My Endometrial Ablation Experience… My Four-Month Post Surgery Results!
I officially blog about it all… okay I guess I really always have but ya know… I am now talking about my uterus. Four months ago almost exactly now, I had an endometrial ablation. But first, let’s back it waaaaay up! At the age of 12, I for some unknown reason decided to stop eating meat. I know true vegetarians/pescatarians totally roll their eyes at this statement in conjunction with the “I eat chicken sometimes” statement but I became one of those only seafood and then chicken once every blue moon kind of eaters. I legit have absolutely no reasons why but suddenly the thought of eating meat just started to truly gross me out. Related or possibly coincidentally not, I became anemic not even two years later. I was getting blood taken with my mom at the pediatricians office and I hit the floor immediately after standing. My bloodwork came back anemic and that’s when the struggles all began. From then on, my body and iron levels have never ever recovered. A problem that has plagued my health ever since. I know… I know… just eat some dang steak! Just not as simple as that I am afraid…
If you are male and are still reading this post for some crazy reason, please go right ahead and hit the X at the top right of my blog tab. Annnnd… thank you. So year after year after year, between heavy periods and already low iron levels, I bounced in and out of being severely anemic basically weekly. I got to where I could almost guess my own iron level just based on how sluggish I felt, how cold I would feel and how easily I was bruising. And then came my mid-20’s when I started having little ones. Although pregnancy was sooooo not my cup of tea, the 9 month long reprieve from my periods was HUGE in getting my levels stabilized for very long stretches of time. Fast forward quite a few years later to having then 8 and 2 year old girls, I went in for a routine bloodwork appointment and I got referred straight to a hematologist. The nurse had called and said my blood levels were waaaaay the heck off and that I needed to call this number and make an appointment. I called the number and the lady answered “Athens Blood & Cancer Center…” Uggghhh…
Long and even longer story short, my iron levels were so low that they told me I needed iron tranfusions and possibly even blood transfusions. As I have chatted about lots on some of my more personal posts like this in the past, I steer clear of absolutely anything outside of the norm medical-wise. I TOTALLLLY get that this isn’t “medicine” but that’s just how I have become wired after lots of medical issues in the past. I just always want soooo bad to just to get the ROOT of the problem. So stubborn me refused both and I decided instead to try everything on Earth to fix the situation myself. I took iron pills three times a day, I ate spoonfuls of black strap molasses, I drank chlorophyl… my mom even disguised chicken liver in brownies y’all. It was bad. LOL. After that for the next four years of my life, I have visited my hematologist at the blood & cancer center to get my iron levels checked every six weeks. No fun. At all. Also seems sooooo backwards since I am low on blood and have to get blood taken so often! I obviously totally know why but ya know.
About one year, or maybe not even quite that long, into my almost monthly hematologist visits, my doctor wanted to run some tests. She truly worried me that there HAD to be some underlying reason why my iron would get so so low. She suggested a colonoscopy and an upper GI. The colonoscopy to ensure I wasn’t losing blood through that “fabulous way” and an upper GI to rule out the same blood loss possibility plus a true Celiac test. Apparently if you have Celiacs Disease, your body does not properly absorb vitamins and minerals including iron. After, thank goodness, all of that testing came back normal, the discussion then switched to eliminating my menstrual cycle in some way. I have been “blessed” (insert rolly eye emoji) with debilitating migraines since college and I learned waaaay back then that birth control pills were part of the problem so I knew that option was out. I wasn’t personally a fan of an IUD or anything like that plus I know some have hormones like birth control that would worsen my migraines once again. So that option was out as well. My OBGYN then gave me two options… an endometrial ablation or a hysterectomy. My stomach literally felt sick at the idea of a hysterectomy. Although I know lots of women have had them and had no issues, the thought of it just kind of freaked me out. He also did say that results from an ablation can vary drastically from one woman to another so no matter what I chose, I could end up in a hysterectomy either way. But after chatting with several friends and acquaintances who have had ablations, I decided to give it a go!
Since first mentioning my ablation procedure on Instagram Stories last Fall, I have gotten blown up with messages from soooooo may women in my very same boat. Low iron levels looking for a drastic solution. This is why I have shared details on how very bad my anemia had gotten. All as to then share my amazing ablation results. So last September, after being told for almost two years now that I HAD to do something to get my iron under control, I scheduled an ablation. The first step is of course to make sure you are completely done having children and to triple check that you are for sure NOT PREGNANT. Although an ablation doesn’t always keep you from getting pregnant, it will prevent you from being able to keep a pregnancy. Scary thought. Next is an endometrial biopsy. This ensures that you do not have any cancerous cells in your uterus before they go blasting away at it during the surgery. I cannot say that the biopsy was my absolute favorite experience ever. Or at all whatsoever. It was a pretty dip snipping of the lining of your uterus which feels pretty much just like that. A knife cutting away at your insides. BUT it was super quick and by the time I felt it, it was over. Definitely not so bad that I wouldn’t advise having an ablation. And then finally, SURGERY DAY!
An endometrial ablation is a procedure that destroys/ablates the lining of your uterus. The goal of course being to permanently end or at least lessen the severity of a woman’s menstrual cycle. It is an outpatient surgery that you are put to sleep for which is a plus if you ask me. From what I understand, they burn off the lining which does NOT sound like something I EVER want to be awake for. They asked if I preferred a “twilight” drug or true anesthesia and I kind of stressed out over my decision! I chose the “twilight” drug which I think was Propofol. Otherwise known as the drug that killed Michael Jackson. Which is literally what my nurse told me. AWESOME! Thanks for that. I was worried I would be awake-ish but I do not remember a thing! I woke up feeling okay but I knew they said there was a possibility I would have some moderate to severe cramping post-procedure. Pretty sure I was pumped full of stuff at that point because by the time I got home, I was cramping pretty severely. I do have a bladder disease (interstitial cystitis) which I have chatted about before here on my blog and I have found that my menstrual cramping tends to be worse because of it for some reason. And it was. I would say it was allllmost unbearable for about five hours post-surgery and then it literally just STOPPED. I laid on a heating pad and took Motrin during that time and then once it was over, I haven’t felt a thing since!
