Significant bleeding during periods can leave you at risk of anaemia. Doctors may recommend endometrial ablation surgery (removing the lining of your womb) if other treatments for heavy periods have failed.
The operation is usually performed under a general anaesthetic but rarely requires an overnight hospital stay.
Why you might need it
Heavy periods are not just difficult to manage from a psychological and practical perspective.
Losing a significant amount of blood on a monthly basis (menorrhagia) can affect your physical health. It may reduce the number of red blood cells in your bloodstream, leading to anaemia and its symptoms of tiredness and a general feeling of being unwell.
Your doctors may recommend endometrial ablation surgery if other treatments, including medication, have not eased your periods and the level of bleeding.
Your expert consultant might use a variety of techniques to destroy (ablate) part of the womb lining (or endometrium).
It is likely that you will be able to go home on the same day.
However the procedure probably won't be recommended for you if your excessive bleeding is caused by fibroids (growths in your womb) or if you may want to have children in the future.
The procedure generally takes around 30 minutes and is usually conducted under a general anaesthetic (so you will be asleep). Most techniques involve inserting a thin telescope through the vagina and into the cervix to give your consultant a view of the womb. He or she uses surgical instruments to destroy or remove the womb lining.
Find a Spire hospital offering this treatment
Who will do it?
Our patients are at the heart of what we do and we want you to be in control of your care. To us, that means you can choose the consultant you want to see, and when you want. They'll be with you every step of the way.
All of our consultants are of the highest calibre and benefit from working in our modern, well-equipped hospitals.
Our consultants have high standards to meet, often holding specialist NHS posts and delivering expertise in complex sub-specialty surgeries. Many of our consultants have international reputations for their research in their specialised field.
Before your treatment
You will have a formal consultation with a healthcare professional. During this time you will be able to explain your medical history, symptoms and raise any concerns that you might have.
We will also discuss with you whether any further diagnostic tests, such as scans or blood tests, are needed. Any additional costs will be discussed before further tests are carried out.
We will discuss the range of methods available for removing the womb lining and whether you’ll have a general or local anaesthetic. Depending on your age and circumstances, they’ll also talk to you about your future family plans, if you have any.
Preparing for your treatment
We've tried to make your experience with us as easy and relaxed as possible.
For more information on visiting hours, our food, what to pack if you're staying with us, parking and all those other important practicalities, please visit our patient information pages.
Our dedicated team will also give you tailored advice to follow in the run up to your visit.
The procedure
We understand that having any medical procedure, even a relatively straightforward like this one, can cause anxiety. Our experienced and dedicated medical staff will be there to reassure you throughout.
It is likely that you will be asleep during surgery following a general anaesthetic. However some women, following discussions with their consultant, have a local anaesthetic. This means you are awake but do not feel any pain.
Your consultant will insert a hysterscope (a long thin telescope) through your vagina and into the cervix so they can see your womb. They’ll then use one of a range of small surgical instruments to destroy or remove the womb lining in a procedure typically lasting 30 minutes.
The methods include:
- using a low voltage electric current passed through a wire or probe to burn the lining
- using a wire or probe to remove the womb lining
- using a high energy beam of laser light
- pumping hot fluid into the womb – either directly or with the help of a balloon-like device.
We also offer a fairly new technique, microwave endometrial ablation (MEA), which uses microwave heat to reduce the lining. It is quicker than the other methods and does not involve the hysteroscope. MEA can also be carried out with just a local anaesthetic.
Aftercare
You can probably go home on the same day as your operation but you’ll need a friend or relative to collect you, because you’ll be feeling drowsy after the anaesthetic.
If you are required to stay at the hospital, you will be taken to your room or comfortable area where you can rest and recuperate until we feel you’re ready to go home.
Pain relief
You will have some period-like abdominal pain for 24 to 48 hours after your operation. Ordinary over the counter painkillers should be enough to control the pain.
Recovery time
You will usually have vaginal bleeding for a few days but this should lessen and become a heavy discharge. This may last three to four weeks. Use sanitary towels rather than tampons to reduce the risk of infection.
We advise that you do not have sex until any vaginal bleeding or discharge has stopped.
You’ll probably feel up to work again after a few days but that depends on your job – you might need longer if you do physically demanding work.
End result
More than a third of women who have this operation stop having periods. Others find that their periods become lighter. It can take up to three months to see whether the operation has been successful. Some women need to have the procedure repeated.
How your loved ones can help
You will need a friend or relative to collect you from the hospital. You may continue to feel a bit tired for several days so it would be good if someone could help you with essential chores and shopping.
Looking after you
Even once you’ve left hospital, we’re still here for you.
On rare occasions, complications following treatment can occur. If you experience severe pain in your lower abdomen or heavy bleeding, please call us straight away.
The chance of complications depends on the exact type of operation you are having and other factors such as your general health. We will talk to you about the possible risks and complications of having this procedure and how they apply to you.
If you have any questions or concerns, we’re ready to help.
Why choose Spire?
We are committed to delivering excellent individual care and customer service across our network of hospitals, clinics and specialist care centres around the UK. Our dedicated and highly trained team aim to achieve consistently excellent results. For us it's more than just treating patients, it's about looking after people.
Important to note
The treatment described on this page may be adapted to meet your individual needs, so it's important to follow your healthcare professional's advice and raise any questions that you may have with them.