Endometrial Ablation Specialist

Many women experience heavy bleeding during their period, which isn’t normal. Endometrial ablation is an outpatient treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding. Richard Roberts, MD, is an experienced obstetrician and gynecologist at OB/GYN Associates of Conroe who performs endometrial ablations using the NovaSure® procedure. To find out more about endometrial ablation and how it might help you, call the office in Conroe, Texas, or schedule an appointment online today.

What is endometrial ablation?

Endometrial ablation is a procedure that uses heat energy to destroy the endometrial tissue that lines the uterus. The purpose of the procedure is to reduce monthly bleeding.

Every month, your uterus grows endometrial tissue in anticipation of pregnancy. When you don’t get pregnant, your uterus sheds this lining through menstruation.

Your menstrual cycle and period may change throughout your life. A normal menstrual cycle ranges from 21-35 days and includes a period that lasts 3-5 days. However, it’s normal to have a period that lasts up to seven days.

Dr. Roberts performs endometrial ablation to treat heavy menstrual bleeding.

Am I a candidate for endometrial ablation?

When you visit OB/GYN Associates of Conroe with concerns about heavy menstrual bleeding, Dr. Roberts conducts a thorough physical exam to determine the best treatment for you.

Dr. Roberts may consider you a candidate for endometrial ablation if you:

• Have a period that lasts longer than seven days
• Bleed through a tampon or pad every hour several hours in a row
• Need to use a tampon and pad to manage bleeding
• Get up at night to change your tampon or pad

He may not consider you a candidate for endometrial ablation if you have future pregnancy plans. Pregnancy after ablation is unlikely and Dr. Roberts recommends birth control or tubal ligation following this procedure to prevent pregnancy.

What happens during endometrial ablation?

Dr. Roberts uses the NovaSure® procedure when performing an endometrial ablation. He may use a local anesthetic or sedation for the outpatient procedure to minimize pain and anxiety.

Dr. Roberts first gives you medication that dilates (opens) your cervix. He then inserts the NovaSure wand and advances it into your uterus and opens the triangular-shaped net. 

Dr. Roberts then delivers radiofrequency energy through the netting, which ablates (destroys) the endometrial lining of your uterus. The procedure takes about 90 seconds. He then retracts the netting and removes the wand. 

What can I expect during recovery from endometrial ablation?

You can expect to spend about two hours in the recovery room after your endometrial ablation. You must arrange to have someone drive you home after the procedure and plan to take it easy the rest of the day.

Most women report little to no pain after the NovaSure procedure and return to their usual activities within a day.

Don’t let your heavy menstrual periods control your life. Call OB/GYN Associates of Conroe or schedule an appointment online today.