Endometrial Ablation: An Advanced Approach for Treating Heavy Bleeding Issues During the Menstrual Cycle
Heavy prolonged or prolonged menstrual bleeding can be effectively treated with the destruction or removal of the endometrial lining of the uterus using a procedure known as endometrial ablation. This type of procedure can be carried out with minimal invasiveness, and it is considered safe and effective. women suffering from abnormal uterine bleeding that hasn’t proved responsive to medication may derive positive results from this procedure, provided they wish to avoid hysterectomy. This procedure is considered the preferred solution by many who desire to reduce excessive bleeding during menstruation without surgery.
Who Needs Endometrial Ablation?
Endometrial ablation is effective for women suffering from menorrhagia (excessive bleeding during menses) that severely affects their daily activities. The candidate selection for endometrial ablation generally comprises women who: experience excessive bleeding that soaks through a pad or a tampons in an hour’s time, suffer anemia as a consequence of overspending bleeding during menstruation, endure prolonged menstrual sequences spanning beyond a week’s time, do not wish to become pregnant or plan any future pregnancies but also wish to avoid surgical procedures such as hysterectomy, do not respond adequately to medication, birth control medication, or hormonal medication for menstrual modulation.
It’s crucial to understand that endometrial ablation is not advised for women who are planning on getting pregnant in the future because it appreciably shrinks the uterine lining, rendering pregnancy exceedingly challenging and in some cases impossible.
How Does Endometrial Ablation Work?
Endometrial ablation is a simple outpatient operation that takes only a few minutes and involves the removal or destruction of the endometrial tissue causing menstrual bleeding. These goals can be achieved via various techniques which include:
- Radiofrequency Ablation: Uses radiofrequency energy to heat and vaporize the endometrial lining.
- Cryoablation: Destroys the endometrial lining by freezing.
- Thermal Balloon Ablation: The lining is removed by a small balloon containing fluid at an elevated temperature that is placed in the uterus.
- Hydrothermal Ablation: Gentle removal of the endometrium using heated saline solution.
- Microwave Ablation: The endometrial lining is vaporized by microwave energy.
Most procedures are completed in 15–30 minutes, and no incisions are needed. They can return home the same day, with full recovery anticipated in a few days.
Recovery After Endometrial Ablation
Typically, the recovery phase following an endometrial ablation is rapid and uncomplicated. Most women have mild discomfort that is easy to manage. Here are a few symptoms that may arise a few days post procedure:
- Mild cramping which feels like menstrual cramps. This usually resolves within a day or two.
- You may experience watery or bloody discharge that can last for a few weeks.
- There may be increased urination or a feeling of needing to rush to the bathroom that gets better in a few days.
- Women can normally resume daily activities within 1-2 days. However, it’s best to refrain from heavy lifting, exercise, and sexual intercourse for 1-2 weeks after the procedure.
Are There Any Risks or Side Effects?
Unlike many medical procedures, endometrial ablation is very safe. However, like any procedure, there are inherent risks which include:
- Infection (rare, but still possible).
- Uterine perforation (very rare).
- Changes to menstrual cycles. Some women report lighter or even absent periods after the procedure.
- Heavy bleeding that, in some cases, can return and may require additional treatment.
Endometrial Ablation Results
Endometrial ablation results are subjective. A few women stop having periods altogether, while others notice a reduction in flow and duration. The success of treatment is influenced by age, hormonal levels, and the baseline severity of the condition being treated.
Why Endometrial Ablation at Ayushman Hospital?
Ayushman Hospital takes pride in offering quality gynecological services with Dr. Anju Kumar, a seasoned gynecologist who specializes in laparoscopic treatment of menstrual disorders. Our hospital is equipped with:
- Advanced devices enabling use of the latest technologies and techniques in endometrial ablation.
- Gentle, understanding, and skilled gynecologists place a high value on the well-being and comfort of their patients.
- Thorough counseling before the procedure to help the patient make an informed decision.
- Comprehensive post-procedure follow-up care to promote healing.
While we cannot deny the fact that heavy menstrual bleeding can be a source of distress for women, we seek to provide treatment that is both effective and uncomplicated.
Conclusion
Endometrial ablation effectively answers the problems related to heavy or irregular periods among women. It serves as a safe relief alternative to hysterectomy and major surgery. In case you are suffering from heavy menstrual bleeding and want a permanent solution that’s minimally invasive, then make an appointment with our experts at Ayushman Hospital to find out if endometrial ablation is suitable for you.
