Are you planning to have endometrial ablation to treat your heavy periods? If yes, this article is for you. We cover different types of endometrial ablation procedures used to treat heavy periods to ease your choice of the best treatment procedure for you. Schedule an appointment at Doral Health and Wellness – Women’s Health Center.

Types of endometrial ablation procedures

Many types of endometrial ablation procedures can be used to remove the inner layer of the uterus to stop or reduce excessive or abnormal bleeding in women who suffer from heavy periods and don’t want to get pregnant in the future. It includes:

1. Electric or electrocautery:

In this method, your provider uses an electric current that travels from a wire loop or roller ball to the endometrial lining to cauterize the tissue.

2. Hydrothermal:

In this method, your provider inserts heated fluid into the uterus to burn and destroy endometrial tissue. This technique is more effective for patients with a misshapen uterus because other techniques may use non-conforming liners that block the full coverage of an irregular uterus. However, the direct contact between heated liquid and endometrium can cause unintentional burn injuries to tissues deeper in the uterus or surrounding organs.

3. Balloon therapy:

In this therapy, a small tube is placed into the uterus with a balloon attached at the end that fills up with heated fluid to destroy the lining. The method is similar to the hydrothermal technique, except it includes a balloon liner to contain the liquid during the procedure. However, a thick or non-conforming liner may not cover every surface of the uterus which may lead to inconsistent ablation.

4. Radiofrequency ablation:

In this procedure, your provider uses a flexible, expandable, and triangular electrical mesh to deliver radiofrequency energy to burn and destroy the endometrial lining throughout the uterus. However, the extreme heat may spread beyond the target area which increases the risk of additional burns and heat damage. Moreover, radiofrequency can create adhesions inside the uterus which effectively reduces blood loss. However, this scarring can cause painful complications such as cyclic pelvic pain (CPP) or Asherman’s syndrome and limit the doctor’s ability to evaluate the inside of the uterus for potential cancer if you experience abnormal bleeding in the future.

5. Cryoablation:

In this technique, your provider uses cooling technology instead of heat-based ablation methods that can gently destroy endometrial tissue by freezing and dehydrating endometrial cells. Its healing response is also different from heat-based ablation, which reduces the scarring inside the uterus. However, there is also some risk of injury or need for reoperation.

6. Microwave ablation:

In this method, your provider will use specific wavelengths of electromagnetic energy to kill endometrial tissue. Microwaves are given through a thin probe that directly heats the endometrium which destroys the lining. Like other heat-based techniques, microwave ablations may cause unintentional heat damage to nearby tissues and organs which leads to scarring and long-term pelvic pain, leading to Asherman’s Syndrome.

Some endometrial ablations are performed using a tool called a hysteroscope, a lighted viewing device inserted through the vagina for a visual examination of the canal of the cervix and the inner lining of the uterus. Ablation instruments are then inserted through the opening and a camera or video camera is used to record the findings through the hysteroscope.

A resectoscope may be used instead of the hysteroscope which contains a built-in wire that uses electrical current for resecting endometrial tissue. Other ablation techniques use ultrasound to guide the instrument to the areas for treatment. Ultrasound produces clear images of blood vessels, tissues, and organs on the computer using high-frequency sound waves.

Choosing the right type of endometrial ablation procedure depends on your symptoms and the severity of the condition. Your doctor first examines your uterus and tells you which type of endometrial ablation procedure is suitable for you and why. Make sure you discuss all the benefits and risks involved with the procedure to make the right choice.

If you need professional help with endometrial ablation procedures, call us or visit our gynecology clinic in Brooklyn to get proper diagnosis and treatment options. At Doral Health and Wellness – Women’s Health Center, we have the best GYN doctor in Brooklyn, and we provide women with quality health care services. To schedule an appointment, you can visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212 or call us on 1-347-384-5690. You can also visit our website at http://www.gynecologistbrooklyn.com/.