Heavy bleeding

Regardless of the procedure used, endometrial ablation is considered a much gentler alternative to hysterectomy. It allows the organ to be preserved and protects the pelvic floor. Although the procedure is performed under general anaesthesia, it can be done on an outpatient basis or during a short inpatient stay of maximum three days. Wound pain after the procedure is considered very mild and is compared to menstrual-like discomfort. Most women can return to all normal physical activities after two to three days. A return to work is possible after one week at the latest. A brownish discharge may persist for about two to three weeks. During this time, the woman should avoid baths, swimming pools and saunas, tampons and sexual intercourse.

The success rate of endometrial ablation is also considered very good. Several years of follow-up have shown that in 70 to 80 percent of women treated classically, the bleeding intensity could be successfully and permanently reduced. The risk of mucous membrane regrowth and renewed bleeding disorders is about 20 to 30 per cent. The newer procedures achieve even better values. Here, the success rate is over 90 per cent. In addition, the procedure is considered to have few complications. Perforation of the uterine wall or injury to neighbouring organs is very rare. In individual cases, adhesions can remain on the uterine walls, in which there are still islands of mucous membrane. As these cannot bleed off with the period, a blood congestion occurs, which manifests itself in pulling abdominal pain. Another endometrial ablation is possible, alternatively a hysterectomy can be performed.