Recognizing endometrial ablation: procedures, complications, and side effects

Heavy menstruation with prolonged bleeding certainly makes you uncomfortable doing your daily activities. Some things you can do to overcome this problem are by taking certain medicines from a doctor or using spiral birth control. However, if the drug does not work, the doctor will usually recommend endometrial ablation.

Actually, what is endometrial ablation? Are there any side effects with this medical procedure?

What is endometrial ablation?

Endometrial ablation is the removal of the tissue lining the uterus (endometrium) with the aim of reducing or stopping the flow of heavy menstrual bleeding.

Endometrial ablation is one type of treatment that is effective at stopping uterine bleeding that is not normal, but is not caused by cancer. Meanwhile, if uterine bleeding occurs due to the presence of cancer cells, this action is not enough to stop and overcome it.

Usually, this treatment will be carried out when bleeding still appears even though you have taken medication from a doctor or installed spiral birth control.

A woman is said to have abnormal uterine bleeding if she has:

• very heavy menstrual periods
• menstrual periods that last longer than one week
• bleeding between menstrual periods
• bleeding leading to anemia
• bleeding that causes other health problems

In some women, menstrual blood flow may stop completely. While for others, this action only reduces the amount of bleeding.

Can all women undergo endometrial ablation?

Even so, not all women who experience heavy and prolonged menstruation are advised to undergo endometrial ablation.

This procedure is not recommended for women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Because endometrial ablation can make pregnancy more difficult.

Endometrial ablation is not recommended for women who experience:

• already past menopause
• infection of the vagina or cervix
• uterine or cervical cancer
• cesarean section scar
• using the IUD
• uterine disorders
• pelvic inflammatory disease
• weak uterine wall

What is the procedure for endometrial ablation?

Before the procedure, the doctor will take a sample of the uterine lining to be tested for the possibility of cancer cells growing.

The doctor will also perform a visual examination of the uterus, that is, with an ultrasound, before the procedure. This is to see if there are polyps or benign tumors in the uterus that cause prolonged menstruation.

In addition, the doctor will also ensure that you are not pregnant and are not using spiral birth control.

Next, the doctor will insert a thin instrument through the cervix into the uterus. The next step will depend on the type of ablation to be performed.

The following types of ablation are commonly performed, among others.

Freezing (cryoablation)

A special device whose temperature is set very cold is inserted into the uterus. From this very cold temperature, it will make the lining of the uterus or endometrium shed.

Hot balloon therapy

A special device that has a balloon added at the end is inserted into the uterus. Then, a hot liquid fills the balloon, causing the balloon to expand and rupture the uterine lining. This procedure usually takes from 2-12 minutes.

Hydrothermal

The doctor will gently pump the fluid into the uterus, then heat it up. After 10 minutes, this will destroy the lining of the uterus.

Radio Wave

The doctor will insert an electric net into your uterus and widen it. Then the energy and heat sent by the strong radio waves destroy the coating, then the doctor removes it by suction in one to two minutes.

Microwave

A special wand that is inserted uses microwave energy into the lining of your uterus to destroy the lining of your uterus. This procedure takes 3-5 minutes.

Electricity

This procedure requires general anesthesia, using an instrument called a resectoscope and a heated instrument to view and remove uterine tissue. However, this procedure is not as commonly used as the others.

Side effects of endometrial ablation

Possible side effects include:

• foul-smelling vaginal discharge
• fever
• chills
• stomach cramps or pain
• profuse and persistent bleeding, more than 2 days after the procedure
• difficulty urinating

If you experience these symptoms by undergoing an endometrial ablation procedure, seek medical help immediately to reduce the risk of infection and other complications.

Are there any complications?

Endometrial ablation is not a high-risk procedure, but there is a low chance of complications. Here are some possible complications that can occur.

• Uterine perforation
• Damage to the cervix, vagina, vulva or intestines as a result of hot or cold application during the procedure
• Infection, bleeding, and burns to the uterus or intestines.
• In very rare cases, fluid used to expand the uterus during the procedure may be absorbed into the bloodstream, causing fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema).

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