If heavy periods are disrupting your work, sleep, exercise, or social life, you are not alone, and you have options. For people who are finished having children, an endometrial ablation may be an excellent solution. This procedure removes or destroys the endometrial lining (the tissue in the uterus that sheds each month during a period) so that menstrual bleeding is significantly reduced or, for some people, stops.
At Summit Women's Health, we are always looking for ways to offer comprehensive, up-to-date gynecologic care. That's why we offer the Minerva Endometrial Ablation System.
Who Is Endometrial Ablation For?
Endometrial ablation is a treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding (also called abnormal uterine bleeding) in people who:
- Have heavy or prolonged periods that interfere with daily life
- Are done with childbearing and do not want a future pregnancy
- Have not found enough relief from, or prefer not to use, medications such as hormonal options
Before recommending ablation, our team will evaluate the cause of your bleeding. This may include an exam, lab work, an ultrasound, and sometimes a sample of the uterine lining (endometrial biopsy) to rule out other problems.
Important: endometrial ablation is not a treatment for endometriosis. Endometriosis is a different condition, in which tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, and it needs a different treatment plan. If you have pelvic pain or suspect endometriosis, talk with us about options that fit your situation.
Who Should NOT Have Endometrial Ablation?
Ablation is not right for everyone. It is generally not recommended if you:
- Want to become pregnant in the future
- Are currently pregnant
- Have known or suspected endometrial (uterine) cancer or endometrial hyperplasia (precancerous thickening of the lining)
- Have an active pelvic infection
- Have certain uterine anatomy, such as some fibroids, a uterine shape abnormality, or a uterus that is too large or too small for the device
- Are postmenopausal (bleeding after menopause needs evaluation, not ablation)
Your provider will review your history and test results to make sure ablation is a safe choice for you.
Ablation Is Not Birth Control
This is one of the most important things to know. Pregnancy is less likely after ablation, but it can still happen, and a pregnancy after ablation can be dangerous for both the pregnant person and the baby, with a higher risk of miscarriage and other serious complications. Because of this, you will need a reliable form of contraception after the procedure, such as permanent sterilization, a partner's vasectomy, or another effective method, until menopause. We are happy to talk through options with you.
Why We Chose Minerva
Minimally Invasive
The Minerva procedure is done through the cervix with no incisions. It is typically performed in the office or as an outpatient procedure, so you go home the same day.
Quick and Efficient
The treatment itself takes only a few minutes. It can be performed with local anesthesia or with sedation, so many patients do not need to be fully "put under."
Short Recovery Time
Most patients return to their usual activities within a day or two.
What to Expect
- Before: We'll confirm you are not pregnant, review your test results, and go over pain control and anesthesia options.
- During: A thin device is passed through the cervix into the uterus to treat the lining. The procedure is brief.
- Right after: Cramping, similar to period cramps, is common for a day or two, and over-the-counter pain medicine usually helps. Some people have mild nausea.
- The following weeks: A watery, sometimes bloody discharge is normal and can last for a few weeks.
- Results: Improvement develops over the next few months as the uterus heals. Many people have much lighter periods and some stop having periods entirely, but some people will still have periods, and occasionally further treatment is needed down the road.
Call us if you have fever, worsening pain, foul-smelling discharge, or heavy bleeding after the procedure.
Let's Talk About Your Options
At Summit Women's Health, we know how much heavy menstrual bleeding can affect your life. Our team, Dr. Brandon M. Lingenfelter, Dr. Samantha Snyder, Megan Lingenfelter, PA-C, and VaLeah Bradshaw, CNM, can help you find out what's causing your bleeding and whether Minerva endometrial ablation or another treatment is the best fit. Schedule an appointment today.
Summit Women's Health
411 12th Street Ext, Princeton, WV 24740
681-282-5591 (call or text)
Sources
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Endometrial Ablation (patient FAQ). https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/endometrial-ablation
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (patient FAQ). https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/abnormal-uterine-bleeding
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Management of Acute Abnormal Uterine Bleeding in Nonpregnant Reproductive-Aged Women (Committee Opinion 557). https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-bulletin/articles/2013/07/management-of-acute-abnormal-uterine-bleeding-in-nonpregnant-reproductive-aged-women