From literally that moment last September until now, I have not had a single drop of blood and not a single cramp. I literally don’t even know when my period “should be” anymore! Y’all… my period is GONE. Like throw out the tampons and pads and never ever see those again. Until my girls start. Ugh, can’t even handle that thought! And honestly for me, even better than that is the fact that I am NO LONGER ANEMIC. My hemoglobin is no longer low at ALL anymore. Truly the biggest blessing in the world. I hope that if you have been struggling with anemia or even just miserable periods, this post helps you make a very difficult decision. I know that even for me, knowing for 1,000% that I am all done having kids, it was a hard one to make. To KNOW that you can physically never have a child again is a hard thing to sign up for. BUT a higher quality of life for those of us struggling with female issues can absolutely be worth the uterus blasting. Feel free to shoot me an e-mail if you have any other questions! Love you guys!
XOXO, Brittany Hayes
Wow, thank you for being so transparent! You rock!
What ablation did everyone have? Was it the one with the hot water? I’m supposed to get it done but I’m hearing a bunch of horror stories
Hello. I had the one with the hot water May 2019 and I haven’t had any complications.
I just had one last month and had to have it in my doctor’s office due to COVID. Do NOT go that route! Get knocked out!
Don’t do that one! Do the NOVASURE. I am very happy with my decision. Haven’t had a period or cramps for the past 3 years.
I’m getting one done tomorrow. Little nervous but friends who have had it said it was the best thing they ever did!
Hello I go for the novasure on Thursday im a little nervous but I think I’m ready im going to be put to sleep and have to have d&c
I had a uterine ablation last year, and my experience was similar to yours. The biopsy was awful! The cramps following the procedure were even more awful (but short lived), and I am so glad that I had it done. I occasionally have very light spotting and some light menstrual cramps, but nothing like I had before. I know that this post will help a lot of women who are considering an ablation.
I am considering have this procedure done, but I am nervous from all the horror stories. Any advice?
Just had it done 4 weeks ago. I was asleep for the procedure. I was sooo scared, but it really was easy. I woke up with minor cramping which was gone by the time I got home. I felt great the next day and it literally feels like I didn’t even have a procedure. You will do great!
Fatally know this a year late but I had mine 2 month ago and I started my period last Tuesday and iam still bleeding not heavy barley fills a pad blood when I wipe and pee and vaginal pain is this normal
I had mine done last month and I’m bleeding now this month and cramping except I’m bleeding and cramping pretty bad. The doctor told me when I asked about it that it could take a few months for the effects of the ablation to kick in. My mother had the same thing done around ten years ago and she. Ever had a period after and still hasn’t. They also told me that there is a chance I still may get cramping every month regardless.
I had mine done in july and no bleeding but man the cramps are so bad
I had mine done 7 months ago. I had a regular period each month after having it, but it was much lighter and less painful than periods prior to the procedure and each month became progressively lighter. This is the first month I haven’t had a period at all. It’s absolute bliss and a very strange concept to me!!! After years of having to triple pad and double knicker I don’t know what to do with myself. I’m saving a fortune on sanitary products !!!
So don’t give up hope. My dr told me it can take up ton6 months or so after the procedure for your body to settle into its new routine. She was pretty spot on as mine have stopped at month 7.
Great info! Thank you! I had my procedure done in April and I’m still having a pretty heavy period! Some cramping and period symptoms. My next period should of started on Monday and has not! But still having cramps and back pain… knowing that it took you 6months is encouraging! 🙂
I just read your info regarding your ablation; I understand it is 6 months old, but I am thankful you wrote that. I had an ablation 11 days ago, I was bleeding heavily for 14 days and my OB decided I needed an ablation. I am thrilled with it, surgery was so easy, laid on the operating table and all of a sudden I was in my room! The hemorraging stopped, I was so relieved I wanted to cry. I had a little yellowish discharge for the first 7 days, only wore a pantiliner; then I started my period. I was a little disappointed, but it is pretty light, sort of watery; and I knew I was going to start it because I had subtle PMS symptoms right on time. Not nearly as horrible as they had been for the past 5 years, very subtle and easy to deal with. I am 52 and going through perimenopause. I am somewhat relieved to hear that you also had a few periods. My friends who had this done did not, so I was worried, their periods just stopped. Although my doctor said absolutely normal to have a few, I guess I was just worried. I had hemorrhaged so horribly for 14 days, I thought OMG, please dont let that happen again. I don’t know how I actually survived, I lost so much blood. I am so happy that I had the ablation, my daughter who has very heavy periods back to back is getting it too. Even though I started my period, it was very light, and very little cramping; which was not how it had ever been. I went through hell for years and years and did not even think about an ablation, I just suffered in silence. I absolutely recommend this surgery to anybody who is thinking about it. My friends and relatives that had this done said it was the best thing they ever did. I am glad that I am not alone with still having my period, but it is soooooo much better!!!!!!
Im having the same problem, just had it done but still have period but lighter but wish i was one of those who loose it all together.
AP, how are you doing now, since your comment was a few months ago, I am just curious. Feel free to email me at my email.
I am going to follow this because the same thing happened to me. Did you have unusually bad cramps a few days before?
My reasons for and results were the SAME. It’s life changing. Congrats. I hope this procedure becomes something more women are offered in years going forward. xo (here’s to no more periods!)
Brittany, thank you for honest and detailed post on your experience. I had a uterine ablation done 4 years ago and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. After considering all my options to stop my menstrual cycle due to the ablation. Any surgical procedure carries risks, so it’s not to be taken lightly. I was 45 at this time so having more children wasn’t an option for me anymore. I would like to add a few more points that might help your readers. I was terrified after I goggled the procedure. You will see a lot of different comments from women after they underwent the procedure.
