Tubal Reversal, Endometrial Ablation, Pregnancy: Concerns
Posted On: Tuesday, December 15th, 2009
Endometrial ablation is a common procedure to treat heavy menstrual periods.
It is recommended pregnancy should be prevented after endometrial ablation. As a result, many women will also have a tubal ligation procedure or their partners will have a vasectomy. Some women will come to regret their treatments and will begin to investigate the possibilities of pregnancy after an endometrial ablation procedure.
We receive frequent inquires about pregnancy after ablation and we have dedicated a blog series to endometrial ablation and pregnancy.
We have authored two previous articles about pregnancy and endometrial ablation:
This article will explain the concerns and risks of pregnancy after an endometrial ablation procedure.
Pregnancy And Endometrial Ablation: Risks
Endometrial ablation removes the endometrial lining. This lining is, in part, responsible for heavy menstrual periods. The lining is also the nurturing environment for the early-fertilized egg. When the endometrial lining is removed it increases the risk of causing female infertility (never getting pregnant) and recurrent pregnancy miscarriage (early pregnancy loss).
Endometrial Ablation and Tubal Blockage: Infertility
Endometrial ablation can cause infertility through tubal blockage. During the healing response after an endometrial ablation procedure, adhesions (scar tissue) can form within the uterus.
Ablation, Ashermans, and Tubal Blockage
When the scar tissue is extensive and forms between the walls of the uterus this is called Asherman’s Syndrome. The scarring after an endometrial ablation can also cause tubal blockage in the intramural portion of the fallopian tube (the narrow portion of the tube which travels through the wall of the uterus). This scarring and tubal blockage can be a cause of infertility after ablation.
Endometrial Ablation and Miscarriage: Infertility
Early pregnancy miscarriage and infertility can be a result of endometrial ablation. The ablation procedure removes the pregnancy supportive endometrial lining. The uterine muscle, which can also be scarred, is what remains. The uterine muscle is not as receptive or supportive to the fertilized egg as is the uterine lining and many fertilized eggs will never attach- the end result is very early pregnancy miscarriage –or chemical pregnancies.
If the fertilized egg should attach to the uterine muscle after the protective uterine lining has been removed then this increases the chance the early placenta will invade and grow abnormally deep into the uterine muscle.
This could cause later pregnancy miscarriage or, more concerning, abnormal placental attachment.
Without the soft, protective uterine lining, the early placenta could grow deep into the muscle. This deep placental growth into the uterine muscle is abnormal and causes the placenta to be extremely adherent. When the placental tissue grows into the uterine muscle this is an abnormal condition termed a placenta accreta.
A placenta accreta is a high-risk pregnancy condition, which could cause abnormal blood supply for the baby, fetal growth restriction (small baby), and the placenta may not detach from the uterine muscle after birth. When the placenta does not detach this increases the risk of heavy post partum bleeding, blood transfusion, and emergent hysterectomy (removal of the uterus).
Pregnancy After Ablation: How does pregnancy happen?
The goal of endometrial ablation is to treat heavy menstrual periods. Uterine ablations are effective; however, many women will have their bleeding resume and some will need additional or alternative procedures to decrease their menstrual periods. The same reason most women will have recurrence of bleeding after endometrial ablation is the same reason why women can become pregnant after a endometrial ablation. The lining is not effectively removed and may also grow back.
Pregnancies occur after endometrial ablation because of one reason: most endometrial ablation procedures are not 100% effective at removing the entire endometrial lining. Some women will become pregnant after ablation when the fertilized egg finds a soft patch of endometrium.
Studies on Pregnancy After Endometrial Ablation
The tubal reversal experts of Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center are dedicated to providing more information on pregnancy alternatives after tubal ligaiton procedures. For our next article, Pregnancy After Endometrial Ablation: Study Review, we will review the most recent publications in the medical literature that describe pregnancy outcomes of women who became pregnant after an endometrial ablation procedure.
December 17th, 2009 at 9:26 am
[...] After Endometrial AblationPregnancies do occur after endometrial ablation. Our third article, Tubal Reversal, Endometrial Ablation, Pregnancy: Concerns , will explain for readers why pregnancy may be more difficult after an endometrial ablation [...]
December 18th, 2009 at 8:46 pm
Thanks for this interesting and educational article on ablation.
December 21st, 2009 at 8:50 am
The concerns of pregnancy following ablation are important for women to realize. This information is helpful to those considering pregnancy.
December 21st, 2009 at 3:24 pm
I am a 36 year old woman who had my tubes clamped 15yrs ago and had an endometrial ablation 4 yrs ago. I am considering a reversal. I started getting a period again about a year ago they are very regular every 28 days but are light and last maybe 3 days. I only need a pantyliner for the day. Is there anyway of determining how much of my endometrial lining has come back, so I know what my chances are of getting pregnant and staying pregnant?
December 21st, 2009 at 3:34 pm
There are many women who inquire about pregnancy after having an endometrial ablation. This article is very helpful.
December 21st, 2009 at 3:48 pm
Roberta
I you are having periods then this suggests some of your lining has regenerated.
You could ask your doctor to perform a vaginal ultrasound to determine the thickness of your endometrial lining.
There is no way to know with certainty who will have a successful pregnancy after endometrial ablation. If you have a reversal then you will have the chance; however, you also realize that pregnancy after ablation is not without risk that we previously discussed in our article Pregnancy After Endometrial Ablation: Study Review.
December 21st, 2009 at 4:52 pm
Thank you for this educational article. Uterine ablation is a topic that many women have questions about. And, it’s good to know that they can find answers here.
December 21st, 2009 at 5:19 pm
Very good information on endometrial ablation.
