Our Grapevine and Fort Worth ObGyn team restores health with endometrial ablation
In our Grapevine and Fort Worth ObGyn offices, our team focuses on optimizing women’s health. We treat women of all ages at Women’s Integrated Healthcare, from girls just starting menstruation to older patients coping with menopause. Often, our patients come to us with female issues such as irregular bleeding. After reviewing the patient history and talking with the individual, your Grapevine and Fort Worth ObGyn may recommend endometrial ablation.
Explanations for irregular bleeding from our Grapevine and Fort Worth ObGyn teams
Once a woman enters puberty, she will begin having monthly menstrual cycles. Typically, a menstrual cycle lasts 7 to 10 days. In some cases, women deal with excessive bleeding. In these cases menstrual bleeding may last for an extended time or become heavier than normal. As a first course of action, your Grapevine and Fort Worth ObGyn may suggest birth control pills or an intrauterine device, also known as an IUD. When these options don’t provide success, your physician may recommend endometrial ablation.
Who should consider endometrial ablation?
Generally, your Grapevine and Fort Worth ObGyn will advise having an endometrial ablation for patients with the following symptoms:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding that soaks through a tampon or pad in 2 hours or less
- Cycles that last longer than 8 days
- Development of anemia or other issues from the heavy bleeding
How long does it take to heal after endometrial ablation?
It doesn’t take long to recover from endometrial ablation. Many women go back to work or routine activities within a week. You should be fully recovered in 2-3 weeks with minor symptoms during recovery such as cramping, bleeding or water or bloody discharge.
Is endometrial ablation painful?
According to Matthew Hopkins, MD, “endometrial ablation has failure rates ranging from 15% to 30%. Two consistent reasons for failure are persistent bleeding and new or worsening pain. Endometrial regrowth and intrauterine scarring are thought to be key factors in this pain process.” Talk to your doctor about managing pain and recovery.
What are the side effects of endometrial ablation?
Some minor side effects can occur for a few days after your procedure. These include cramping, nausea and frequent urination that may last for 24 hours. A watery discharge mixed with blood may be present for a few weeks after the procedure, and can be heavy for the first few days.
Does endometrial ablation cause hormonal changes?
Each month, hormonal changes cause the lining to thicken in readiness for implantation by a fertilized egg. If conception does not occur it breaks down, leading to menstrual bleeding. Since menstrual blood arises entirely from the endometrium, its destruction effectively halts or reduces blood loss during menstruation.
Understanding the endometrial ablation process
Before the procedure, your ObGyn will perform a physical exam and request blood work to make sure you are a good candidate for the endometrial ablation procedure. During outpatient surgery, your physician will dilate the cervix and then employ a technique utilizing heated fluids or electrotherapy to destroy the endometrial lining inside the uterus. We will monitor patients for a short time after the procedure and most women return home the same day.
Can periods return after endometrial ablation?
There is always the slight possibility that your heavy periods may return after having endometrial ablation. An Endometrial Ablation removes the lining of your womb. In some cases post-operation, patients have reported continuance of a period. However, this is rare, and they typically are lighter.
Follow up with our Grapevine and Fort Worth ObGyn practice after an endometrial ablation
Immediately after the ablation, you may experience nausea, cramping, frequent urination and vaginal discharge, which may appear watery and tinged with blood. Usually, the discharge becomes clear in a couple of days, but may last for up to 2 weeks. Most women notice decreased bleeding from the procedure within a few weeks, but it can take several months to see optimal results. Although the ablation removes the uterine lining and typically results in infertility, pregnancy can still occur, so your Grapevine and Fort Worth ObGyn will discuss birth control options during your follow-up visit.
At Women’s Integrated Healthcare, our Grapevine and Fort Worth ObGyn team is committed to supporting the needs of our patients. If you are experiencing irregular bleeding, our trained physicians can explain the endometrial ablation procedure and discuss potential benefits with you. Contact us for more information or to make an appointment.
