Uterine Ablation Specialist

What is uterine ablation?

Uterine ablation is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses heat to destroy your endometrial lining. The physicians at Contemporary Women’s Care offer uterine ablation procedures if you live with heavy periods, and other medical and hormonal treatments, such as oral contraceptives or intrauterine devices, haven’t provided relief.

Uterine ablation procedures are effective. Around 90% of women who have the treatment have reduced menstrual flow and about 50% stop having periods altogether. The doctors provide uterine ablation as a last resort because of the potential effect it can have on your fertility.

What happens during the uterine ablation procedure?

During a uterine ablation procedure, your doctor provides a local or spinal anesthetic to help you stay comfortable and relaxed. In some cases, your doctor may recommend a mild sedative. You recline on a treatment table with your feet in stirrups throughout the procedure.

When you’re thoroughly numb, your doctor dilates your cervix and inserts an ablation device into your uterus. The ablation tool heats and damages your endometrial lining. The ablation procedure usually only takes 10 minutes. After your surgery, you may have some cramping and a watery discharge.

Contemporary Women’s Care offers a variety of ablation services including thermal balloon treatments, heat, electricity, and cryotherapy to destroy your endometrial lining. Your doctor will discuss your treatment options with you before your procedure.

Am I a good candidate for uterine ablation?

If you have heavy periods that disrupt your life and other treatments haven’t relieved your symptoms, your doctor may suggest uterine ablation. Your periods are considered abnormal if they usually last longer than eight days and your bleeding is heavy enough that you need to change your tampon or pad every two hours or less for several consecutive hours. Most women who have the procedure are premenopausal and don’t want to have any more children, but want to keep their uteruses.

Uterine ablation isn’t a suitable treatment if your heavy bleeding is due to cancer or if you have an active infection of your genital tract.

If heavy periods are interfering with your life, call Contemporary Women’s Care or schedule an appointment online today to find out if uterine ablation is right for you.