What Is Endometrial Ablation—and Am I a Candidate?
Key Points
- Endometrial ablation is a non-surgical treatment for heavy or prolonged periods
- It works by removing the uterine lining to reduce or stop bleeding
- It’s an option for women who are done having children and want an alternative to hysterectomy
- Recovery is quick, and many patients see life-changing results
- Nashville Gynecology Center offers customized evaluations and treatment options in Nashville, TN
When Heavy Periods Disrupt Your Life
If your period is making you miss work, cancel plans, or carry around a backup wardrobe “just in case,” that’s not normal—and you don’t have to live that way.
Many women deal with heavy menstrual bleeding, also called menorrhagia, without realizing there are options beyond birth control or hysterectomy. One of the most effective treatments? Endometrial ablation.
At
Nashville Gynecology Center, we help women explore real solutions for abnormal bleeding.
Endometrial ablation is just one of the many tools we use to help you feel in control of your cycle again.
What Is Endometrial Ablation?
Endometrial ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that removes or destroys the lining of the uterus—the part that sheds during your period. Once that lining is gone (or thinned significantly), bleeding either stops or becomes much lighter.
It’s a same-day procedure with no incisions and very little downtime. In fact, most women return to normal activities within a day or two.
Learn more about how we treat abnormal bleeding on our Abnormal Bleeding page.
How the Procedure Works
There are a few different techniques used for ablation, including radiofrequency, heat, or freezing. All of them are designed to safely and precisely target the uterine lining without affecting surrounding organs.
What to expect:
- The procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes
- It can be done under light sedation or anesthesia
- You may have mild cramping or spotting afterward
- Most patients go home the same day
We’ll discuss the specific method and what to expect during your gynecology consultation.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Endometrial Ablation?
Endometrial ablation is ideal for women who:
- Struggle with very heavy or prolonged periods
- Have not found relief from birth control or medication
- Are finished having children
- Want to avoid major surgery like a hysterectomy
It’s not recommended if you:
- Want to become pregnant in the future
- Have certain uterine conditions like cancer or large fibroids
- Have an active pelvic infection
If you’re unsure whether you qualify, we can evaluate your medical history and perform imaging (like a pelvic ultrasound) to help determine the best course of action.
Benefits of Endometrial Ablation
For the right candidate, this procedure can be life-changing. Benefits include:
- Dramatically lighter or no periods
- Relief from anemia caused by blood loss
- Fewer interruptions to your daily life
- No need for hormone-based treatments
- No large incisions or long recovery time
You can read more about our minimally invasive options on our
Gynecology Services page.
FAQs About Endometrial Ablation
Will I still have periods after ablation?
Many women stop having periods altogether. Others have very light, manageable cycles.
Does it affect hormones?
No. Endometrial ablation doesn’t impact your hormone levels or ovaries.
Can I get pregnant after the procedure?
Pregnancy is still possible, but it’s not safe or recommended. That’s why ablation is only for women who are done having children. We’ll discuss birth control options during your visit if needed.
Is it painful?
Some women feel mild cramping, similar to a period, for a day or two after. Pain is usually well managed with over-the-counter medication.
Is it covered by insurance?
In many cases, yes—especially if you’ve tried other treatments without success. Our team can help you verify your coverage before scheduling.
Let's Talk About Your Options
You don’t have to keep living with heavy, unpredictable bleeding. There are real solutions available—and you deserve to feel confident, comfortable, and in control of your cycle.
At Nashville Gynecology Center, we specialize in helping women find relief with personalized, compassionate care. Whether endometrial ablation is right for you or not, we’ll walk through your options and build a plan that fits your life.
Ready to get started?
Call us today to
schedule your appointment! Relief is closer than you think.
