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Private endometrial ablation
- See a consultant gynaecologist within 24 hours
- Personalised treatment and industry-leading techniques
- Exceptional private facilities and aftercare
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ENDOMETRIAL ABLATION AT HCA UK
Why choose us?
If your gynaecologist suggests that an endometrial ablation might be best for you, with HCA UK you're in safe hands. This is normally a quick procedure, and one that our experienced gynaecologists perform hundreds of times every year. You'll have access to our state-of-the-art private facilities and receive expert, personalised care from your initial consultation right through to recovery.
Your consultant and multidisciplinary team will talk you through everything you need to know, providing specialist guidance about the procedure itself, your recovery and any potential side effects. You can count on us to support you, every step of the way.
Your consultant and multidisciplinary team will talk you through everything you need to know, providing specialist guidance about the procedure itself, your recovery and any potential side effects. You can count on us to support you, every step of the way.
Endometrial ablation is a surgical procedure to treat heavy periods, also known as menorrhagia. During the procedure, the endometrium, which is lining of your womb, is thinned or removed. This can greatly slow or even stop menstrual bleeding altogether.
The treatment is normally very quick. It doesn’t require any surgical incisions, and there’s usually no need to stay in hospital overnight.
A surgical device will be passed through your vagina and into your cervix. Exactly what this device is will vary based on the ablation method that your consultant recommends. Your consultant will explain all your options, so you know exactly what to expect.
It’s important to note that if you think that you might want to have children in the future, you should not have an endometrial ablation. It can significantly increase the risks of miscarriage and other complications for both you and your baby.
The treatment is normally very quick. It doesn’t require any surgical incisions, and there’s usually no need to stay in hospital overnight.
A surgical device will be passed through your vagina and into your cervix. Exactly what this device is will vary based on the ablation method that your consultant recommends. Your consultant will explain all your options, so you know exactly what to expect.
It’s important to note that if you think that you might want to have children in the future, you should not have an endometrial ablation. It can significantly increase the risks of miscarriage and other complications for both you and your baby.
If you experience heavy menstrual bleeding, an endometrial ablation may be recommended as the most suitable form of treatment. Heavy periods are typically defined as those that:
- Last longer than a week
- Require you to change your pad or tampon every two hours or less
- Cause symptoms of anaemia, such as often feeling tired
There are a few different methods for carrying out an endometrial ablation, including:
- Hydrothermal ablation, where fluid is inserted into your uterus and heated up to remove the lining of your womb
- Balloon therapy, where a small balloon is placed inside your uterus and filled with warm fluid. This expands the balloon until it touches the lining of womb, at which point the heat destroys the lining
- Cryotherapy ablation, where a probe is inserted into your uterus and extreme cold at the tip of the probe freezes the lining
- Radiofrequency ablation, where a device is placed inside your uterus which opens into a triangular shape. This sends out radiofrequency energy, which destroys your womb lining
Your consultant gynaecologist will be able to explain the options to you and recommend the most suitable for your condition.
The procedure is relatively quick and there should be no need for you to stay in hospital overnight. It's likely that you'll be back to your normal routine within a week. You can shower or bathe as soon as you like.
It's best that you rest for a couple of days, but you should be able to return to work as soon as you feel ready. You may experience some side effects which can include:
- Nausea or an urge to urinate lasting for about 24 hours
- Cramping and/or bleeding for a few days
- Watery and/or bloody discharge which can continue for up to three weeks
200+
women’s health consultants
48-hour
turnaround for diagnostic results
One-stop
dedicated clinics offering full investigation and treatment plans
Next-day appointments
With specialists in women's health and extended appointment times.
State-of-the-art diagnostics
Including One-Stop Gynaecology and Breast clinics with the latest imaging technology and screening from age 40.
Comprehensive treatment options
Fast access to treatment and support tailored to you, with self-pay and insurance options.
YOUR PRIVATE ENDOMETRIAL ABLATION WITH HCA UK
What to expect
Because of its impact on your ability to carry a child, choosing to have a private endometrial ablation is a big decision. You need to take time to weigh up all the information and share any concerns or questions you might have. Our women's health experts can support you with this and, if you choose to go ahead, we’ll be here for you.
01
Initial consultation
After being referred by a GP, you'll meet one of our consultant gynaecologists to discuss your heavy periods and treatment options. They'll explain the different types of endometrial ablation procedure. They'll also go over the potential side effects and the serious considerations around pregnancy and menopause.
02
Decision and preparation
The next step is to agree on the treatment that’s going to be most suitable for you. Your consultant and your multidisciplinary team will be able to answer all your questions and offer advice on how best to prepare for the procedure.