It can be very scary to read them. The worst ones were about continual back pain. It honestly made me hesitate to go ahead with it. I was also told that for about 20% of women, the ablation would end up reducing the length, flow and frequency of a menstrual cycle and not elimate it entirely. I prepared myself that I could be one of the 20%. After considering all of the above, I decided to go ahead with it. It helped that I had a great gynecologist. The worst day for me was definitely the evening of the procedure as I had the same excruciatingly painful cramping as yourself. I can’t remember being in that much pain since I was in labor and that was 19 years ago! I even called the nurse back because it was awful and I was bleeding heavily for the next few hours. After assuring me this was all normal, my mind was eased a little. I would say the very next day, the pain was better, but, honestly it took about 48 hours after to get bearable. The first couple of years after the procedure, I still menstruated about every 3-4 months. That was a little discouraging, but, I was glad my cycle was slowing down and became lighter. For the past 2 years, I have only menstruated once or twice! What an improvement! So I would say, don’t get completely discouraged from what you read online, and if takes a few years to fully take affect. I’m so glad I did it and I’m sure you are too!
Hello. How was your flow over those three to four months? I’m two months post ablation and I had light to no bleeding after the procedure. My first cycle after the procedure was lighter; however this current second one seems a little heavier on day 2. I’m hoping it will slow on down as well. I had my tubes removed at the same time I had the ablation done. I’m praying this works for me!
Hi Stephanie, can you give update of your ablation procedure? I just had mine last week.
Thanks for sharing!! I had an ablation almost 5 years ago and it was the best decision Ever!
Just had mine monday and feel ok. Noticed that my libido is up..anyone else experience this? Did anyone notice weight loss or gain after? my sis had it close to 20 years ago and had no period after and claims sex felt better afterwards..?
Hello thanks for blogging about this. I just had my ablasion this past Monday 4-21-2019. I also had my tubes removed and my left ovary (laproscopicly) due to cysts along with the ablasion. They did it all in one swoop. I too had super bad cramping after the surgery. Bad enough that I just knew that was was bleeding heavily but I wasn’t. I took a 800 mg Ibuprofen per the doctor and by the following morning the pain was gone. I have no bleeding but I have a very light discharge. Doctor says that should go away in a few day to weeks. According to my Flo app I am due for my period like right now but so far nothing. Fingers crossed that it works for me. My reason for having the ablasion was that I was having a week of light to medium flow bleeding before my full week of regular to heavy flow period. I had been doing this for 3 years and my BC wasnt helping with the situation. My blood work showed that I was slightly anemic. I’m 41 and am done with having kids (I have 2 beautiful almost grown kids) so I figured get it all done. It was a good thing to have my ovaries checked too cause the cyst on my left ovary (the one they removed) the doctor said it wasnt a normal cyst that it was a hard kind of mass so she took it out to not risk cancer. Anyways right now I’m just Chillin’ and Healin’. TFS!
How long did you spot/bleed after?
Thank you ladies for sharing your experiences. I am currently on the fence about having an ablation.
Dealing with the same issues here for many of years that have only gotten worse as I am approaching 50.
Has anyone ever had a an ablation with having adenomyosis? I have a mild case of adenomyosis.
I have gotten 2 Drs opinions 1 said I will benefit from the procedure.
The other said I could try it but it may not be successful.
Would love to hear any personal experiences.
Hi. I was diagnosed with having adenomyosis. I had the procedure 4 weeks ago. My period came on like clockwork 2 days ago. The flow is not as heavy but still more than i wanted to deal with post procedure. I immediately began doing research to find out why my period came on so quickly. I found out adenomyosis is often the cause of uterine ablation failure. Urgh, I’m really disappointed. I prayed for this to work. Anyway, i wish you success in the event you decide to have it done.
Is your ablation successful?
I had an ablation, tubes removed, and six ovarian cysts removed on Monday (it’s Saturday now). Yeah, that’s a lot at one time, I know. However, all went very well and I walked out of the surgical center and got into the car with my husband, no problem. Felt pretty good. Later that night I thought I felt some cramping sort of creeping up so I went ahead and took a Toradol. Cramps never happened. Mostly I’ve just been super tired and sore from the laparoscopic surgery, but never really in any pain. My gyn advised the ablation because I have been having ridiculous bleeding for years. I was way more concerned about the cysts than anything else,
considering they were painful and large. I had a great surgeon from Emory who was very reassuring and patient. Honestly the worst part of this has been the gas and shoulder pain, but that’s gone now. I am still sore, but no longer on pain meds. I’ve also had almost no bleeding. Just the occasional little bit when I go to the bathroom. Certainly nothing like the horror stories I’ve read. I’d love for my periods to be completely gone, but even if they’re significantly less, I’ll be happy. Overall, it hasn’t been a bad experience. I have discovered that I do need to take it easy, and that I get tired easily. My appetite hasn’t really returned but that’s ok. Frankly, I’m just glad it’s over. Super thankful that pain was minimal! My advice for anyone is to talk to your doctor and ask lots of questions. You have every right to be 100% informed about your own body and what procedures you may have.
They only gave to Motrin after surgery? That scares the hell out of me!
I just had it done today – I haven’t felt the need for anything stronger than OTC pain relief, honestly. It doesn’t feel like I’ve had a surgery just like I’m in the middle of a heavy period. For me the pain (10 hours post-op) isn’t anything I haven’t ever felt before. I was terribly nervous, too, but now being on the other side of it, I’d do it again in a heartbeat. The biopsy was far worse in my opinion!
I had mine done last week and the 30 Ibuprofens and 7 Percocets I was prescribed wasn’t and isn’t enough to fill these cramps of mine. Besides, if you’re a cancer survivor, your pain tolerance is not the same as others. My ablation have me cramping as if my cycle is on and I’m leaking clear fluids like a regular Aunt Flo! Maybe it’s too soon to say or comment but the only reason I had this procedure done was to control my iron levels.
Did the clear fluid or bleeding ever stop?
