Table of Contents

What is an endometrial ablation?
What is considered heavy bleeding?
Am I too old (or too young) to have an endometrial ablation?
Can you get an endometrial ablation for pelvic pain?
What is an endometrial ablation procedure like?
What are the benefits of NovaSure®?
What is the recovery process for an endometrial ablation?
Who should not receive an endometrial ablation?

What is an endometrial ablation?

Uterine ablation, medically known as endometrial ablation, Endometrial ablation is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat heavy menstrual bleeding (periods). The procedure works by ablating (scaring) the tissue in the lining of the uterus, which is called the endometrium. Because the endometrium is the tissue that causes bleeding, ablating this tissue may reduce menstrual bleeding to normal levels, lighter levels, or in some women completely stop bleeding altogether.

What is considered heavy menstrual bleeding?

Heavy menstrual bleeding is a common problem. About one out of three patients who get their period seek treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding. A period with bleeding totaling over 80 ml (or soaking a menstrual product within an hour or two) is considered heavy or excessive. Signs that you may have heavy menstrual bleeding include if you regularly:

● Change your saturated pads or tampons frequently (for example, every hour for several hours in a row).
● Wear more than one pad at a time or need to use both a tampon and a pad.
● Bleed for longer than a week during your period.
● Have symptoms associated with (low red blood cell count), such as tiredness or shortness of breath.
● Avoid or miss activities, work, or social events due to your menstrual bleeding.

Am I too old (or too young) to have a uterine ablation?

Endometrial ablation is most often recommended for women between the ages of 35 and 45 who struggle with long or heavy periods. You may have a long or heavy period if your period lasts longer than seven days or is so heavy that it affects daily activity or causes issues with anemia.

However, the procedure may also benefit those who deal with abnormal uterine bleeding like bleeding between periods or other issues.

Can you get a endometrial ablation for pelvic pain?

Pelvic pain can occur before and during menstruation and is usually described as cramps in the pelvis or lower abdomen. The severity can vary from month to month.

Pain prior to menstruation is called premenstrual syndrome (PMS). When pain is so severe that you can’t enjoy your normal, day-to-day activities, it’s referred to as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

PMDD usually, though not always, dissipates once menstruation begins.

Pain during menstruation is called dysmenorrhea. This pain may feel like cramps in the abdomen, or like a nagging pain in the thighs and lower back.

Because the endometrium is the tissue that causes bleeding, ablating this tissue may reduce menstrual bleeding, and therefore reduce pelvic pain associated with menstrual bleeding.

Next Steps

Ready to book your endometrial ablation consultation at Epiphany Women's Health? We are conveniently located in Peoria, IL, and we are here to get you back on top of your game and living your best life.

Please call us, or book an appointment online.