What to Expect During an Endometrial Ablation

At Diana Health, we believe knowledge is power and want you to feel knowledgeable and confident going into an important procedure. Below is information that will help you better understand what an endometrial ablation is, the surgical procedure itself, and routine pre and post-operative instructions. When you meet with your healthcare provider, they will review all the necessary information with you. 

If you have any questions along the way, please ask. We care about you and want you to feel as comfortable as possible as you approach having this procedure. We are only a call away and will be there with you throughout this process. Our doctors are experts at surgical procedures such as endometrial ablations, so you can rest assured that you are in good hands.

Take time to notice your emotions around having an endometrial ablation. Because the decision to have an endometrial ablation involves understanding the importance of not getting pregnant after the procedure, the decision to have the procedure can perhaps be emotional. If you feel this way, know that you are not alone. It is normal for some women to experience grief. We have therapists who can help you process these emotions if this would be helpful for you. 

If your Diana Health team gives you any instructions that vary from what is below, please follow those instructions or modifications, as they know your medical history and the specifics about your upcoming procedure. 

What is an Endometrial Ablation?

An endometrial ablation (also called a uterine ablation) is a procedure where your doctor uses a device to treat the lining of the uterus (the endometrium). The term ablation means “to destroy”. By destroying the lining of the uterus, typical menstruation which involves shedding of the endometrial lining, will not occur as it had prior to your procedure. 

How does an Endometrial Ablation Work?

Endometrial ablation can happen through a variety of mechanisms such as using heat, cold, radiofrequency, or microwave energy to treat the uterine lining (endometrium). Your doctor will decide which type of endometrial ablation is best for you. Since the lining of the uterus is destroyed during the procedure, endometrial ablations are only an option for women who do not desire future fertility. 

What are Some Common Reasons for an Endometrial Ablation?

Endometrial ablations are typically done due to bothersome bleeding (often heavy periods). After an endometrial ablation, menstrual bleeding may stop altogether or be significantly reduced. This procedure is typically done in women who have not gone through menopause. It is also not performed in women who desire future fertility. 

Where are Endometrial Ablations Performed?

Endometrial ablations are procedures that are done at a local hospital, surgery center, and sometimes in the office. It is important that they are done at a facility that has anesthesia care so that you are comfortable throughout the procedure.

How to Prep for Your Procedure

Prior to your procedure you will talk with your doctor as well as one of the Diana Health nurses or medical assistants to ensure that you understand how to prepare for your endometrial ablation. Ideally, we like for you to be as healthy as possible prior to your surgery, so try to eat foods that nourish you, get adequate physical activity (but don’t start a vigorous new exercise routine), and get plenty of sleep. 

A prescription may be sent to your pharmacy for you to fill prior to your procedure so that you have the medication available after the procedure is done. If you are having the procedure done at a surgery center or hospital where anesthesia will be used, you will want to bring a support person with you to the surgery so that they can talk to your healthcare provider after the procedure and be there to help you remember any follow-up instructions as well as drive you home when you are discharged. 

Additional preparations include:

• If the procedure is being done at the hospital or surgery center with anesthesia, you will be asked to not eat or drink anything after midnight the night prior to your surgery
• The morning of your surgery, take a shower but do not shave
• Remove any jewelry or piercings as these are best to leave at home
• If you wear contacts, bring or wear your glasses instead
• Leave all valuables at home
• Decide who will be driving you to and from your surgery
• Wear comfortable clothes that are not restrictive so that they can easily be put on after surgery and won’t be tight, especially around your abdomen and pelvis

Someone from anesthesia will talk with you before surgery and may give you medication to help you relax. 

What happens during an endometrial ablation?

• After your questions are answered, the consent form is signed, and you talk with your gynecologist and anesthesiologist, you will be taken to the procedure room. 
• Anesthesia is administered so that you are unaware of the procedure and will wake up in the recovery room.
• Your legs are placed in stirrups as they typically are for a pap smear. 
• The doctor will do a pelvic exam to feel the position of your uterus.
• The vagina and cervix will be cleaned thoroughly.
• A device (typically a thin wand) used to do the endometrial ablation will be inserted through the cervix and into the uterus. The device quickly destroys the lining of the uterus.
• The endometrial ablation device is removed from the uterus through the cervix (there are no incisions). 
• After the procedure is done, you are taken to the recovery room and will wake-up. 

How to Recover after an Endometrial Ablation

• The recovery from the procedure depends upon why the endometrial ablation was performed, if any other procedures were done, your personal health condition, and the circumstances surrounding your procedure. Most women are able to have their endometrial ablation done as an outpatient where they do not need to spend the night in the surgery center or hospital. You will stay in the recovery area until you are comfortable and ready to be discharged home with an adult who can drive you home.
• After returning home, the recovery period continues. Your doctor will let you know when you can resume your normal physical activities. You will be told to abstain from sexual intercourse and vigorous exercise initially.
• If needed, your doctor will send you home with medications to help you with pain management during recovery. If you have any problems after going home such as a temperature greater than 100.5, heavy bleeding, severe pain or other concerns, you should seek care and reach out immediately. 
• Make sure to keep your post-operative follow-up appointment with your Diana Health provider. 

At Diana Health we care about your entire experience, from the moment you consider having an endometrial ablation until you are fully recovered. We are only a phone call away. Please reach out with any questions or if you have any unexpected symptoms or if you need any assistance. Never worry alone. We will be here with you each step of the way, through this procedure and as your health journey continues long beyond this procedure.