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Endometrial ablation is a gynecology procedure that destroys the lining of a woman's uterus. This technique is most often employed for women who suffer from excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding, who cannot or do not wish to undergo a hysterectomy, or who simply no longer want to have a period. The procedure is most commonly done on an outpatient basis. Uterine ablation is not offered to patients who may want to get pregnant.

A number of competing procedures are available. Most are effective in 65-85% of patients. Effective means that women will either have normal periods or a complete absence of mense.

The HTA/hydrothermal ablation system uses a hysteroscope to confirm proper probe placement and to see the area they are treating. This device circulates heated saline which burns the lining of the uterus.

Thermachoice is a balloon filled with heated fluid to destroy the uterine lining. The fluid is safely contained in a flexible and non-allergenic material that conforms to most uterine shapes and sizes with no reduction of efficacy.

Novasure is a mesh introduced into the uterus that destroys the lining by applying electrical energy to the mesh to thermally damage the uterine lining.

Her Option uses a cold probe and ultrasound to freeze and damage the uterine lining.

Older methods use a roller balls or laser to destroy the lining.

The procedure is done while the patient is either under local anesthesia in the office or in an operating room of a hospital or outpatient surgery center. The recovery period can be from hours to just a few days.

The ablated lining then scars reducing or removing future uterine bleeding. Ovaries still function and hormone production will remain unaffected. It is still possible to become pregnant after having this procedure, with significant risks to the mother and the fetus. A reliable birth control method must be used after having endometrial ablation.