrial ablations using the NovaSure procedure. This revolutionary technique uses radiofrequency to remove the uterine lining.

We use this technique not only because it is safe and minimally invasive, but because it is precisely designed to only remove your uterine lining (endometrium) without requiring incisions. It doesn’t require hormones and is a good alternative to a hysterectomy.

We believe this type of procedure best serves our patients, allowing a faster recovery and minimal discomfort.

How Long Does It Take?

Our NovaSure endometrial ablation procedure takes about five minutes. However, please note that this is the time for the procedure itself and does not include prep time.

We Tackle Your Frequently Asked Questions About Endometrial Ablation

What Happens During an Endometrial Ablation?

During our NovaSure endometrial ablation, we first dilate your cervix and then insert a small, tiny wand. This wand opens to extend a small, netted triangle-shaped device into your uterus. Once it’s in place, the netting expands to precisely fit the size and form of your uterus.

From there, precise radiofrequency waves are delivered into the uterus via the netting. This lasts around 90 seconds.

The device is then removed.

We use local anesthesia to minimize any discomfort you may feel during this procedure.

When Would I Need One?

If you have excessively heavy periods that have not been successfully treated with other methods such as medication, then you should speak to us about whether or not an endometrial ablation is the right choice for you.

What About Endometrial Ablation and Pregnancy?

You can NOT have an endometrial ablation if you are pregnant. In addition, it’s highly unlikely that you will get pregnant after having an ablation. If you do, there is a greater risk of problems such as miscarriage.

If you are still planning to have children or hope to get pregnant, then we suggest you should NOT have an endometrial ablation. Instead, talk to us about other alternative forms of treatment.

What Is the Recovery Like from an Endometrial Ablation?

Most women easily recover from an endometrial ablation, although there may be a few minor side effects including:

• A watery discharge with some blood that may continue for a few weeks
• 24 hours of frequent urination
• Nausea
• Cramping, which may continue for 1 -2 days.

Can an Endometrial Ablation Be Done as an Outpatient?

Yes, we are able to offer this procedure from the convenience of our office.

Are Heavy Periods Making You Miserable?

Often, heavy periods may be the sign of another underlying health condition, which is why we encourage you to schedule an appointment with us so we can tailor a treatment plan just for you.

Not all cases of heavy menstruation require an endometrial ablation, so we will work closely with you to see which method of treatment would be most appropriate.

See why generations of women have trusted us as gynecologists in the Raleigh area for decades. Schedule an appointment today .