Pregnancy after endometrial ablation

[magpie11]

Is it possible to get pregnant after an ablation? I am 44 years old and had an ablation in 2006. I still have light periods and some cramps, but not heavy like they used to be.

[adgal]

I don't pretend to know a lot about this, but everything I have heard suggests it is not a good idea.  Possible, yes, and we have had women on this forum that have done it, but apparantly it can be quite dangerous.  I would really work with your Dr. on this prior to attempting a pregnancy.  I wish you luck.

[40smama]

magpie - I've read many negative posts/articles about trying to get pregnant or being pregnant after an ablation.  I would highly research it before even consulting your doctor.  Nearly every woman that I've met had to have a hysterectomy after the baby was born because of placenta accretia & that's the least of the possible complications.

[40smama]

To answer your question specifically, it is very difficult to get pregnant post ablation but it can be done much to a doctor's non-recommendation.  This is why they (doctors) ask you if you want any more children before you have one done.

[Moni968]

I am in the same boat.  It's hard to know when you ovulate at least for me.  At this time I pray that I am.  I have children but he does not.  We have not tried yet he wants to have his first child even at 53.  Do you know how soon you can find out if one is pregnate?  I know blood is the best but over the counter I don't know.  I do spot from time to time and cramp often.  HELP!!!!!!!!!!

[SweetlyBroken]

Yes, you can get pregnant after an ablation. However, it's not without its risks, which is life threatening to the baby in the 1st trimester and to you in the 3rd. Be sure to research it thoroughly before you ttc.

I know this bc I had an ablation in Feb this year and am now 7 weeks pregnant. A surprise blessing, you can say. :)

[minimilk]

I had to have an Ablation in Nov 2007, I am now trying for a baby with my fiancee, I did speak to 2 doctors and both said the same thing, there is no reason why I cant get pregnant but it is more difficult, they never mentioned anything to me about it being risky, the only thing they did say was I would have to have scans a lot earlier and regular check ups mainly because of my age, im 39 3 months, I have spoken in depth with my GP and they know my back ground but reading what some women have said its began to worry me.

[nina2249]

Endometrial ablation is a procedure that uses a lighted viewing instrument (hysteroscope) and other instruments to destroy (ablate) the uterine lining, or endometrium. Endometrial ablation can be done by:

    * Laser beam (laser thermal ablation).
    * Heat (thermal ablation), using:
          o Radiofrequency.
          o A balloon filled with saline solution that has been heated to 85C (thermal balloon ablation).
          o Normal saline (heated free fluid).
    * Electricity, using a resectoscope with a loop or rolling ball electrode.
    * Freezing.
    * Microwave.

The endometrium heals by scarring, which usually reduces or prevents uterine bleeding.
What To Expect After Surgery

Endometrial ablation is usually done in an outpatient facility or hospital. The procedure may be done using a local or spinal anesthesia, although general anesthesia is sometimes used.

It takes a few days to 2 weeks to recover.
Why It Is Done

Endometrial ablation is used to control heavy, prolonged vaginal bleeding when:

    * Bleeding has not responded to other treatments.
    * Childbearing is completed.
    * You prefer not to have a hysterectomy to control bleeding.
    * Other medical problems prevent a hysterectomy.

How Well It Works

Most women will have reduced menstrual flow following endometrial ablation, and up to half will stop having periods. 1

Younger women are less likely than older women to respond to endometrial ablation. After an endometrial ablation, younger women are more likely to continue to have periods and need a repeat procedure.

Young women may be treated with either gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues ( GnRH-As) 1 to 3 months before the procedure. This will decrease their production of estrogen and help thin the lining of the uterus (endometrium).
Risks

Problems that can happen during endometrial ablation include:

    * Accidental puncture (perforation) of the uterus.
    * Burns (thermal injury) to the uterus or the surface of the bowel.
    * Buildup of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema).
    * Sudden blockage of arterial blood flow within the lung (pulmonary embolism).
    * Tearing of the opening of the uterus (cervical laceration).

These problems are uncommon but can be severe.
What To Think About

Regrowth of the endometrium may occur after you have endometrial ablation. This procedure is not recommended if you have a high risk for endometrial cancer.

Do not consider this procedure if you plan to become pregnant in the future.

Although this surgery usually causes sterility by destroying the lining of the uterus, pregnancy may still be possible if a small part of the endometrium is left in place. This can lead to severe pregnancy problems. Birth control of some form is needed if you have not finished menopause.


  
      

[nickie78]

I had an ablation done in the summer of 2007.  I have since been pregnant twice.  The first time I miscarried at 5 weeks, not realizing that my ablation had any negative affect on me.  I discovered that was the cause of my miscarriage.  I got pregnant again, but was prepared for possible complications.  I went to the doctor every week to make sure the baby was growing and implanted.  I only made it to 7 weeks that time.  There is a considerable amount of risk involved if you manage to maintain the pregnancy at all.  Placenta accreta is the most talked about that I have found.

I have been doing a lot of research between the internet and academic journals looking for success stories and how they gained their successes.  Hopefully, I can post back here someday sharing those stories.

[Jordayden]

I had an ablation 10 years ago, didn't think I could get pregnant as I never had a period after this and didn't use contraception for the past 8.  I now have a bubbly, very healthy 5 month old!!!   We were very shocked, and I wasn't sure I'd be able to get through all the anxiety and uncertainess, and even though every dr advised up until 20 weeks that I should terminate I kept struggling through...
The pregnancy itself was not an easy one, feeling like a walking time bomb, just waiting for the day that I would miscarry, but in the end we got there.
I had him at 38.5 weeks, he was born naturally but not without complications, I was rushed off to surgery after haemmoraging (which we were prepared for)...
I will definately not be going back again, now that I know I can, I'll be taking every precaution not to fall pregnant!!!
These are just some thoughts I wanted to share with you, I am soooo lucky to have my little miracle man, only you can decide and everyone's different..........
Hope this helps, Cheers,
Jenelle