What are the alternatives to endometrial ablation?

Medicines can reduce menstrual blood loss or ease pain without treating the womb lining directly. A hormonal coil releases progestogen inside the womb and may reduce heavy periods while providing contraception.

A hysterectomy removes the womb and ends periods, so it is a major, irreversible operation and ends the possibility of carrying a pregnancy. If adenomyosis, fibroids or another womb condition is contributing to heavy periods, identifying that cause can change which treatment is appropriate.

Start with an assessment of the bleeding pattern, pain, pregnancy plans and possible anaemia. Your clinician may examine you, arrange blood tests or use imaging to look for a structural cause. A hysteroscope can help inspect the inside of the womb when an internal problem is suspected.

Tell the clinician whether you want future pregnancy, need contraception or prefer to avoid hormones. These details help compare medication, the hormonal coil, procedures and hysterectomy in a way that matches your priorities.

Seek urgent medical help for bleeding that is soaking pads rapidly, faintness, severe weakness, severe pelvic pain or possible pregnancy with heavy bleeding. Arrange a timely review for new heavy periods, bleeding between periods or bleeding after menopause, because the cause needs assessment.

What is causing my bleeding? Do I have anaemia? Would a hormonal coil or medicine suit my symptoms? Can I become pregnant after this option? What recovery and follow-up would a procedure involve?