I am having this done on Friday% I a, wondering if it he,led anyone with bad pms. I get headaches exhaustion nausea and want to eat the planet. Did it help anyone with these symptoms or just bleeding?
I had mine today. My doc said anecdotally he sees improvement in PMS. I am like you, so I am keeping my fingers crossed!
Had my ablation done almost 4 weeks ago. Had some intense cramping for about 5 hrs post procedure…and then very mild cramping for another couple days. Had discharge for 2 weeks. No blood, just yellow ish sometimes brownish discharge. I did have what felt like my uterus contracting during that first 2 week period….not sure if that’s normal. I have had some mild back pain since the procedure with constipation….that’s has not stopped. Going to see the doctor in a few days about it. Curious if anyone has had the same experience? I’m just worried because I have a retroverted uterus and hoping the heat didn’t impact my bowels in some way. I never had any back pain prior to the procedure.
Hi , how’s your symptoms now? Did the contraction ever went away? And the constipation? I just had ablation done 1 week ago and has contraction pains on and off. How your update now?
I had this procedure done two weeks ago and had the same contracting as well as the constipation. However, I took some mild laxatives after seven days and got violently ill. The next day, today, at work I started cramping and bleeding. I’m a little nervous but it’s claiming to read what other people are going through.
Hi I’m 3 week Post ablation. No cramping but I still have a discharge. Doctors said that’s normal. When will it stop
Wow. I am considering getting this done because I have the same condition you had. Glad to know it worked with you!!! Thanks for sharing. Truly encouraging!
I’m 30 years old and have been suffering from almost-endless periods (20+ day long bleeding) for 8 months now. My OBGYN tried a few things (hormonal BC pills, bloodwork, transvaginal ultrasounds) with nothing showing up abnormal or fixing the problem. I have an appointment on Monday for a pre-opp consultation for the ablation procedure. Just wondering how you are feeling now since the procedure was done, if you would recommend it to a friend, and how old you were at the time of your procedure? I’ve seen some horror stories as well as successes, so I’m on the fence with making such a lofty decision!
Hi Samantha,
I had the exact same problem as you. I was having my period off and on every 2 weeks. I also suffered from awful migraines too. I tried hormone birth control (so annoying seeing I had a tubal after my second child.) I ended up having so many ups and downs with the birth control as well as physical side effects. My OB finally told me I would benefit from the ablation. I was so nervous- however I had 2 friends that had it done and swore by it. I had the biopsy (that sucked). However- got the ablation don’t this past January and don’t regret it at all!!! Best decision ever! They do a D&C before the actual ablation a d that’s what the pain is from… not the actual ablation. It’s from them thinning the wall to make the ablation work better. I did have some discharge for 2 weeks and did get a light period after the procedure, then again every other month *when I would normally get my cycle* (but very light and about 7 days.) For about the first 4 months. Then…. NOTHING. I am almost 10 months post procedure and I just spotted recently once the day after I should have gotten a period. And today and yesterday some “end of cycle” discharge but that’s it. I do still experience the bloating and SOMETIMES back aches. But I’ll take that over 12+ days of bleeding every 2 weeks!
One thing no one talked about *or at least I couldn’t find* was the smell after the procedure. OMG… I freaked out!!! I was like you went to the gym after a long workout and just didn’t shower…. my dr told me ot wasn’t bad .. and my husband didn’t notice but I did… I guess it was just bc i was still healing. It went away after 2 weeks. Just thought I would mention that seeing I LOOKED ALL OVER when I got the procedure done and NO ONE said anything about it. Hope I didn’t scare you. But it was seriously the best decision I’ve ever made! If you haven’t done it already, go for it and good luck!
Did they prescribed medicine to dilate you cervix before the procedure?
I got misdiagnosed with endometriosis. Try they retained everything and some sharp instruments in a conspired surgery. They left the shaver with the balloon with straight radiation a spinal stimulator cord battery pack with malfunctioning leeds and I have been fighting for 3 years and finally got the doctor to understand. Wow I don’t think you feel electrocution electrical shock everyday of the week. Also try I was pregnant cut open the womb finished off metal and some other disgusting things. Try a micro radio chip to boot. What a piggy.
Wtf are you on about?
Did it help your menstrual migraines at all?
I am searching all over this post for this bit of information. Wondering if I am the only one with the worst smelling discharge ever. They said to report to your doctor if the smell is foul- I wouldn’t go so far as to call it foul, it just smells like your period hyped up like 5 times! So weird!
I just had the ablation last week and I have that same strong smell. I’m so glad I stumbled upon this posting about the ablation. Some information I was reading made me regret having the procedure. I hope the smell goes away soon because I don’t want it to interfere with my sex life. Some information I was reading from other women said they had an increase of yeast and bacteria infections. Anyone in this post have issues with that?
I am suffering with very watery discharge that smells! Like you I wouldn’t say it’s foul smelling just not a nice smell. How long did it last for you? I don’t think I’ve got an infection although I’ve been suffering with back pain and constipation and feeling sick since I had procedure two weeks ago.
did it ever pass? how long did it take? I had an ablation in dec 2020 and am now finding i have a strong odor
I have been scrolling looking for this exact info… like I have never had discharge like this! The smell is so weird and so off !!! It’s not fishy. It’s actually a smell I can’t describe! I’m 3 days out from novasure. Did yours go away? Should I be worried?
Hi Lori,
I’m wondering how long ago you had the procedure? Was it recent or has it been awhile?
I am one week post ablation and just now have the foul odor. I have looked everywhere about it. Hoping it goes away soon!! Thanks for making me feel better about myself today
Hello I did my procedure two weeks ago. I had D&C to thin the lining then oblation and remove the tubes… I had the cramps and the smell was awful (I got antibiotics) to ensure no infections. There was a lot of bloody discharge and today I am having light bleeding (the bad smell is gone) however there is cramping. I am praying that all these will stop and the surgery a success… No more heavy periods
I had Endometrial ablation done about two weeks ago. The smell is awful, like decay. Now it smells like burnt rubber or flesh. I’m hoping it will go away once all the burnt cells clear out. I’ve been taking flaxseed oil caplets which increases the natural vagina secretions and cranberry tables. I just ordered ph balancing gel that I’ll use at night.
