Endometrial Ablation

What is endometrial ablation?

Endometrial ablation is a treatment that destroys and reduces the lining of your uterus. The doctors at Platinum Women’s Health provide NovaSure endometrial ablation to treat heavy menstrual bleeding.

Endometrial ablation is minimally invasive, and it’s usually performed as an outpatient procedure. Your doctor inserts the NovaSure device through your vagina and cervix to reach your uterus, then NovaSure uses radiofrequency energy to heat your endometrial lining.

Why would I need an endometrial ablation?

Dr. Neal and Dr. Quinata use endometrial ablation to treat heavy menstrual bleeding that doesn’t respond to more conservative treatments, such as oral contraceptives or an intrauterine device (IUD).

Heavy menstrual bleeding includes periods that last for longer than a week or are so heavy that you need to change your tampon or pad as frequently as once an hour for several consecutive hours. You may also find yourself using two types of feminine hygiene products at the same time or having to wake up in the middle of the night to change your pad or tampon.

Heavy bleeding doesn’t just disrupt your day; it also contributes to fatigue and anemia, which can negatively impact your overall health and wellness.

What happens during an endometrial ablation procedure?

The NovaSure endometrial ablation treatment takes only five minutes and is usually performed with just a local anesthetic. Your doctor can also provide a mild sedative to keep you comfortable during your ablation.

During your procedure, you recline on a treatment table, as you do during a Pap smear or pelvic exam. Your doctor begins by inserting a speculum to hold your vagina open to access your cervix for insertion of the NovaSure device.

When the device is in place, your doctor turns on the radiofrequency energy, which heats and damages your endometrial lining. When your treatment is complete, your doctor turns the radiofrequency energy off and withdraws the NovaSure device.

Am I a good candidate for endometrial ablation?

Endometrial ablation is suitable for premenopausal women who are sure they don’t want to have any more children. While NovaSure isn’t a sterilization procedure, it can interfere with your fertility or cause dangerous pregnancy complications. The doctors can recommend an alternative treatment, such as an IUD if you want to have children in the future

If you suffer from heavy menstrual bleeding, call Platinum Women's Health or schedule a consultation online today to find out if endometrial ablation is the best treatment for you.