Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Treatment in Chicago, IL

Uterine Endometrial Ablation

Uterine endometrial ablation is the process of removing the thin layer of tissue from the internal cavity of the uterus. The goal of this minimally invasive procedure is to reduce or completely stop menstrual flow for women. The highly trained OBGYNs at Women First Specialists have extensive experience diagnosing and treating patients experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding. Call (773) 792-0209 to schedule an appointment at our OBGYN office in Chicago, IL today!

Am I a Candidate?

Endometrial ablation may be right for you if:

• You suffer from abnormally heavy periods
• You experience menstrual bleeding that lasts longer than 8 days
• You develop anemia from excessive blood loss

About the Procedure

By inserting slender tools through the passageway between the vagina and uterus, the robotic surgeon is able to complete the uterine endometrial ablation procedure without the need for an incision of any sort.

Depending on a number of factors such as the size and condition of the patient’s uterus, our OBGYN specialists will recommend slightly different methods in order to select an option that best suits the patient and her needs. These varying approaches include the use of different technologies and tools such as electrosurgery, extreme cold (cryoablation), heated fluids, heated balloon, microwave energy, or high-energy radio frequencies.

The procedure can typically be done in the comfort of the Women First Specialists office since it is usually performed on an outpatient basis that allows the patient to return home later in the same day once her treatment is complete. However, in more complex cases, there may be a need to perform the uterine endometrial ablation procedure in an operating room.

Expected Recovery after Uterine Endometrial Ablation

After the uterine endometrial ablation procedure, patients may experience cramping (similar to menstrual cramping), and vaginal discharge that is somewhat abnormal in color (blood may be present) and consistency (watery discharge). Other side effects include nausea and the need to urinate more frequently.

The downtime from this minimally invasive procedure is relatively short as most women are able to get back into their daily routine within several days following uterine endometrial ablation.

Benefits of Uterine Endometrial Ablation

Most women who undergo endometrial ablation experience lighter periods or stop having their period altogether. If you wish to no longer have a period, a hysterectomy may be a better choice as stopping menstruation is not a guaranteed outcome of endometrial ablation.

Uterine Endometrial Ablation Risks

Although the procedure typically results in infertility, endometrial ablation is not a form of sterilization and it is recommended that you still use contraception. If you plan to become pregnant in the future, endometrial ablation may not be right for you. Although this pregnancy is still possible after uterine endometrial ablation, it is certainly not recommended due to the high risks that will be posed to both mother and child during the gestational period. Chances of miscarriage also increase significantly due to the thin or damaged lining of the uterus that is removed during the procedure.