I hope I can clear this up, I would like to feel comfortable with my body again.
I’m one week post procedure and notice a smell and can’t find any information!
Thankyou so much MK, I just had mine done ten days ago, went AMAZING, no pain at all (not even any OTC) but noticed the smell of the discharge after roughly day six, and was horrified LOL
You’ve made me feel so much better!
I have been looking for information on the smell too! It does smell like burnt flesh. My underwear smells like it’s burnt too! I just had my ablation four days and noticed the smell on day two, after bleeding stopped.
I’m exactly at 2 weeks post ablation today and I definitely notice a smell today. I keep changing my liner hoping I’m not stinky. Had my post op visit yesterday. Of course this couldn’t start before then
I’m so glad I found your experience. I have noticed an awful odor too. I just had my ablation four days ago. I searched and searched to see if this is normal.
I am scheduled for my endometrial biopsy and SIS in 2 weeks, then depending on outcome we are discussing ablation vs hysterectomy. I have terrible heavy painful periods and like you am anemic. Also have had endometriosis for years. Would you mind sharing which type of ablation you had? My Dr. Said there are several different types. Thank you so much for sharing this and everyone else as well for their comments. So very helpful.
Hello I had an endometriosis ablation & D&C done about 4 months ago. I have had a period every month. Which has been very heavy still & really bad cramping & back pain. My gynecologist says it’s takes time. I wish I knew how much time. Because my periods are the same. I still bleed through. I have to still wear diaper pads. Horrible. I belive the procedure did not work for me. For the ones that it worked wonders for. That is great really wish it would of been like that for me. But my body has not been the same after surgery. I feel way more bloated intercourse is different. Just overall I wish I would of got a Hysterectomy instead.
Hi Elizabeth, I’m in the UK and had It done 4 weeks ago. I woke up last night thinking I was dreaming I was losing my insides, when yep I actually was! The bed is ruined I’d bled through everything and I’m losing huge clots, even cramping a lot which to be honest I didn’t experience before the op. I’m so disappointed 🙁 since the day of the op I e had to wear pads for water bleeding and discharge, which was all normal according to the docs and well, I was used to always wearing pads daily anyway. People keep asking me, has it worked?? I reply saying not sure yet, time will tell. Based on how I am currently sat her in an adult pull up nappy I’d say No it hasn’t 🙁 especially when reading how other people haven’t bled since or if they have it’s only been a small bleed. This sucks!!! Has your situation improved any?
Had my ablation six weeks ago. I could no longer bear to bleed the way. I was asleep for the procedure and it was smooth. Had a polyp removed and a Miranda IUD inserted. I’m 46 and still fertile.
Minor craps were bearable and I didn’t feel the need to take the Motrin prescribed.
I will say that the biggest turnoff was the stench that followed a few days later. It’s not a fishy smell, but a chemical-like smell. Just awful. I read that this was normal and thankfully it disappeared after about a week.
My period is pretty much gone. I’m down to a panty liner for protection. Minor blood tinged discharge is all that I have. I’m happy so far and do not regret my decision. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experience with this.
I’m scheduled for an ablation Nov. 18th. However my crazy self decided I wanted to do in office. Which means I’ll be awake! I’m freaking out ladies! However my pain tolerance is pretty high to say the least. Dr told me the actual procedure only lasts 90 seconds? Is that the truth?
Omg! I want to do in office too but they want to do a d&c right before and the ablation. But they prescribed med for when they going to induce and t Ha just scares the heck out. Please let us know how your procedure went.
Just went for my Pre-op appmt. They prescribed me Valium & a Narc to take 30min before arrival. Then the day before I’m taking 3 pills which will thin out my uterus to make it “easier”.. procedure is 3 days away! I’ll give another update!
Ok so procedure is done! I’m cramping and honestly not having ton of bleeding or anything. If you can stand maybe 10min or less of scraping, pinching, & stinging then you should be fine! I won’t say it was the easiest but it dang sure wasn’t the worst! Especially for being awake. They make sure to numb you and get rid of the anxiety before hand too!
Update: I’m 1yr & 4 months post op! Best decision of my entire life! My periods now only last 2 days- very very light!- would be safe with just a panty liner honestly. Only downside is I get pretty bad cramps during my time of the month where as before I never had cramps! But I’ll take cramps with the super light bleeding any day over heavy bleeding so bad that I had to schedule my plans around my period!
Thank you for the update! I’m 2 months in and still having a period..It’s great to know that your period got less through the months!!
No go in hospital very painful and procedure lasts 2 min I had mine done 3 weeks ago and I’m going thru complications well I think a lot of stuff is normal but when I read certain stuff I’m very concerned so take it from a mother who is 35 and has a normal delivery and a c-section to me it was the worst 2 min of pain I endorsed in plus they give u a volume and 500 norco to numb u to me I was still smelling my flesh
Thank you for sharing your experience. I’m scheduled to have an ablation in about a month. I have the same issue with low iron due to heavy and frequent bleeding. My GI doctor wanted to do an upper GI scope and I told her I was pretty certain it’s from my periods, and I wanted to fix that first before doing anything else. After googling the info, it has me quite anxious, but reading these posts have helped.
This post puts me more at ease than some other experiences I’ve read about. I was severely anemic due to heavy cycles and too not a fan of meat. Had my abilation this past Monday. I was able to take Advil in regular doses to prevent the cramps from being too severe. My cycle came yesterday and it was very light. Now I’m just left with the watery discharge. I’ve read about so many different experiences from person to person I don’t know what to expect. It’s not smelly it’s just annoying. So now I’m hoping it doesn’t last too long or get smelly. I have a post op appointment Tuesday so I’ll be asking a lot of questions regarding recovery. No regrets looking forward to a full recovery, lighter periods and no longer being anemic.
