Endometrial Ablation

University of Iowa Health Care specialists offer endometrial ablation to stop heavy menstrual periods.

For Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN) related requests:

For all other requests:: 1-800-777-8442

Heavy menstrual periods can keep you from living an active, confident life.

If you have heavy periods and other treatments haven't worked, endometrial ablation may help.

UI Health Care gynecologists are experts in performing endometrial ablation.

This procedure uses radiofrequency energy to ablate/burn the lining of the uterus. The result is lighter menstrual periods or no periods at all.

If you and your surgeon determine that you're a candidate for this procedure and meet all the criteria—including not wanting to have any children in the future—endometrial ablation can greatly improve your quality of life.

Having endometrial ablation at UI Hospitals & Clinics

Endometrial ablation is a one-time procedure to lessen or stop bleeding during your period. It surgically burns the lining of the uterus (endometrium).

What to expect

Endometrial ablation is an outpatient procedure. This means you'll go home the same day.

You'll lie on a procedure table with your feet in stirrups, as for a pelvic exam.
You'll receive a sedative to relax you through an intravenous (IV) line in your hand.
Your provider will insert a speculum into your vagina so they can see your cervix. They'll inject numbing medication for pain relief.
They'll insert a thin probe into your uterus. Once inside, it expands into a triangular-shaped mesh device that fits the size and shape of your uterus.
The device sends radiofrequency energy into your uterine lining for about 90 seconds.
Your provider pulls the mesh back into the probe and removes both from your uterus. Nothing stays inside your body after the procedure.

After your ablation

After a couple of hours of rest, you'll be able to go home.

You may experience:

Nausea
Cramping or mild pain. THis can last a few hours or up to three days. Over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen will help.
Watery or bloody vaginal discharge. It may start out pinkish, then become clear and watery. This can last for several weeks.
The feeling that you need to urinate more often than usual. This usually lasts about a day.

You can return to work the day after your ablation. You provider will tell you when you can resume having sex, douching, and using tampons.

If will take your body about three months to heal completely. After that, you may have lighter periods or stop having periods.

Are you a candidate for endometrial ablation?

Endometrial ablation is for women who consistently experience heavy menstrual periods. Your periods are considered heavy if they:

Last more than seven days
Require you to change your pad or tampon every one to two hours
Result in clots the size of a quarter or larger
Cause you to become anemic
Have an impact on your daily activities

Who shouldn't get endometrial ablation

Endometrial ablation isn't right for everyone. Your provider will talk with you about the risks and whether it's an option for you.

You may not be a candidate for the procedure if you:

Have never had a child
Are still planning to have one or more children

Are at risk for endometrial cancer
Have been diagnosed with a disorder of the uterus or endometrium

You're still able to get pregnant after endometrial ablation, but pregnancy would be very dangerous for you and a fetus.

You'll need to use effective birth control until after menopause.

Your provider will talk to you about your birth control options.

Alternatives to endometrial ablation

If you're not a good candidate for endometrial ablation, your provider might recommend:

Hormone therapy, such as birth control pills or an intrauterine device (IUD) that releases hormones
Medication that controls bleeding
Hysterectomy, or removal of the uterus