Endometrial Ablation

To treat women who experience heavy bleeding (defined as soaking a tampon or a pad every two hours or less OR periods that last longer than eight days), Brookings Health System offers endometrial ablation, also referred to as uterine ablation. It is used when other treatments for abnormal uterine bleeding are unsuccessful.

Endometrial ablation is a process by which the uterine lining is destroyed through heat, radio-controlled frequency, or other method to reduce or prevent further uterine bleeding. It does not require incisions. A gynecologist inserts slender tools through the passageway between the vagina and cervix.

The goal of endometrial ablation is to reduce menstrual flow. For some women, menstrual flow may stop completely.

Endometrial ablation is recommended for women who are done having children but haven’t gone through menopause. It is not a form of sterilization and women should still use contraception. Pregnancy may be possible, but it will likely be hazardous and end in miscarriage.

Watch & Learn

Gynecologist Larissa Bennis talks about an issue many women face, abnormal uterine bleeding, and the possible treatments for it, including endometrial ablation.