The recovery process after an endometrial ablation varies, depending on what type of ablation you had. Healing time usually happens quickly. Most women are back to their normal routine within a week. 

It’s common to feel nausea and have an urge to urinate for the first 24 hours following the procedure. Some cramping and bleeding should be expected for a few days, and a watery or bloody discharge can occur for up to three weeks. Doctors recommend wearing a sanitary pad and changing it often. Do not use a douche or tampons while recovering from an endometrial ablation. 

For the first few days after the procedure, women can have pain and swelling in their lower abdomen, which could feel like menstrual cramps. To help ease the pain, place a hot water bottle or heating pad on the belly for a half hour at a time. 

Take any pain medication that the doctor directs. Typically, an over-the-counter pain medicine such as ibuprofen is all that’s needed. Do not take aspirin, as it can exacerbate any bleeding.

Women recovering from endometrial ablations can take showers as soon as they like, but shouldn’t soak in a bath or swimming pool. Wait until vaginal discharge has stopped completely. 

Women’s Integrated Healthcare, P.A., based in Fort Worth and Southlake, Texas, has additional resources about endometrial ablations. Read more here.