Vaginitis
What is vaginitis? Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina. Vaginitis may cause itching, burning, a bad odor, or a large amount of discharge. It is one of the most common reasons for visiting an obstetrician–gynecologist (ob-gyn).
What is endometrial ablation?
Endometrial ablation destroys a thin layer of the lining of the uterus. Menstrual bleeding does not stop but is reduced to normal or lighter levels. If ablation does not control heavy bleeding, further treatment or surgery may be needed.
Why is endometrial ablation done?
The lining of the uterus—the endometrium—is shed by bleeding each month during menstruation. Some women have heavy bleeding or bleeding that lasts longer than normal.
Endometrial ablation is used to treat many causes of heavy bleeding. In most cases, women with heavy bleeding are treated first with medication. If heavy bleeding cannot be controlled with medication, endometrial ablation may be used.
Endometrial ablation does not involve removal of the uterus and it does not affect a woman’s hormone levels.
Who should not have endometrial ablation?
Endometrial ablation should not be done in women past menopause. It is not recommended for women with certain medical conditions, including
- disorders of the uterus or endometrium
- endometrial hyperplasia
- cancer of the uterus
- recent pregnancy
- current or recent infection of the uterus
Can I still get pregnant after having endometrial ablation?
Pregnancy is not likely after ablation, but it can happen. If it does, the risks of miscarriage and other problems are greatly increased. If a woman still wants to get pregnant, she should not have this procedure.
Women who have endometrial ablation should use birth control until after menopause. Sterilization may be a good option to prevent pregnancy after ablation.
A woman who has had ablation still has all her reproductive organs. Routine cervical cancer screening and pelvic exams are still needed.
What happens before having endometrial ablation?
The decision to have endometrial ablation should be made between you and your obstetrician–gynecologist (ob-gyn). You should talk about the procedure’s risks and benefits.
A sample of the lining of the uterus is taken (endometrial biopsy) to make sure you do not have cancer. You also may have the following tests to check whether the uterus is the right size and shape for the procedure:
- Hysteroscopy—A device called a hysteroscope is used to view the inside of the uterus.
- Ultrasonography—Sound waves are used to view the pelvic organs.
If you have an intrauterine device (IUD), it must be removed. You cannot have endometrial ablation if you are pregnant.
How is endometrial ablation done?
Ablation is a short procedure. Some techniques are done as outpatient surgery, meaning you can go home the same day. Others are done in the office of your ob-gyn. Your cervix may be dilated (opened) before the procedure. Dilation is done with medication or a series of rods that gradually increase in size.
There are no incisions (cuts) involved in ablation.
The following methods are those most commonly used to perform endometrial ablation:
- Radiofrequency—A probe is inserted into the uterus through the cervix. The tip of the probe expands into a mesh-like device that sends radiofrequency energy into the lining. The energy and heat destroy the endometrial tissue, while suction is applied to remove it.
- Freezing—A thin probe is inserted into the uterus. The tip of the probe freezes the uterine lining. Ultrasound is used to help guide the procedure.
- Heated fluid—Fluid is inserted into the uterus through a hysteroscope. The fluid is heated and stays in the uterus for about 10 minutes. The heat destroys the lining.
- Heated balloon—A balloon is placed in the uterus with a hysteroscope. Heated fluid is put into the balloon. The balloon expands until its edges touch the uterine lining. The heat destroys the endometrium.
- Microwave energy—A special probe is inserted into the uterus through the cervix. The probe applies microwave energy to the uterine lining, which destroys it.
- Electrosurgery—Electrosurgery is done with a resectoscope. A resectoscope is a thin telescope that is inserted into the uterus. It has an electrical wire loop, roller-ball, or spiked-ball tip that destroys the uterine lining. This method usually is done in an operating room with general anesthesia. It is not as frequently used as the other methods.
What should I expect after the procedure?
Recovery takes about 2 hours, depending on the type of pain relief used. The type of pain relief used depends on the type of ablation procedure, where it is done, and your wishes.
Some minor side effects are common after endometrial ablation:
- Cramping, like menstrual cramps, for 1 to 2 days
- Thin, watery discharge mixed with blood, which can last a few weeks. The discharge may be heavy for 2 to 3 days after the procedure.
- Frequent urination for 24 hours
- Nausea
Ask your ob-gyn when you can exercise, have sex, or use tampons. In most cases, you can expect to go back to work or to your normal activities within a day or two.
You should have follow-up visits to check your progress. It may take several months before you experience the full effects of ablation.
What are the risks associated with endometrial ablation?
- There is a small risk of infection and bleeding.
- The device used may pass through the uterine wall or bowel.
- With some methods, there is a risk of burns to the vagina, vulva, and bowel.
- Rarely, the fluid used to expand your uterus during electrosurgery may be absorbed into your bloodstream. This condition can be serious. To prevent this problem, the amount of fluid used is carefully checked throughout the procedure.
Screening for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C During Pregnancy
Hepatitis. It’s one of those medical words you may have heard, but never understood. And if you’re pregnant, it’s a word you might hear at your first prenatal visit. Screening for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis
I feel so lucky to have had the doctors at the Women’s Clinic for all three of my deliveries and GYN care. They provide high quality, compassionate, evidenced based care and Cheyenne is lucky to have such a great group!
I absolutely have loved it here! We just finished having our second kiddo and have worked with the vast majority of doctors here and they are all excellent!
I have been going to Dr. Storey for 14+ years. He is extremely caring, professional, and I trust him with my health and wellness 100%. The staff has always been friendly and professional. Wouldn't go anywhere else.
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