Question 1

is an endometrial ablation painful?

Accepted Answer

Varies: Most ablations are done with some form of anesthesia such as IV sedation, local injections, or even being put to sleep.  I have found that most patients have some cramping after, but it is rarely considered severe.

Question 2

is having an endometrial ablation safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes : It's safe, effective, and  very well tolerated. The safety profile is quite good .  Typically it is safer than a hysterectomy - depending on the type/equipment  used.

Question 3

can a endometrial ablation be reversed?

Accepted Answer

Not usually: Sometimes endometrial ablation procedures are "incomplete" and minimal periods still occur. The endometrium post procedure normally is  very thin or non existent  and unable to allow implantation after conception.

Question 4

what is involved in endometrial ablation?

Accepted Answer

Depends on type: Usually it involves either local anesthesia with IV sedation or a gen anesthetic. The procedure involves treatment, removal, or ablation of the endometrium. The effect either eliminates the uterine lining or scars the lining to itself. The goal is to decrease menses or if lucky, eliminate it with minimal surgery. You would also need effective birth control since you shouldn't conceive afterwards.

Question 5

what happens after an endometrial ablation?

Accepted Answer

Stops bleeding: An endometrial ablation purposely destroys the "endometrium" or lining of the uterus, in order to stop severe heavy menstrual bleeding.  It is normal to have cramping and pain for the first few days of recovery, which is treated with medication.  After that, a woman will not periods at all anymore, or if she does, they will be very light.  She will also no longer be able to carry a pregnancy.

Question 6

why would you have an endometrial ablation done?

Accepted Answer

Very heavy bleeding: Endometrial ablation is used to treat very heavy menstrual bleeding when medical or non-surgical treatments fail or are not advised for other reasons.  Ablation is not appropriate for someone who would like to have more children.

Question 7

how do you decide what kind of endometrial ablation to have?

Accepted Answer

In office: While there are many different techniques for endometrial ablation, ( heat, cold, fluid, balloon, resection, etc. ) they all have been shown to be effective in improving heav menses. Assuming that you are a candidate and are not interested in future fertility, consider discussing with your gyn about having the ablation in an office environment - numerous benefits.- cost, no iv, faster recovery...

Question 8

which is better endometrial ablation vs hysterectomy?

Accepted Answer

It depends: Like so many situations in medicine there is not 1 single answer to this question. It depends on the patient's health, the other medical problems, their ability to undergo surgery.  Ablation can be done as an outpatient, hysterectomy involves cutting & a longer recovery time.  Hysterectomy avoids most if not all risk of future cancer by removing the organ, a small risk remains if ablation is done.

Question 9

is it normal to observe bleeding following an endometrial ablation one year ago?

Accepted Answer

No: Ablation is a safe and effective procedure and a good option for many women with excessive bleeding. A common "risk" is failure to work effectively.

Question 10

is it normal to have discharge and pass tissue 8 weeks after endometrial ablation?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes: If not all of the a ablatted tissue passes at once you could pass tissue later during normal menstration.  Consult your OB though.

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Can a endometrial ablation be reversed?

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What is involved in endometrial ablation?

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What happens after an endometrial ablation?

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Why would you have an endometrial ablation done?

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How do you decide what kind of endometrial ablation to have?

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Which is better endometrial ablation vs hysterectomy?

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