Endometrial ablation has not been linked to early or premature menopause. This procedure eliminates the uterine lining using a variety of methods including lasers, radio waves, microwaves and electricity. It is conducted to stop heavy, prolonged vaginal bleeding that sometimes occurs after childbirth or due to a condition known as endometriosis. The surgery usually leads to sterility but is used to prevent a hysterectomy, a procedure that removes the uterus.
Early and Premature Menopause
The medical profession defines early menopause as when it occurs before a woman turns 45. Premature menopause occurs when the process begins before a woman turns 40. According to the International Premature Ovarian Failure Association, between 1 and 4 percent of all females between 15 and 40 are affected by premature menopause.
Causes of Early and Premature Menopause
The causes of early and premature menopause have not been firmly established. Genetic conditions like Turner and Swyer syndromes along with enzyme defects, chemotherapy, autoimmune diseases, thyroid problems, diabetes, anemia, viral infection and more can all lead to premature ovarian failure.
Endometrial Ablation
Endometrial ablation does cause sterility, but it does not cause the symptoms of menopause. The procedure affects only the uterine lining, but menopause is caused by a depletion of eggs stored in the ovaries either due to natural processes or some sort of dysfunction. Ablation functions by causing scarring on the uterine lining, which prevents further bleeding. The sterility that follows the ablation procedure is caused by the destruction of the uterine lining, which makes the normal implantation of eggs impossible. The procedure can be performed under either local or general anesthesia.
Recovery From Endometrial Ablation
Recovery from endometrial ablation usually takes between four days and two weeks, and there are few secondary complications to be concerned with. Side effects immediately following the surgery can include cramping, headaches, discharge and vaginal bleeding. While it does cause sterility, it does not cause menopause or the secondary side effects of that condition. According to an entry in the Fifth Edition of "Comprehensive Gynecology," about half of all women who undergo endometrial ablation will stop having periods, which may seem like menopause.
Alternatives to Endometrial Ablation
If endometrial ablation is not feasible, a hysterectomy can treat similar conditions. This involves the removal of the uterus and in many situations the cervix, fallopian tubes and ovaries. This surgery is far more invasive than ablation and has a total recovery time of between one and two months. There are also drug treatments available that can lessen or stop vaginal bleeding without surgery.
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