The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
Endometrial ablation
SURGICAL PROCEDURE TO REMOVE A THIN LAYER OF TISSUE (ENDOMETRIUM) THAT LINES THE UTERUS
If you experience heavy menstrual bleeding, our gynaecology surgeons can treat you with endometrial ablation
What is an endometrial ablation?
Endometrial ablation is a procedure to treat women who experience heavy periods (menorrhagia).
The endometrium (lining of the womb) is thinned or removed. This can limit or stop menstrual bleeding completely.
The treatment is normally very quick, with no need to stay in hospital overnight.
Need to know
You will be placed under local or general anaesthetic. Your gynaecological surgeon's techniques may vary.
If they are performing a hydrothermal, they'll begin by pumping a fluid into your uterus and heating it. This will remove the endometrium after about 10 minutes. Alternatively, your consultant may guide a small balloon on a tube through your uterus. They will then insert a heated fluid into the balloon to expand and break the endometrium.
In some cases, the endometrium can be frozen off. This is carried out by a very cold tip on a small probe that is passed through the uterus.
Your consultant will explain how best to prepare for endometrial ablation, answering any questions you might have.
Most women are able to return to their normal routine within a week. Other things you may experience in the recovery process include:
- nausea or an urge to urinate for 24 hours
- cramping and/or bleeding for a few days
- watery and/or bloody discharge for up to three weeks
You might be prescribed medicine if you feel any pain. If you experience any severe side effects, you should contact your consultant who can arrange a follow-up appointment
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Our Endometrial ablation locations
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.