Endometrial Ablation | Charak Hospital Lucknow

Endometrial Ablation in Lucknow — Minimally Invasive Treatment for Heavy Periods

Endometrial ablation offers a uterus-preserving alternative to hysterectomy for heavy periods — a short outpatient procedure with excellent long-term results.

Endometrial ablation is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that destroys (ablates) the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) to reduce or stop heavy menstrual bleeding. It is not a hysterectomy — the uterus remains. It is suitable for women with heavy periods who have completed their family and for whom hormonal treatments have failed or are not tolerated. At Charak Hospital, we use modern techniques — including resectoscopic ablation — performed as a short day procedure under general anaesthesia. Most women experience a dramatic reduction in bleeding, and about 30–40% have no further periods at all.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Endometrial Ablation?

  • Heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) confirmed by investigation
  • Family is complete — no desire for future pregnancy
  • Hormonal treatments have failed or not tolerated
  • No significant uterine pathology (large fibroids, uterine cancer, adenomyosis)
  • Normal uterine cavity on hysteroscopy
  • Uterine size not more than 10 cm
  • Desire to avoid major surgery (hysterectomy)

Types of Endometrial Ablation

Resectoscopic (TCRE) Ablation

Using a resectoscope (operating hysteroscope) with a loop or roller-ball electrode to destroy the endometrium layer by layer under direct vision. Precise, effective, and allows simultaneous polyp or fibroid treatment.

Non-Resectoscopic (Second-Generation) Methods

Thermal balloon, microwave, radiofrequency, or cryoablation devices that destroy the endometrium without direct visualisation. Shorter procedure time. Equally effective for straightforward cases.

The Endometrial Ablation Procedure at Charak

  • Pre-operative hysteroscopy to confirm suitability and cavity normality
  • Short general anaesthesia (15–20 minutes)
  • Cervix gently dilated
  • Ablation device introduced through the cervix — no abdominal incisions
  • Endometrium destroyed to a depth of 3–5 mm
  • Procedure time: 15–30 minutes
  • Discharged home the same day

Recovery & Aftercare

You can expect a watery or blood-stained discharge for 2–4 weeks as the treated endometrium is shed. Mild cramping is common for 2–3 days, managed with standard painkillers. Return to normal activities within 2–3 days. Periods progressively lighten over 3–6 months. Contraception is still required after ablation if you do not want pregnancy — ablation is not a reliable contraceptive.

Why Choose Charak Hospital?

  • NABH-accredited facility
  • Senior gynaecology team
  • Laparoscopic & advanced surgical options
  • 24×7 emergency care
  • Full NICU & PICU backup
  • Transparent treatment planning
  • Compassionate multilingual staff
  • Affordable, transparent pricing

Frequently Asked Questions

Endometrial ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that destroys or removes the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to significantly reduce or stop heavy menstrual bleeding. It is done through the vagina—no cuts on the abdomen—using energy (heat, cold, radiofrequency, or microwave) delivered through a thin instrument passed into the uterus. It is a major alternative to hysterectomy for women with very heavy periods who have completed their family.

Endometrial ablation is best suited for women who have very heavy periods causing anaemia or affecting daily life, have completed their family (they should not wish to conceive in the future), have tried medication without sufficient relief, have no suspected uterine cancer, and have no large fibroids distorting the uterine cavity. Your gynaecologist will perform a full evaluation before recommending the procedure.

Approximately 30–50% of women have no periods at all (amenorrhoea) after endometrial ablation. The majority of others experience significantly lighter periods that no longer interfere with daily life. Approximately 10–20% of women may not achieve the desired reduction in bleeding and may eventually need hysterectomy—this is more likely if fibroids are also present.

Endometrial ablation destroys the uterine lining, which makes the uterus unsuitable for a pregnancy to implant. While pregnancy is not absolutely impossible after ablation, it is strongly discouraged as it carries very high risks of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, and dangerous placental complications. Ablation is therefore only recommended for women who have completely finished having children and must use effective contraception afterwards.

Endometrial ablation is typically performed as a day procedure under general or local anaesthesia. A thin device is passed through the cervix into the uterus—no abdominal incisions are required. The procedure uses controlled energy (heat, microwave, radiofrequency, or balloon) to destroy the uterine lining. The procedure itself takes 5–15 minutes, and most women go home the same day within a few hours.

Under anaesthesia, you feel nothing during the procedure. Afterwards, you may experience period-like cramping for 1–3 days and a watery or blood-tinged discharge for 1–2 weeks—both are normal. Standard pain relief tablets manage the post-procedure discomfort effectively, and most women feel well enough to resume light activities within 1–2 days.

Most women resume normal daily activities within 1–2 days of endometrial ablation—this is one of its major advantages over hysterectomy. Avoid sexual intercourse, tampons, and swimming for 2 weeks. Driving can usually resume within 24–48 hours. The full effect on menstrual bleeding becomes apparent over the 3–6 months following the procedure.

Alternatives to endometrial ablation for heavy periods include: Hormonal IUS (Mirena)—a coil placed in the uterus that dramatically reduces bleeding with no surgery; Progesterone tablets or combined oral contraceptives; Tranexamic acid or NSAIDs for non-hormonal bleeding control; and Hysteroscopic resection of polyps or submucous fibroids if these are the cause. Hysterectomy is the most definitive solution and is reserved for when other methods fail.

You may notice lighter periods from your very first cycle after ablation, but the full benefit is usually apparent by 3–6 months. The uterine lining continues to respond and change during this period. Some women experience no periods at all after the first one or two cycles post-procedure. If heavy bleeding returns after initially improving, please revisit your gynaecologist.

Endometrial ablation in India costs approximately ₹50,000–₹1,50,000 depending on the technique used (NovaSure, thermal balloon, etc.), hospital type, and city. While the upfront cost may seem significant, it avoids the higher cost, longer recovery, and greater risks of a hysterectomy. At Charak Hospital, Lucknow, we offer all modern ablation techniques at affordable prices with expert care.