Just had my ablation two days ago. Still a little tired and sore but only a 1-2. I can get around and do things now. The worst part for me was the anesthesia but I think that’s just my body’s reaction to it. Previously tried a Mirena IUD for heavy bleeding and it changed my period to 3 weeks out of 4. Ugh! After a year, my dr. removed it which triggered two weeks of heavy bleeding and a trip to the ER for faintness due to low iron. I was put on the pill to stop the bleeding and scheduled for ablation. Thankful to be done with the ablation and hopefully done with the heavy periods! Prayers for all of you women struggling with similar issues!
Could you please tell me how long after your procedure , you can drive?
Thank you very much
I got mine today and I had to have a drive that had to check in with the nurse.
Thank you so much to all the ladies that have posted. I literally just had the ablation this morning and it’s been a rough day of cramping. My reason for getting it done (hopefully, in lieu of a hysterectomy) is because of severe blood clots lasting a few days for the past few months. It got so bad that I was sweating and incapacitated. Hoping I am one of the fortunate ones where this works in taking that aspect away. I can live with normal periods, just not ones that take me out of being present for my family or work! Fingers crossed this is the answer!
Hi ladies I had my ablation 3 months ago, no pain after the procedure and no bleeding at all (I had my tubes tied eight years ago) I was just wondering about bloating is like is not going away and the discharge smell is so different I can’t deal with it, it seems I’m the only one that notice it. Have any of you had anything like that happened to any of you?
I keep reading about some women with the smelly discharge problem… they say it’s expected… my way of getting around odors down yonder is by taking Emergen C. 1 packet a day does the trick for me especially during my period. I’m assuming the a ph of the product helps. Anyway, good luck…
I too had an ablation, nova sure, 4 years ago. it was wonderful for the first 3 years…no bleeding no pain. Then 3 years into it, i started having heavy cramping. Over several months I was in and out of my OB office with severe pain, I had to leave work on multiple occassions in tears it was so intense. After multiple ultrasounds they determined it was ablation failure, but they didn’t call it that. I only learned researching what they told me was happening that it was actually an ablation failure. They have tried progesterone and birth control. The pain is manageable some times with aleve but it comes in waves of time. For several months it will be extremely painful and then I won’t have any issues for several months. When I have a severe period of pain it exhausts me and i literally can’t stay awake after the pain subsides with over the counter pain relief. The pain feels like it’s in the ovary sometimes and will change from right to left. The pain can radiate down into the top of the thigh as well. So far, I still don’t have any relief. The only option is a hysterectomy or deal with the pain at this point. I hope other women won’t have this same issue. Ablation was a saving grace for me at the time, and honestly I wonder if it was my physician who didn’t get the procedure done perfectly right. I would encourage you to find out your physicians track record and really look into the most effective form of ablation.
I had the ablation 3 weeks ago due to abnormal bleeding. Was passing out getting blood transfusion and losing so much blood. Got the ablation done and the bleeding completely stopped. The only issue I had was the cramping and back pain about a week after the surgery. But it was amazing choice and I’m doing much better.
Thank you for this blog! It helped me to feel more comfortable during my procedure. I am 1 week post procedure and my experience was surprisingly awesome! I would do it all over again. In fact, I had been wanting to do an endometrial ablation for the last 8 years, but was always afraid. It was done in the clinic, not the hospital and I was completely awake during the entire procedure and was totally fine. They did give me: a Torodol injection, Zofran (for nausea), Nocor (pain) and Ativan (to calm me). I felt as if I had about 3 glasses of wine. Very relaxed and a little out of it. My doctor also gave me a cervical block (numbing for my cervix). That actually hurt more than anything – there was stinging and slight cramping. I had mild cramping during the ablation (I did the HTA = hydrothermal ablation: hot water). When I went home, I had missed my medication window for the my next dose of Norcor so I had a lot of cramping (pretty painful) and low back pain for about 4 hours right after. I also used a heating pad the entire day afterwards. Once I took the Norcor, I was out like a light and slept the rest of the day. One annoying thing was that I felt nauseated afterwards and had no appetite. I also didn’t have a bowel movement for about 2 days due to the meds, not the ablation. This last week I have had mild watery discharge and no bleeding whatsoever. My reasons for doing it were heavy bleeding and anemia. The anemia was starting to give me PVC’s (abnormal heart rhythms). I am praying and being positive that it will work and that my periods will either be gone or just less. I will be happy with the less bleeding. Anything less than what I was dealing with before would be a blessing. If you’re on the fence about having an endometrial ablation, just do it. It was a piece of cake for me and I was awake. My husband was even in the room with me. My only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner.
Hi ladies…..reading your stories lets me know theres more women out there suffering the same. I have been borderline anemic for the past year. Dx with Fibroids 5 yrs ago which started off as 3 and were millimeter in size. Today…I have what my dr described as a uterus full of fibroids and looks like a bag of marbles. I have been considering the Ablation along with a Myomectemy and Salpingectemy (fallopian tube removal) to lower risk of ovarian cancer (mother passed from ovarian Cancer). Has anyone else not only suffered from extremely heavy cycles and anemia but also fibroids too?
I had my ablation Nov 2019 due to extremely heavy bleeding. My period came December 30 and it was extremely light. It lasted about 3 days. Two weeks later my period returned and has not left. Is this normal?
Hi. My situation is very similar to yours. My ablation was nearly 10 weeks ago. Had the normal discharge for 2 or 3 weeks, had a super light 3 day period, followed by about 5 days of no bleeding at all, and then BAM! Bleeding (which doesn’t seem to be getting lighter, maybe even heavier) and has continued for the last 5 weeks, nonstop. I called the doc and they said it could take up to 3 months for everything to heal and to ride it out, but it’s so frustrating. I got this done to stop bleeding and I’m still bleeding!!!!
In any case, did yours ever stop and if so, when?!
I’m 51 and also suffer from heavy periods and have a fibroid, went to the drs and they recommended having the ablation done. I’m considering have this done And would like to know how your sex life is afterwards, any problems? What about weight gain? Or loss of weight?
