Endometrial Ablation

One in five women have excessive bleeding during their menstrual periods, a problem that can cause anemia, increase the risk of heart problems, and signals an underlying gynecological problem. Sidiq Aldabbagh, MD FACOG, at Trusted Women’s Health Center, offers skilled treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding, including endometrial ablation, a minimally invasive procedure that only takes five minutes because he uses NovaSure®. To learn more, call one of the two offices in Miami, Florida, or request an appointment online today.

What is endometrial ablation?

Endometrial ablation is a minimally invasive procedure to treat heavy menstrual bleeding. The procedure removes the inner lining of your uterus (the endometrium).

The uterine lining thickens every month to prepare for a possible pregnancy. The lining sheds and causes your menstrual period if you don’t have a fertilized egg.

Removing the lining significantly lightens your periods, and in some cases, your periods may stop completely.

Losing the lining also means that your uterus can’t support a pregnancy. While you may get pregnant after endometrial ablation, you will have a high risk for serious complications.

Dr. Aldabbagh can discuss other possible treatments for heavy bleeding if you hope to have a baby in the future.

When would I need an endometrial ablation?

Many women with heavy periods don’t realize their bleeding may be unusual. For them, it’s just the way their periods have always been. 

Your bleeding is too heavy if you have any of the following:

• Bleeding that lasts more than 7-8 days
• Bleeding that soaks through pads or tampons in an hour
• Needing to wear more than one pad
• Needing to change your protection during the night

Passing large blood clots (the size of a quarter or larger) is also a sign of excessive bleeding.

What conditions may lead to needing an endometrial ablation?

Heavy bleeding often develops due to gynecological conditions, including:

• Uterine fibroids (growths in the muscular lining of the uterine wall)
• Uterine polyps (growths on the uterine lining)
• Endometriosis (endometrial tissues grow outside the uterus)
• Adenomyosis (uterine lining found in the uterine wall)
• Irregular ovulation (causes irregular and heavy periods)

Dr. Aldabbagh typically begins your treatment with medications and by targeting the underlying condition. For example, he may recommend removing uterine fibroids to restore normal periods. 

What happens during endometrial ablation?

At Trusted Women’s Health Center, Dr. Aldabbagh uses NovaSure® to perform endometrial ablation. He gently guides the device through your cervix and into your uterus.

Once NovaSure is in place, the device releases a net that covers the entire endometrial lining. Then, Dr. Aldabbagh sends radiofrequency energy through the net. The energy heats the lining and destroys the lining.

The entire procedure takes about five minutes, but the actual radiofrequency treatment lasts 90 seconds.

Call Trusted Women’s Health Center or request an appointment online today if you need help with heavy  menstrual bleeding.