Endometrial Ablation

If you sleep on a towel during your period and check the back of your kurta every time you stand up, you already know heavy bleeding isn't a small problem. It also drains your iron, which is why so many women with heavy periods feel tired all the time.

Endometrial ablation treats the lining of the uterus (the endometrium), the layer that builds up and sheds each month. An instrument passed through the cervix applies controlled heat or another form of energy to the lining for a few minutes, destroying it so it can't regrow properly. There are no cuts. Most women go home the same day and are back at work within 2 to 3 days.

It doesn't fix every heavy period. Around a third of women stop bleeding altogether, and most of the rest have much lighter periods, but a few notice little change and later need another procedure. Pregnancy after ablation is dangerous, so it's only for women who are sure their family is complete.

Before any ablation, our gynaecology department looks for the cause of the bleeding with pelvic ultrasound and hysteroscopy, so a polyp, fibroid or change in the lining isn't missed. We'll also talk you through the hormonal coil and medicines, which work well for many women.

Ablation is considered when heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) is affecting your life, your uterus is a normal size and shape, and you don't want more children.