What it is
Your period is the uterine lining shedding. Ablation destroys that lining with heat.
A slim device goes through the cervix. Nothing is cut and the uterus stays. The treatment itself takes a few minutes.
The goal is lighter bleeding. Some women stop having periods. Others still bleed and need something else. It treats bleeding, not pain.
Why it is done
- Periods that soak through a pad or tampon every hour
- Bleeding that runs past seven days
- Blood loss heavy enough to drop your iron
- Medication or a hormonal IUD did not control it
- You are done having children
- You want to avoid a hysterectomy
What happens, step by step
- 1
Biopsy first
The lining is sampled beforehand, because ablation makes later sampling harder.
- 2
Cavity checked
Ultrasound or a hysteroscopy confirms the size and shape of the uterus.
- 3
Contraception settled
Pregnancy after ablation is dangerous, so the plan is agreed first.
- 4
The treatment
A device passes through the cervix and treats the lining in a few minutes.
- 5
The days after
Cramping and a watery discharge last several days.
- 6
Follow-up visit
You are seen once bleeding has had a few cycles to settle.
Questions people ask
- Will my periods stop completely?
- Sometimes. More often they get lighter. A few women see no change at all.
- Can I get pregnant after an ablation?
- It can still happen, and it is dangerous. You need reliable contraception or a tubal procedure.
- Is this the same as a hysterectomy?
- No. The uterus stays in place. Only the lining is treated.
- Does it hurt?
- Cramping during and after, like a heavy period. It fades over a day or two.
- What if the bleeding comes back?
- It can, sometimes years later. The next conversation is usually a hormonal IUD or a hysterectomy.
- Can I have it if I have fibroids?
- Small ones in the cavity are often removed first. Large fibroids make ablation a poor fit.