Endometrial Ablation Specialist

What is endometrial ablation?

Endometrial ablation is a nonsurgical procedure to stop heavy menstrual bleeding from your uterus. The treatment involves ablating, or destroying, the endometrium that lines your uterus.

The goal of the treatment is to lessen menstrual flow. However, you may find your menstrual flow stops completely.

Why would I need endometrial ablation?

Endometrial ablation is meant to treat excessive menstrual blood loss. Dr. Anthony Gyang at Osceola Gynecology might recommend endometrial ablation if you have:

• Unusually heavy periods, such as periods that soak a tampon or pad every two hours or less
• Anemia from excessive blood loss
• Bleeding lasting longer than eight days

Endometrial ablation is typically recommended when other treatments haven’t worked. Your doctor may first suggest medications or an intrauterine device before considering endometrial ablation as an option.

What happens during endometrial ablation?

The procedure may be performed in the offices of Osceola Gynecology, but some types of endometrial ablation are performed in a hospital, particularly if you need general anesthesia.

The first step is widening your cervical opening to make room for the passage of the instruments used during endometrial ablation. Medications or a series of rods are used to gradually dilate your cervix.

There are several procedures and devices used to remove your endometrium. Your options include:

• Electrosurgery: A wire loop is inserted in the uterus and heated to remove the endometrium. Electrosurgery requires general anesthesia.
• Cryoablation: Uses two or three ice balls placed inside the uterus. The ice balls freeze and destroy the endometrium, as your doctor monitors the treatment with real-time ultrasound.
• Free-flowing hot fluid: Heated saline fluid is circulated within the uterus for about 10 minutes to remove the endometrium.
• Heated balloon: A balloon device is inserted in the uterus and then inflated with heated fluid to remove the endometrium.
• Microwave: A slender wand placed inside the uterus emits microwaves, heating and removing endometrial tissue.
• Radiofrequency: A device that transmits radiofrequency energy is inserted in the uterus to vaporize endometrial tissue in 1-2 minutes.

Dr. Gyang at Osceola Gynecology discusses with you the best treatment option for your condition.

What should I expect after endometrial ablation?

After treatment, you may feel menstrual-like cramps for a few days and experience a watery vaginal discharge for a few weeks. You should have lighter periods, though it may take a few months to see your full results.

If you’ve been searching for a solution to your heavy periods, call today or schedule a consultation online with the experienced women’s health experts at Osceola Gynecology.