Which is better endometrial ablation vs hysterectomy?

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.

Depends on problem: If the main problem is heavy bleeding then an endometrial ablation is a safer minimally invasive first start. It is a simple procedure which can be done in the office under local anesthesia with minimal to no time off for recovery. If there are other problems then hysterectomy may be a better options. Discuss both and ask questions at your next visit.

Depends on goal: Endometrial ablation can have a dramatic effect on your periods. They will not however, always ensure that you will never get a period again. If you would be satisfied with lighter periods, then the ablation could be the answer for you. If, however, you never want a period again, hysterectomy is the only way to be sure to achieve that.

Dr Villaplana agreed