Thanks for all your stories, very helpful
I would love if someone can answer your questions, I’ve asked myself these same questions. I am considering having endometrial ablation, still doing my research.
Hi ladies thank you for this blog. I’m very curious about your experience with PMS symptoms. Did you find they went away completely? Or got slightly better? Or No change at all?
Also, did your doctor talk to you about the fact that uterine cancer would be harder to diagnose after ablation? There’s a family history with my mom, so my doctor said she had some concern about me having the procedure because uterine cancer wouldnt be detected early as it typically is, on the surface of the uterus. It would tend to grow more within the body. That’s scary and something I need to consider.
Wife just had hydrothermal today
ALOT of pain, camping, back pain. Said it is as painful as having our child.
She too is anemic and had to have infusions. Past year she would bleed, stop, bleed for a few days, stop, than a week.
Tried the IUD, pills to stop periods but they failed.
Wanted to see if all this pain was normal with this procedure. Docs and nurses did not describe it as being this bad.
Glad i found this site and your comments concerning this and also what i am assuming the fluid they used coming out and causing a
smell a few days from now.
Thanks!
i had an ablation omN August 2019 due to heavy periods and that is the worst decision ever. a month after my ablation, my periods came back heavy as before and i started having excessive vaginal discharge till today. the discharge have really affected my sex life, whenever i have sex with my husband, i need to wipe down there every 30 seconds because i am so watery. i even wear ultra absorbant period pad for the discharge. i wish i never had it done. it was the balloon ablation procedure. is anyone experimenting the same problem?
till
Thank you so much for sharing, really helped. My procedure is tomorrow and I am at peace and hopeful now!!
Has anyone had this procedure done with Aetna insurance? My doctor tells me I need this procedure but he has had patients with Aetna who have had it before and it wasn’t covered.
Hello everyone, I’m 2 weeks post op… no pain except for mild lower back randomly… i should be on my period at this time, j have light pink discharge… my question to anyone is, are you experiencing hot flashes?? I feel hyper… i wake up in the middle of the night… Any suggestions and experiences???
I’ve read that some women had trouble post ablation either with not having enough lubrication during sex or with orgasms being somewhat painful due to the uterus contracting. Has anyone experienced that?
Hi, I’m having the ablation tomorrow. Just a little nervous after reading some of these stories. I will give update on how everything goes! Thanks foe all the info!
Can people please share what type of ablation procedure did they have done? I’m set to have my consultation on the 30th and keep reading horror stories about NovaSure.
Just had my ablation. Can anyone tell me how long it takes for the bloating to go away. I feel like I’m pregnant…lol.
Maybe you can try Charco Caps for bloating. It helped me in my postop.
I just had mine done today and also feel pregnant! Bloated everywhere! I’ve been drinking a ton of water to flush the IV fluids out but the excess fluids are hanging on all over! Abdomen, legs, calves, face. What helped you? Anything other than just time?
I m scheduled to have the ablation on Friday…I ve had heavy periods and have been anemic. I am very worried about the cramps. My labour cramps were beyond extreme! Would this be something I should expect after this? Very scared!! Any words of advice?
How did it go?
I had novasure ablation. I wish I could say I had the same results. 3 years later and the cramps and 14 day periods are unbearable. I’d love you know if you still feel the same or anything has changed since you last posted.
I had a novasure ablation exactly 5 days ago!! I am still in the “healing” process but your post sounds promising for me! I too was given choice of ablation or hysterectomy. I am praying this will fix all my menstrual struggles!!
I had the NovaSure ablation and the removal of one ovarian cyst about 3 years ago. It stopped my periods completely except for about 4 days of clear discharge each month. I have, however, struggled with the foul odor issue off and on since the procedure. Sometimes it even travels to my bladder and makes my urine smell bad. I went to a new ob/gyn (who did not do the surgery) and she suggested phD pills (not a prescription) as well as probiotics and kombucha. I have used those for about a year now regularly and the odor issue seems to have subsided. I really felt like the issue was more serious that the doctor was making it out to be but her suggestions have helped. Possibly some sort of bacteria has been traveling around in my body this entire time.
Since the surgery, which also included the removal of my fallopian tubes, I have developed a sweating issue. I sweat in new places and my sweat smells worse that it ever has in my entire life. So I’ve had to experiment with multitudes of new deodorants which is not what I was expecting in my 40s. So, it’s possible that some part of my surgery caused hormonal changes. I had been told that it would not cause hormonal changes if I am keeping my ovaries. I’m glad that it stopped my periods but it was not worth all of these other problems.
I know, late to the party. I had mine done in December and finally have no more periods. The seeping of the clear stuff lasted me about two months. And it did smell. I always thought I was peeing myself for a bit there in the beginning. I am so happy I had this done. Thank you for your blog. I was wondering if I was going to have another period because last month only lasted about 6 hours. Very light.
I’m having issues with the smell and it’s only been 6 days. You said it lasted 2 months? 😡
It is so great to read all the comments on this blog! I had my period for 375 days. Heavy, hemorrhaging bleeding. Severely anemic. Fatigue like I’ve never felt before. No one really took it seriously because I was 50 and “menopause was around the corner”. Weeks and months went by with no relief – just a daily (DAILY!) heavy period. Finally they scheduled me for the ablation and fibroid removal as well. Procedure went really well. No pain – but lots of watery and smelly discharge 3 weeks later. Like others who’ve commented, I hope it goes away soon. It’s a burnt, acrid kind of smell.
Danielle, my ablation was on the 28th & experiencing the same foul odor. Has yours improved?
Boric acid suppositories from Amazon and some Flagyl for BV will fix that
I just had procedure done may 10th but am still having a lot of heavy orange/yellow/brown discharge. It doesn’t seem as though it will lighten anytime soon as its getting heavier. Im reading conflicting info on how long it’s normal for this to last. Its really putting a danper on my sex life, help!
