What is Endometrial Ablation?

This is the surgical removal of the lining of the uterus (womb). It may involve using heat, cold temperatures, microwave energy, or other methods.

Endometrial ablation will likely make menstrual flow lighter. In some cases, it stops menstrual flow completely. The procedure is used to treat menorrhagia (recurrent heavy periods not controlled by medicine).

Talk to your doctor about your plans for having a baby. This procedure decreases your chance of pregnancy.

Possible Complications

Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have endometrial ablation, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Complications related to anesthesia
• Uterine perforation or organ injury
• Edema (swelling) due to fluid leakage and absorption
• Thermal (heat) injury to the vagina, vulva, or bowel

Some factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

• Pregnancy or possible pregnancy—procedure should not be done if there is a chance that you are pregnant
• History of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)—may trigger a recurrence of PID
• Inflammation of the cervix
• Being overweight or obese
• Smoking

Be sure to discuss...