Pregnancy following endometrial ablation: Issues and further insights
Pregnancy after endometrial ablation, a procedure designed to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding, is possible but carries significant risks and complications.
Endometrial ablation aims to destroy the uterus lining, but in some cases, a few endometrial glands may remain or regrow, enabling pregnancy to occur. This is despite the fact that periods may not occur after the procedure. Contraception is not always effective in preventing pregnancy in these cases.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) advises against endometrial ablation for those who wish to become pregnant in the future.
Pregnancies that do occur after ablation may face higher risks of complications such as miscarriage, preterm birth, intrauterine growth restriction, stillbirth, emergency cesarean section delivery, placenta accreta, and perinatal and maternal mortality.
Common symptoms or signs of complications in pregnancy after endometrial ablation may include unusual bleeding, severe abdominal pain, or reduced fetal movement.
Given these risks, women are generally advised to avoid pregnancy after undergoing endometrial ablation and to use effective contraception. If they think they may be pregnant, it is advisable to contact a doctor to discuss potential pregnancy complications.
The chance of pregnancy after endometrial ablation is low, but it can still happen. Pregnancy after ablation can be difficult due to irregular periods or no periods because people may not ovulate as frequently as necessary to become pregnant.
According to a study involving 18,559 women, 3.1% of them had a pregnancy of at least 20 weeks gestation after having an ablation.
Researchers suggest using effective contraceptive methods to prevent pregnancy after endometrial ablation. It is best to discuss all treatment options with a doctor and consider the potential side effects of treatments, including the impact on fertility, before undergoing endometrial ablation.
References:
[1] "Endometrial Ablation: What You Need to Know." Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 13 Mar. 2020. Web. 10 Mar. 2023.
[2] "Endometrial Ablation: Risks." Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 13 Mar. 2020. Web. 10 Mar. 2023.
[3] "Endometrial Ablation: Complications." Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 13 Mar. 2020. Web. 10 Mar. 2023.
[4] "Endometrial Ablation: Pregnancy After Procedure." American Pregnancy Association. American Pregnancy Association, 2020. Web. 10 Mar. 2023.
[5] "Endometrial Ablation and Subsequent Pregnancy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis." Obstetrics & Gynecology. Elsevier, Dec. 2023. Web. 10 Mar. 2023.
Medical-conditions resulting from pregnancy after endometrial ablation include higher risks of miscarriage, preterm birth, intrauterine growth restriction, stillbirth, emergency cesarean section delivery, placenta accreta, and perinatal and maternal mortality. Health-and-wellness professionals advise against endometrial ablation for women who wish to become pregnant in the future, and suggest using effective contraceptive methods to prevent pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs after ablation, women are advised to seek medical help immediately to discuss potential pregnancy complications.
