Endometrial Ablation

Women who are experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding and who have completed childbearing may be good candidates for endometrial ablation – treatment of the lining (endometrium) of the uterus, which reduces, or eliminates, future bleeding.   Endometrial ablation is a safe, simple procedure that controls heavy menstrual bleeding without the need for hormones and may be an alternative to a hysterectomy for some patients.  

There are several ways to perform an endometrial ablation using various devices (i.e. Novasure, ThermaChoice, and HydroThermAblator).   Our physicians are familiar with all of these methods and will determine which is right for you.  Most endometrial ablations can be performed under local anesthesia at our Libertyville office. 

If you are planning to become pregnant in the future, endometrial ablation is not for you.  Pregnancy following endometrial ablation is very dangerous for both the mother and the fetus and should not be attempted.  Some form of birth control should be used after endometrial ablation.

Your doctor will discuss this option with you to determine if it is right for your condition.

NovaSure uses radio frequency (RF) to remove the lining of the uterus.   Performed in the office, using a local anesthetic, your doctor slightly dilates the cervix and inserts a slender wand through the cervix into the uterus (1).  The doctor then extends a triangular mesh material through the wand, where it expands to conform to the dimensions of the uterine cavity (2).  Radio Frequency energy is then delivered into the uterus for approximately 90 seconds (3).  The triangular mesh array is then removed from the uterus (4)