When birth control and other conservative treatments aren’t working to stop heavy vaginal bleeding, you may be a candidate for endometrial ablation. At Oakland Macomb Obstetrics & Gynecology, P.C., in Rochester Hills and Troy, Michigan, the experienced physicians offer in-office endometrial ablation procedures using the non-surgical Minerva® system. To learn how Minerva works to end heaving bleeding, schedule a consultation online or over the phone today at your nearest location.

What is endometrial ablation?

Endometrial ablation is a procedure to stop abnormal vaginal bleeding due to endometriosis or another underlying condition. The goal of the procedure is to destroy the endometrium, the lining of your uterus, to resolve bleeding for good.

Oakland Macomb Obstetrics & Gynecology, P.C., uses Minerva®, a hormone-free endometrial ablation system. The system uses radiofrequency energy to heat and destroy the endometrial tissue without incisions or the need for general anesthesia.

What does endometrial ablation involve?

During endometrial ablation, your Oakland Macomb Obstetrics & Gynecology, P.C., provider inserts a specialized wand in through your vagina. The tool extends a triangular mesh to cover the uterine lining. The wand delivers the radiofrequency energy through the mesh to heat and permanently destroy your uterine lining in four minutes or less.

Following endometrial ablation, you may have temporary side effects like:

• Vaginal discharge

• Spotting

• Cramping

• Nausea

Your provider can review what else you can expect before you go home to recover.

Minerva is a fast and effective one-time treatment to significantly decrease vaginal bleeding. In many cases, the Minerva system permanently ends a woman’s period. 

If you still get a period, it may be much lighter and last a shorter period of time. You can also improve premenstrual symptoms with this procedure.

Are there risks associated with endometrial ablation?

Permanently destroying your uterine lining doesn’t cause any long-term side effects to your general health or sexual wellness. However, you should be done with having children before opting for endometrial ablation.

While the chances are low that you can conceive a child, becoming pregnant is possible, and can result in a high-risk pregnancy and serious health complications in mother and baby. For this reason, you should discuss with your Oakland Macomb Obstetrics & Gynecology, P.C., provider options for birth control to prevent unintended pregnancy.

It’s not medically necessary to have a period each month and any unfertilized eggs your fallopian tubes release dissolve within 24 hours.

To find out if you’re a candidate for Minerva endometrial ablation, call the Oakland Macomb Obstetrics & Gynecology, P.C., office nearest you or book an appointment online today.