Hydrothermal Endometrial Ablation
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.
What do I need to know about hydrothermal endometrial ablation?
Endometrial ablation is a procedure to remove the endometrium (lining of your uterus). You may need this procedure if you have heavy or abnormal vaginal bleeding. Hydrothermal means heated fluid is used during the procedure. You will not be able to become pregnant after this procedure. Your healthcare provider will talk with you about this procedure to make sure you do not want to have children in the future.
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How do I prepare for the procedure?
Your healthcare provider will talk to you about how to prepare for the procedure. You may be told not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of your procedure. You will also be told what medicines to take or not take on the day of your procedure. You may need someone to drive you home after the procedure and stay with you to make sure you are okay.
Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions
Provera
Provera is used for abnormal uterine bleeding, amenorrhea, birth control, endometrial cancer ...
Mirena
Mirena (levonorgestrel) is a plastic intrauterine device placed in the uterus and is used to ...
Otezla
Otezla (apremilast) is used to treat plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and oral ulcers ...
Veozah
Veozah (fezolinetant) is used for the treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS) ...
Lysteda
Lysteda (tranexamic acid) is used to treat heavy menstrual bleeding. Includes Lysteda side effects ...
Covaryx
Covaryx is used for hot flashes, menopausal disorders, postmenopausal symptoms
EEMT HS
EEMT HS is used for hot flashes, menopausal disorders, postmenopausal symptoms
Megestrol
Megestrol systemic is used for abnormal uterine bleeding, AIDS Related Wasting, anorexia, breast ...
Estradiol/progesterone
Estradiol/progesterone systemic is used for hot flashes, menopausal disorders, perimenopausal ...
Norethindrone
Norethindrone systemic is used for abnormal uterine bleeding, amenorrhea, birth control ...
What will happen during the procedure?
- You may be given local anesthesia to numb the area. You may instead be given general anesthesia to keep you asleep and free from pain during the procedure. Your healthcare provider will widen the opening of your cervix. A tool will be guided into your uterus. Heated liquid will be sent through the tool and into your uterus.
- The liquid will continue to flow until the lining is removed. This takes about 10 minutes. Your provider will control the heat and the pressure of the liquid. Liquid will not be allowed to move into your fallopian tubes or your abdomen. The system will automatically shut down if this happens.
What should I expect after the procedure?
You may feel some discomfort for a few days. This is normal and should stop soon. Contact your healthcare provider if any of the following becomes severe or continues:
- Cramps, similar to menstrual cramps, for 1 to 2 days
- Watery, bloody discharge for 2 to 3 days that may become light and last a few weeks
- Frequent urination for 24 hours
- Nausea
What are the risks of hydrothermal endometrial ablation?
You may bleed more than expected or get an infection in your vagina, urinary tract, or uterus. Your cervix, uterus, or nearby organs may be burned or damaged. You may get a blood clot in your leg or arm. A blockage may form over months to years and cause blood to pool inside your uterus. This blockage may cause severe pain and you may need a hysterectomy. You may also need a hysterectomy if endometrial ablation does not work. Rarely, pregnancy can happen after hydrothermal endometrial ablation. Your risk for a miscarriage is much higher if you become pregnant after this procedure.
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