I just had one 2 months ago, since then I have had a couple periods, but they were VERY light compared to what I was dealing with. Literally can wear a pantiliner and all is well. My iron levels are great, no more ice cravings. Right now I just finished my period, and now I’m ovulating, and the cramping is pretty bad. I’m not sure if this is normal, but I’m waiting it out. Still dealing with bloating and other period related symptoms. At this point, the only relief IS the fact that the bleeding is lighter. I’m hoping that I stop having periods and the doctor seems to think will eventually happen.
wow thank you for being so open and honest about this, I’m having this done in a couple of weeks and have been completely stressed about it.
Did any women have unusual smelling discharge? Not fishy just not normal!
I had the procedure done 2 week now and I have this terrible odor I can’t stand as you said not fishy just disgusting . I’m definitely calling my doctor tomorrow.
Did the odor go away? If so, how long after?
I’m excited that you got great results from having endometrial ablation done. I wish that I could say the same but unfortunately it possibly complicated my period issues. Over the years, I have struggled with borderline anemic and now I take iron pills on a regular basis (worst vitamin ever besides fish oil). My periods remained heavy and I’m wondering if my tissue wasn’t burned as deeply since I started my “period” a day or two later. I had mild cramping after the procedure. Now I have labor stabbing periods. I was put on depo and it helped reduce the pain but now I’m bleeding constantly. Not sure which one is worse. Due to covid, I can’t have an exploratory procedure done yet. After that I was going to opt for the mirena iud. I see the dr tomorrow and hopefully come up with a plan ASAP.
So I had the npvasure done August 3rd 2021. I chose to do outpatient and not be put to sleep. The only part I hah to really focus and breathe was once he released the net, I felt it like grabbing my uterus. I did not feel the burning at all just the pressure of the net. Fast forward to a few days later, the smell coming from me was horrendous. After 15 days on Flagyl (metronidazole) it subsided. I followed up with 5 days of boric acid suppositories to level out the Vagina PH. The smell is gone and so are my periods! The pain the first day of the procedure was comparable to contractions. But a pain pill and some edibles and I slept it off.. good luck ladies
I am starting Flagyl this morning for the same problem. I have ordered the boric acid supp. from Amazon. Should I do them after the Flagyl is completed? This smell gotta go!
I’m post Novasure 4 weeks. Besides cramping and nausea post surgery for a few hours it was really easy. I was put under for the procedure. I have been spotting since the procedure, and have had a light period since. I have been having some chunky type discharge that does not smell. Just wondering how long people have discharge for? I have read up to two months is normal.
I’m 4 months post ablation and had maybe a two day period the first month after surgery, then nothing. It was amazing. I’m bleeding today though and it’s triggering anxiety and depression. That’s why I had it done, I had severe pmdd from hormone pills and then I had fibroids so I bled for almost a year and just cannot deal. I want to get a full hysterectomy so it can never happen again but a friend who had one no longer enjoys sex and it hurts for her. I don’t want that. I don’t know what to do 🙁
I had my Ablation Oct 2021. Had discharge for 6 weeks(bright yellow to orange in color). I started my period 2 days after ablation, it was a little lighter. The last 2 were lighter. Now my 4th period is almost as heavy as it was before ablation, so I am very worried my Ablation has failed. I also get very bad back cramps each month. Has anyone else had similar problem? I’m very upset thinking it failed.
Same for me. I had my ablation in early December. My first two periods were light and watery, but my third period, which I am having right now, is super heavy. Close to worse that it was before the ablation. I can’t find any information about if this is normal or if my ablation has failed. My doctor has not responded to me yet.
I would love to hear more endometrial ablation experiences.
I’m soon turning 30, and this procedure was one I discussed with my doctor. I have endometriosis, PCOS, IBS, migraine, and low iron levels. I can’t use certain forms of hormonal birth control because of my migraine, and some have given me terrible night sweats and anxiety (more like night terrors). My uterus is too small for IUD, so that’s not an option either. I tried an IUD before I knew this (weirdly the doctor who inserted the IUD didn’t mention my uterus being too small) and it was causing me pain when I was doing something active, like running. Also, less than 6 months of having it inserted, it slipped out. At the moment I feel too tired to try anything new hormone-wise.
My doctor said that she could give me the thermal balloon ablation (I think the balloon is the only option where I live), but she warned me that sometimes endometriosis pain gets worse after the operation. She also mentioned that since I’m under 30, sometimes the ablation needs to be repeated, because the ovaries are still so active and cause the lining of the uterus to renew so rapidly. She said that there’s a chance I might need a second operation in 3-5 years, and that sometimes a new operation might not be possible because the sides of the uterus might become glued together. She was thinking if I could wait until I’m around 34-35, so the results might be more permanent. But to be honest, I don’t know if I want to / can wait that long.
So if there’s anyone here who’s had this operation done when they were around 30, I would really love to hear it. Or maybe you’re not close to 30, but had IBS or endometriosis. Did you get the balloon or Novasure or smth else? How long did it take to recover? Were you happy with the results?
Good day I need to go for a endometrial ablation but I am scared , and do not know what to expect.
I’ve had two ablations and on my second IUD for Estes contraception in 7yrs!
The best thing I ever did!!!
No periods or bleeding since September 2015!!
Yay!!!
Highly recommend it as an alternative to hysterectomy
Hello ladies.
I had an ablation in June 2022. About three months after I started noticing an unpleasant vaginal odor. Not fishy, just…yuck. I’ve never had any type of vaginal infections, only one yeast infection in my life (I’m 43). Dr tested for UTI and BV. Nothing.
This odor has been constant the last two months, nothing seems to help. I shower and it’s fine for a few hours. I haven’t changed anything in my personal hygiene or diet. This is affecting my self-esteem and mental health. I don’t want my husband to come anywhere near me.
I’ve seen women posting about similar odors, but nothing about what they have done to alleviate it.
Any feedback is welcome.
Boric acid suppositories from Amazon etc are miraculous for odor!