Service
Endometrial Ablation Specialists
Definition
What is endometrial ablation?
Historically, women with heavy periods had only one surgical option: a hysterectomy. Today, Artemis Menstrual Health and Gynecology offers Minerva endometrial ablation to permanently treat heavy menstrual bleeding in a convenient in-office procedure.
Endometrial ablation is a therapy to destroy a thin layer of your uterine lining — what’s known as the endometrium. The endometrium causes menstrual bleeding. Removing it either stops bleeding entirely or reduces it to a more manageable level.
How does endometrial ablation work?
During the procedure, your gynecologist inserts a slim probe into your uterus via your cervix. The tip of the probe unfolds into a silicon balloon that fills your uterus.
The probe then delivers 120 seconds of targeted energy into your endometrium to remove the lining. It’s common to feel some cramping. Your gynecologist then retracts the probe. You can go home afterward.
Artemis Menstrual Health and Gynecology is WNY’s only office offering in-office procedures, with anesthesia.
What are the signs of a heavy period?
Most menstrual bleeding lasts 4-5 days, but a heavy period lasts more than seven days. During a standard period, you typically lose about 2-3 tablespoons of blood. With a heavy period — what doctors called menorrhagia — you may lose twice as much blood.
Other potential signs of a heavy period include needing to double-up on pads to manage your flow or having a flow that’s so heavy you have to change your pad or tampon overnight.
With any of these signs, it’s a good idea to contact the team at Artemis Menstrual Health and Gynecology. They offer personalized care to get to the bottom of what’s behind your abnormal uterine bleeding and also provide an out-patient procedure called endometrial ablation to manage or stop heavy menstruation.
Is endometrial ablation effective?
Clinical studies of the Minerva endometrial ablation device showed that 92% of women experienced a significant reduction in their bleeding, and 66% had no bleeding at all after the procedure. Overall, 98% of those women were satisfied with the endometrial ablation.
Can I still get pregnant after endometrial ablation?
Endometrial ablation usually is only appropriate for women who no longer want to become pregnant. Although pregnancy is not likely after ablation, if it does happen, you may have a higher risk of miscarriage and pregnancy complications.
If you opt for endometrial ablation, the team at Artemis Menstrual Health and Gynecology recommends using birth control until after menopause.
You don’t need to suffer from a heavy period. Find out if you’re a candidate for endometrial ablation by calling Artemis Menstrual Health and Gynecology or requesting a consultation online today.