About this topic
The uterus is the organ where a baby grows when you are pregnant. The uterus is also called the womb. You get rid of the lining of the uterus each time you have your period. The lining of your uterus is called the endometrium. ‚
Endometrial ablation is a procedure that strips the uterine lining. Endometrial ablation uses heat, extreme coldness, or electrical stimulation. ‚
You may need endometrial ablation: ‚
- If you have heavy bleeding each month
- So you dont need a hysterectomy
- If taking drugs to control your bleeding has not worked
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what you need to do.
- Heat may be used on your lower belly to help lower your pain. If your doctor tells you to use heat, put a heating pad on your belly for no more than 20 minutes at a time. Do not sleep with a heating pad. You may get burned.
- You can expect some bleeding from your vagina for a few weeks. You may use sanitary pads but not tampons.
- You may wash your vagina using soap and water. You may wash your vagina 24 hours after the operation or when your doctor tells you. Properly washing will help prevent infection.
- Your doctor may give you a drug called estrogen to help heal the lining of the womb. You may have to take estrogen for a few weeks. Take the drug as ordered by your doctor.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep your visits.
- Your doctor may set up a visit to see if all the lining was removed.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Help heal the lining of the womb
Will physical activity be limited?
Rest for the first few days after the procedure. Avoid strenuous activities like heavy lifting and hard exercise. Ask your doctor when you may to go back to your normal activities like work, driving, or sex. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Perforation of the uterus, bladder, or intestines
- Cuts on the cervix
- Bleeding
- Too much thickening of the endometrium
- Blood clots in your legs or lungs
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection such as a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills.
- Bad smelling drainage from the vagina
- Very bad belly pain
- Too much bleeding
- Trouble passing urine
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my procedure.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have a fever, chills, bad smelling drainage from the vagina, or bad belly pain.
Where can I learn more?
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists ‚
http://www.acog.org/~/media/For%20Patients/faq134.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20120604T1131106929 ‚
American Society of Reproductive Medicine ‚
http://www.asrm.org/uploadedFiles/ASRM_Content/Resources/Patient_Resources/Fact_Sheets_and_Info_Booklets/endoablation.pdf ‚
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists ‚
http://www.rcog.org.uk/files/rcog-corp/EndometrialAblationRecoveringWell0710.pdf ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