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Endometrial ablation Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, November 2008.

Answers to questions about endometrial ablation

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

What's a normal period and how do I know if my periods are heavy?

The amount of blood lost during a period is different for every woman. Bleeding usually lasts from three to five days and on average you can expect to change your sanitary towel or tampon every four hours. You may have heavy periods if you need to change your sanitary towel or tampon every two hours, or if your periods usually last longer than seven days.

Explanation

During your period, bleeding usually lasts about three to five days with the bleeding heaviest during the first two days. Sometimes the period can last up to eight days.

Even though your blood flow may appear heavy, the amount of blood you lose during your period is usually only enough to fill about eight teaspoons (about 40ml). Heavy blood loss is medically classed as over 80ml, but in practice that's hard to measure.

The following signs indicate that your periods are unusually heavy.

  • Needing to change your sanitary towel or tampon every two hours.
  • Needing to use double sanitary protection (tampons plus towels).
  • Passing large blood clots larger than a 50 pence piece.
  • Bleeding through your sanitary protection onto your clothes or bedding.
  • Bleeding for more than seven days.

Heavy periods can affect many aspects of your life, including your daily routine and increase your risk of having anaemia (a condition where you don't have enough red blood cells to transport the oxygen around your body), making you feel tired, breathless and faint.

Contact your GP for advice if you think you have heavy periods or if your periods usually last over seven days and stop you from doing your usual activities.

Further information

Sources

  • Menstruation and the menstrual cycle. US Department of Health and Human Services. www.4woman.gov, accessed 21 April 20088
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Can heavy periods come back after endometrial ablation and if so what are my treatment options?

It's possible that your heavy periods may come back after having endometrial ablation. You may be able to repeat the treatment or your surgeon may suggest an alternative method to remove your womb lining.

Explanation

Endometrial ablation works by scarring the womb lining (endometrium). This means the womb lining can't thicken during your menstrual cycle and so you have light periods or sometimes the periods may stop altogether. However, it's possible the treatment may not be successful and your periods become heavy again.

There are several different methods used to remove the womb lining, such as heated water, laser, an electric current, micro or radio-waves. So, your surgeon may suggest having endometrial ablation again using an alternative method or repeating the procedure as before.

Sometimes your surgeon may suggest you have your womb removed (hysterectomy). This is quite a major operation and it's only usually suggested if other treatments don't work.

Further information

Sources

  • Menstruation and the menstrual cycle. US Department of Health and Human Services. www.4woman.gov, accessed 21 April 20088
  • Microwave endometrial ablation. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), 2003. www.nice.org.uk, accessed 21 April 2008
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Why shouldn't I use tampons for a month after endometrial ablation?

After endometrial ablation you are at an increased risk of getting a womb infection. Tampons can provide a good environment for bacteria to grow in and possibly a route for bacteria to get into your vagina.

Explanation

During endometrial ablation the lining of your womb is removed. This means that your womb is vulnerable to infection because the protective layer has been taken away.

It's not really understood how tampons increase your risk of infection. It is possible bacteria could be carried from the outside into your vagina during insertion.

Tampons that are left in the vagina over several hours may provide the right conditions for bacteria to grow. The bacteria can travel through the dilated cervix into the womb and cause an infection.

You will have some vaginal bleeding for the first two weeks after having an endometrial ablation but you shouldn't use tampons for at least one month. Use sanitary towels instead and change them regularly.

Further information

Sources

  • Menstruation and the menstrual cycle. US Department of Health and Human Services. www.4woman.gov, accessed 21 April 20088
  • Microwave endometrial ablation. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), 2003. www.nice.org.uk, accessed 21 April 2008
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Related topics

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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: November 2008

 

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