Ablation Specialist
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Logan OB/GYN
Obstetrics and Gynecologist located in Logan, UT
When you have heavy bleeding, it can rule your life. Dr. Jon Ahlstrom and Marybeth Wilson, FNP, have helped women in Logan, Utah, reduce or even eliminate heavy bleeding through ablation. At Logan OB/GYN, they offer in-house ablations and can counsel you on if it’s the right procedure for you. Contact the office today to see if you’re a candidate for an ablation. Call to schedule your appointment or book online.
Ablation Q & A
What is an ablation?
An endometrial ablation is a surgical procedure that destroys the uterine lining. It’s typically performed on women who experience abnormal bleeding, including heavy, long periods. By destroying the uterine lining, scar tissue forms, which reduces, and sometimes eliminates, bleeding and menstruation.
Dr. Ahlstrom and Marybeth may recommend an ablation if other treatments haven’t reduced bleeding and you’re done having children. This procedure isn't for women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
How is an ablation done?
Ablations are an outpatient procedure and can be done in the office at Logan OB/GYN. To begin the surgery, Dr. Ahlstrom administers a local, spinal, or general anesthesia. He dilates the cervical opening then, in a process called hydrothermablation, uses carefully heated saline to perform a controlled ablation of the endometrial lining.
The whole procedure takes about 45 minutes. You may experience some side effects, including cramping and nausea. You may also have vaginal discharge that appears watery and bloody. Such side effects ought to clear up within a few days, or last for 1-2 weeks at most.
Is a hysterectomy or ablation better?
If Dr. Ahlstrom can treat your heavy bleeding with an ablation, he may recommend the procedure over a hysterectomy. This procedure is much less invasive and requires minimal downtime. If you’re using an insurance company to pay for the procedure, you may need an ablation before the insurance covers a hysterectomy.
Although having an ablation over a hysterectomy allows you to avoid major surgery, in some cases the team at Logan OB/GYN may recommend a hysterectomy. Dr. Ahlstrom performs an ablation to reduce the frequency of bleeding, and it only completely stops bleeding about 50% of the time. If the patient’s goal is no bleeding at all, the only solution that’s guaranteed is a hysterectomy.
If you suffer from heavy periods, it’s time to find a solution. Contact the team at Logan OB/GYN to see if ablation could work for you. Call to schedule your appointment or book online today.
