Microwave endometrial ablation (MEA)
Womb ablation
A treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding, a common condition affecting a significant number of women every month
What is an endometrial ablation?
Heavy periods can cause problems such as feeling uncomfortable in social situations, tiredness, anaemia and restrict your activity.
Microwave endometrial ablation uses heat from a microwave probe to remove the thickness of the lining of your womb. This should significantly reduce your period pain.
Microwave endometrial ablation uses heat from a microwave probe to remove the thickness of the lining of your womb. This should significantly reduce your period pain.
Need to know
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What happens during surgery? icon plus
You will be placed under general anaesthetic for the procedure. Once asleep, your consultant will use a surgical tool to open the neck of your womb and insert a probe into your womb cavity.
Your consultant will then apply microwave energy via the probe to the whole of the womb cavity to remove all of your womb lining. The treatment usually only takes about five minutes. -
How to prepare icon plus
Your consultant will let you know how best to prepare for your procedure. -
After surgery icon plus
You will be sent to the recovery room to recover from the anaesthetic. You should be able to go home a few hours afterwards. You may experience some cramping and discomfort shortly after the procedure.
Your nursing team will give you pain relief medication to alleviate this. Bloody or watery discharge is common after the procedure and may last for several weeks. You should not have sex until this has cleared. You should be able to return to normal activities within two days of your treatment.
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.