When Ablation Is the Best Option for Endometriosis

If you’ve been told your symptoms indicate you have endometriosis, you’re in good company. At least 1 in 10 women have this painful, life-altering condition in which the endometrium, the lining of your uterus, grows outside of its usual location. 

With each menstrual cycle, this tissue continues the usual cycle of thickening and breaking down each month — even though it’s not inside your uterus. The result? Extreme cramping, pain, heavy bleeding, and other unfortunate symptoms.

At Alpenglow Gynecology in Littleton, Colorado, our compassionate care team headed by Rickie Guida, WHNP-BC, is skilled at diagnosing and treating endometriosis and its symptoms. Based on your symptoms, we offer different treatment options, such as birth control pills, IUDs, and more. 

In some cases, minimally invasive endometrial ablation may be the best option for treating endometriosis. Read on to learn more about this procedure and if it could be the solution for you!

What is endometrial ablation?

Endometrial ablation is a minimally invasive procedure typically performed under IV sedation. There are many reasons women opt to have an endometrial ablation, but the primary goal of the treatment is to end excessively heavy menstrual bleeding. 

During the procedure, your provider destroys the lining of your uterus by inserting the ablating tools into the vagina and to the uterus. Different providers use different types of ablating methods, including:

• Electrical ablation (using an electric current to destroy the endometrium)
• Radiofrequency ablation (using radio waves to destroy the endometrium)
• Cryoablation (using very cold temperatures to freeze and destroy the endometrium)
• Microwave ablation (using microwave energy to destroy the endometrium)
• Hydrothermal ablation (using heated fluid to destroy the endometrium)
• Balloon therapy (using a balloon filled with heated fluid to destroy the endometrium)

Since the treatment option isn’t surgery, you don’t have to worry about incisions, sutures, or long recovery times.

When is ablation the best option for endometriosis?

The primary goal of endometrial ablation is to treat excessive menstrual bleeding that interrupts your daily life. Rickie may recommend ablation if your endometriosis symptoms haven’t responded to other treatment options, such as hormonal birth control pills or IUD, and you have:

• Unusually heavy periods
• Excessive cramping or pain with your periods
• Periods that last longer than a week
• Anemia (low blood iron) due to heavy bleeding  
• Bleeding between periods

After your ablation, you can expect your menstrual flow to be much lighter and return to normal. In some cases, women stop getting their period completely after ablation.

Women who wish to become pregnant are not good candidates for endometrial ablation. Although it is possible to get pregnant after ablation, it is at higher risk to both the mother and baby, so it’s important to use effective birth control after the procedure. 

If you’re suffering from the painful symptoms of endometriosis, we can help. Contact the Alpenglow Gynecology office in Littleton, Colorado, or book an appointment online now!