Endometrial Ablation Specialist in Austin, TX

Ablation Q & A

What is ablation?

Ablation, or endometrial ablation, is a minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of heavy bleeding. During the procedure, your OB/GYN at Women’s Health Domain uses a tool that heats and destroys the endometrial lining of your uterus.

The endometrial lining causes menstrual bleeding. Reducing the tissue helps diminish the severity of this type of bleeding.

Am I a candidate for ablation?

The team at Women’s Health Domain determines if you’re a candidate for ablation after a consultation. They may consider you a candidate if you have heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) that:

• Causes anemia
• Lasts longer than 7 days
• Interferes with your daily activities

However, the team only recommends the procedure if you have no plans for future pregnancy and you’re willing to take birth control to prevent pregnancy. The team may also consider you a candidate for ablation if there’s no other medical cause to explain your heavy bleeding, such as a thyroid condition or a gynecological cancer.

What happens during ablation?

The team reviews the details of your ablation at your initial consultation. They perform the procedure at the office or in an operating room. The team places an intravenous (IV) line in your arm to administer medication that reduces pain and helps you relax.

Your OB/GYN may also apply a numbing agent to the lining of your uterus. Then, they insert a special wand into your vagina and advance it to your uterus. The wand emits heat or cold energy that destroys your endometrial tissue. The procedure is quick and relatively painless.

After the ablation, your provider sends you to the recovery area for monitoring before sending you home.

What can I expect following ablation?

You may have some discomfort following your ablation. The team recommends you arrange to have someone drive you home after the procedure and plan to take it easy the rest of the day.

You may have bleeding for a few weeks following your ablation, with the heaviest bleeding during the first three days.

Once you recover from your ablation, you should experience significant improvements in your period. The ablation lightens your menstrual bleeding, improving your quality of life.

To learn more about ablation at Women’s Health Domain, call the office or book online today.