Your provider may recommend this procedure if you experience:

• Menorrhagia: Unusually heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding.
• Bleeding that soaks through a pad or tampon every hour for several consecutive hours.
• Anemia (low blood count) due to excessive blood loss.
• Bleeding that significantly impacts your daily life, work, and social activities.

To ensure you are ready for your ablation, please follow these steps:

• Consultation: You will have a thorough discussion with your provider to confirm that ablation is the right choice for you. This may include a physical exam and a review of your medical history.
• Pre-Procedure Tests: Your doctor might perform a hysteroscopy or an ultrasound to examine your uterus. A biopsy of the uterine lining may also be taken to rule out cancer.
• Medications: Inform your doctor of all medications, herbs, and supplements you are taking. You may be asked to stop taking blood-thinning medications like aspirin or ibuprofen for a period before the procedure.
• The Day Before: Follow any specific instructions given by our clinic regarding eating or drinking. Arrange for someone to drive you home, as you will not be able to drive after receiving anesthesia or sedation.

The procedure is typically performed in our clinic or as an outpatient procedure at a hospital. You will be given medication to help you relax and manage pain. Your provider will insert thin instruments through your cervix into your uterus to deliver the treatment that removes the uterine lining. The entire process usually takes less than 45 minutes.

Recovery is generally quick for most women. You can expect:

• Cramping: Similar to menstrual cramps, for 1-2 days. Over-the-counter pain relievers usually help.
• Vaginal Discharge: A watery, bloody discharge is common and can last for a few days up to a few weeks.
• Activity: Most women return to normal activities within a day or two. Please avoid intercourse, using sex toys, douching, and using tampons or menstrual cups until your provider gives you clearance (usually after your first follow-up visit).

Your periods should become much lighter. For many women, periods stop completely. It may take a few months to see the final results.

While endometrial ablation is a safe procedure, all medical treatments have potential risks. Though rare, these can include:

• Pain or cramping
• Infection
• Bleeding
• Perforation (an accidental puncture) of the uterine wall
• Burns to the uterus or nearby organs

Please contact our office immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms after your procedure:

• Fever higher than 100.4°F (38°C)
• Severe abdominal or pelvic pain that is not relieved by medication
• Heavy bleeding (soaking more than two pads per hour for two consecutive hours)
• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
• Difficulty urinating