03
Endometrial ablation surgery
You'll be cared for at one of our exceptional private hospitals on the day of your procedure. Your surgical team will check that you're ready and answer any questions you have. The procedure is usually carried out under local anaesthetic. We'll do all we can to ensure you feel comfortable and reassured.
04
Aftercare and recovery
You should be able to return home without needing to stay overnight. We'll offer guidance on recovery and arrange follow-up appointments to check your progress. You can also use these appointments to raise any concerns or ask any further questions.
OUR LOCATIONS
You can access our specialist services at the locations below. From your initial consultation through to your surgery and aftercare, treatment and next steps, you’ll be treated by expert surgeons and dedicated women’s health specialists.
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll offer you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
Endometrial ablation FAQ
Every patient is different, so your consultant will talk you through the specific steps that will prepare you for your procedure and you’ll receive the right tailored advice.
Before an endometrial ablation, you’ll commonly need to:
- Have a physical exam and other tests to check your general health
- Take a pregnancy test
- Have an ultrasound or hysteroscopy to examine your uterus
- Take medication to help thin the lining of your womb
- Remove your intrauterine device (IUD), if you have one
You’ll also need to avoid eating and drinking for a few hours before your procedure.
Yes, you can. It’s still technically possible to get pregnant after an endometrial ablation, because you’ll still have some lining in your womb, and you’ll still ovulate.
However, if you think you might want to have a baby in the future, you should not have the procedure. That’s because it leaves you at a much greater risk of miscarriage and other complications.
For this reason, it’s also important to use birth control after having your procedure, to reduce your chances of having an unwanted, high-risk pregnancy. If you have any questions or concerns, your consultant will be here to help.
Yes, they can. Most women start menstruating again after having an endometrial ablation, but your periods will probably be lighter than they were before. In some cases, your period may not return at all.
Your periods are a good indicator of your menstrual health, so it’s important to keep track of them after your surgery and book a follow-up appointment with us if you have any concerns.
No. Endometrial ablation is a procedure that thins or removes the lining of your womb. Menopause occurs when your ovaries stop producing eggs, and endometrial ablation doesn’t treat your ovaries. They should continue to function normally, without you experiencing any changes in your hormonal activity.
Every surgical procedure carries a risk of infection, although these risks are rare with endometrial ablation. If you experience any of the following symptoms after your surgery, get in touch with us immediately:
- Heavy bleeding for an extended period afterwards
- Difficulty urinating
- Fever/chills
- Abdominal pain
We'll arrange for you to come in for a follow-up appointment with your consultant as soon as possible to investigate your symptoms and make sure that everything’s OK.
Probably not. Most women can have an endometrial ablation with just a local anaesthetic. The specific type of procedure you’re having can affect this, but your consultant and your surgical team will take you through every detail of how to prepare and what to expect on the day.
No. Endometrial ablation is a short procedure, usually only taking around half an hour, and in most cases, you won’t need to stay in hospital overnight. You should be able to return home that same day, but it’s a good idea to have a family member or a friend to take you home while you recover.
Yes, there are. You can have a variety of non-surgical treatments for heavy menstrual bleeding, including:
- Hormonal options such as an intrauterine device (IUD), the contraceptive pill, progestogen tablets, contraceptive injections or hormone replacement therapy
- Non-hormonal options such as tranexamic or mefenamic acid which reduce blood flow
However, if you’ve already tried some or all of these treatments without success, or you’d rather avoid prolonged treatment, surgery such as endometrial ablation or hysterectomy is the next step.
Patient story
Watch Halima’s story
21-year-old Halima suffered from severe, deep infiltrating endometriosis since she began puberty. It caused her debilitating pelvic, back and bowel pain and was frequently misdiagnosed until she visited Mr Denis Tsepov, Consultant Gynaecologist and Laparoscopic Surgeon at The Harley Street Clinic.
Other patient stories
Antonia’s chronic endometriosis
Antonia was diagnosed with endometriosis in 1994, at the age of 24, after she had been experiencing chronic pelvic pain and heavy periods.
How Joyce’s endometriosis nearly cost her fertility
Fifteen years after being diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Joyce was devastated to discover her symptoms were caused by endometriosis – a condition which, left untreated, can affect fertility. Here Joyce shares her experience, and how amazing her care was under the care of Mr Denis Tsepov and his team at The Harley Street Clinic.
Living through the pain: A life with endometriosis
Katie underwent a lower abdomen MRI, showing her endometriosis had grown out of the womb and attached itself to her large intestine. Katie and a friend came across The Endometriosis Centre in London.
“Not enough focus is given to women-specific issues such as endometriosis. We’re committed to improving women’s access to and experience of care and improving health outcomes.”
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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.