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"Whenever people ask about my ablation procedure, I tell them it is the best gift any woman could ever give to herself. I have not regretted...
"I am so glad I had the ablation done. I was scared at first to do it but now that I have had it done I have gained back my life..."
"I am very glad I had the endometrial ablation. The procedure was quick and painless, as was the recovery period…"
"I really liked the fact that I had the procedure done on Thursday and I was back to work on Monday. No lost work and no pain…"
It is a procedure that provides an effective and minimally invasive outpatient alternative to hysterectomy, while avoiding the potential side effects and long-term risks of hormone therapy. The system delivers precisely measured electrical energy via a slender, handheld wand to treat and remove the endometrium (inner lining of the uterus). This quick, simple procedure requires no incisions. It can be performed in an office or outpatient setting, and generally takes less than 30 minutes.
It is quick, simple, safe, convenient and effective.
The procedure can be performed at any time during your cycle, even during your period.
No incisions or cutting.
Quick return to normal activities.
Hormone Free.
No general anesthesia required.
Uterus and natural hormones remain intact.
One time treatment.
High success rate in reducing bleeding.
- The application of energy is intended to treat and permanently remove the endometrium, to reduce or eliminate future bleeding.
- The doctor will slightly dilate your cervix and insert a device through the cervix into the uterus.
- Energy is then delivered into the uterus.
- The device is then removed from the uterus.
The endometrial ablation stopflow procedure takes less than an hour.
The endometrial ablation procedure is done in our on-site, certified facility by our caring, experienced staff. You will not have to go to a hospital.
While some women may feel slight cramping, others may not experience any discomfort at all.
A local anesthetic is injected in and around the cervix and a sedative will be administered to make patients comfortable during the procedure. You will not receive general anesthesia.
No. Most women do not experience pain during the endometrial ablation procedure. You will receive a mild sedative and a local anesthetic block to your cervix. You should remain comfortable throughout and after the procedure.
Some women report menstrual-like cramps after the procedure. Most women report feeling back to normal by the morning after the procedure. A mild pain medication will be prescribed.
Most women return to work and family duties the very next day.
The surgical risks associated with this minimally-invasive procedure are rare. The devices used have safety features and the technology has been used in cardiology and urology for decades.
- Pre-menopausal women who have completed childbearing may be candidates for Endometrial Ablation.
- Dr. Sweeten will perform diagnostic tests to rule out any abnormal uterine conditions and malignancy. Pap test and biopsy must be normal.
The decrease in bleeding after an ablation will vary from woman to woman. For the majority of women the bleeding is completely eliminated or they experience some minor spotting during their cycle. For some women, periods return to more “normal” levels.
For most women the results are noticeable within 2-3 cycles. For some women, it could take up to 6-12 months but the periods should diminish with each passing cycle.
No. Unlike a hysterectomy, which affects ovarian function, this has no effect on hormonal function. However, many women report reduced PMS symptoms after having this procedure.
Ablation should only be considered by women who have finished childbearing. However, it is not a contraceptive procedure. While it diminishes fertility it does not prevent pregnancy. Women who have had ablation should continue using a reliable birth control method. The FDA has not approved this as birth control or permanent sterilization. Non-incisional permanent birth control ESSURE (Hot link) can be done before this procedure.
- Risks associated with anesthesia
- Pain, cramping, menstrual pattern changes
- Nausea/vomiting, or fainting
- Vasovagal response
- Watery vaginal discharge
- Bleeding/Spotting
- Regret
- The procedure is not reversible
- May not be effective and require additional treatment
Fortunately this procedure is minimally invasive and risks are rare, especially in experienced hands
- Injury to adjacent tissue
- Perforation of the uterine wall
- Complications with pregnancy
- Infection
- Post ablation tubal sterilization syndrome
Insurance may cover it if we find it to be a medical necessity. About 80% of the procedures performed are covered. What we need to do is bring you in for a consultation where a more detailed assessment will be completed; the information will then be forwarded to your insurance provider for approval.
There may be many causes for heavy bleeding, such as hormone imbalance, polyps, fibroids as well as other medical conditions and illnesses. Other times, the reason for the heavy bleeding is unknown.
It is typical for a period to occur about every 21-35 days and to last 4-6 days. When evaluating heavy bleeding, how much you bleed may not be as important as how much your bleeding affects your daily activities and infringes on your Quality of Life:
- Periods that last more than 7 days
- Periods so heavy that patients soak 12 or more pads or 24 tampons in a day
- The need to use double protection
- Weakness, fatigue and anemia
A D & C is not a treatment but a diagnostic test for abnormal uterine bleeding. An IUD is a device inserted into the uterus that locally releases a steady amount of progesterone, which can help control bleeding and act as a contraceptive. It is the better option if childbearing is not complete. It is not permanent and usually removed in 5 years.