December 22nd, 2009 at 12:21 pm
[...] After Endometrial Ablation And Tubal ReversalEffects on Endometrial Ablation on PregnancyTubal Reversal, Endometrial Ablation, Pregnancy: ConcernsPregnancy After Endometrial Ablation: Study ReviewEndometrial Ablation and Tubal Ligation Reversal: [...]
January 4th, 2010 at 10:11 pm
I had the Novasure procedure 2 years ago and haven’t had a period since.I have 4 children(pre ablation) and am 35 years old and now am in a beautiful relationship and wish I could have a baby with this man. I haven’t done any type of birth control methods since the procedure.Is pregnancy probably totally out of the question?
January 5th, 2010 at 5:35 am
HOLLY – The lack of periods since your endometrial ablation means that the endometrial lining of the uterus has been destroyed, in which case becoming pregnant and carrying a pregnancy will not be possible.
January 11th, 2010 at 6:11 pm
I was told that I could take a drug that would increase the blood flow into my uterus to rebuild it. I forgot the name of it, but it was used to help a cycle start
January 11th, 2010 at 11:01 pm
Cassandra
There is no medication that can cause the lining to regrow after an ablation.
January 12th, 2010 at 9:00 pm
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January 18th, 2010 at 8:29 pm
Social comments and analytics for this post…
This post was mentioned on Digg by ChloeAOsborne: Thanks Dr. Berger and Dr. Monteith for this great information. I’m sure it will be appreciated by all patients seeking tubal reversal surgery after endometrial ablation….
January 25th, 2010 at 5:02 pm
I am 34 years old and had an endometrial ablation a year and 10 months ago. I am 13 weeks pregnant and I am seeing a specialist. He does not seem to think that this will be a successful pregnancy after endometrial ablation. I was spotting with my periods with occasional heavier periods. He has told me the baby and placenta are developing just fine. Realistically, what are my odds?
February 24th, 2010 at 11:30 pm
I had a tubal litigation (rubber bands) and uterine ablation 2 1/2 years ago with no bleeding. Recently I spotted just a teeny bit and had a laparoscopy today finding out I have stage 2 endometriosis but it was in a spot my ob couldn’t get to and she drained some fluid from somewhere. I’m wanting to know if I had a tubal reversal if there’s a chance I could get pregnant. I deeply regret doing this and desperately want to experience pregnancy again. Thanks for any responses!
February 25th, 2010 at 8:33 am
Jennifer
Pregnancy is always possible after a tubal reversal and previous endometrial ablation. We do not recommend you have a reversal unless you are having regular and predictable menstrual bleeding. Spotting once or twice would not count as regular bleeding.
March 4th, 2010 at 10:14 pm
Well I had an endometrial ablation 6 years ago and I always had my period. I had my tubes tied in 99. I had a pelvic ultrasound and they found a gestational sac and they said that i was 2 weeks. We are really scared and worried that the baby will not make it. If anyone had a similar experience or can give advice it would be greatly appreciated.
March 17th, 2010 at 7:06 pm
i had the ablation (Novasure) three years ago, and i only had two periods last year, and i am considering ivf to get pregnant beacause my new husband do not have any children, and i also had my tubes tied nine years ago, and i want to know what are my chances of the ivf working, is there any kind of treatment for the lining of my uterus to grow back.
March 17th, 2010 at 10:23 pm
Patricia
There is no treatment for the lining to grow back. You will have to talk to you IVF specialist about the chances of a successful pregnancy.
June 22nd, 2010 at 3:38 pm
I am 40 years old. I have one natural child, age 17. I had an ablation in 2006 due to severe monthly periods that I had been getting since age 15. My periods still remained quite heavy but didn’t last as many days after the ablation. Maybe two days of heavy bleeding instead of 5. In august 2008 I became pregnant with someone I was dating at the time. At 9 weeks, the ultrasound showed a hematoma surrounding the sac. The hematoma was bigger than the sac. My specialist told me this could be catastrophic so I terminated the pregnancy.
I am now married. I tried the Nuvaring last year and had really bad edema so my husband has been looking into a vasectomy and we have been using condoms. I missed my period this week an lo and behold I am somehow pregnant. My last period was extremely heavy. My hcg levels two days ago were 786 and I will go back Thursday to see if it seems to be progressing enough to see a specialist. We are at a complete loss as to what to do as I have two kids and he doesn’t have any, but has never said he wanted any. If I decide to go through with this, I am thinking of documenting it on video and blog due to lack of information.
August 20th, 2010 at 9:59 am
I am 29 yrs old. I had clamps placed on my tubes in 2008 after the birth of my third son in 2007. Since his birth and the clamps, I started noticing severe pelvic pains and extremely embarrassing, uncomfortable, heavy menstrual periods. I had a laparoscopy done this past June 2010 which showed that both my clamps had fallen off and small signs of early Endometriosis. During this procedure the doctor removed the clamps,repaired the tubes, and performed the Endometrial Ablation. I am a single mother, have never been married but hope to one day soon. I would love to share a child with my husband but am concerned due to the risk discussed in this article. I am only 2 months post-op but I am still noticing very light bleeding on schedule with my normal monthly cycle. I guess all I can do is wait and see what happens in the future, but I am interested in knowing is there anyway to determine if my cells will regenerate. Is there a way to look inside to see if I have any healthy cells left? (since the procedure is not 100% effective) Does age factor in to the regeneration of these healthy cells reproducing in the uterus?
August 20th, 2010 at 10:18 am
There is no way to predict the future..only time will tell. Simply removing the clamps will not make you get pregnant. Why would you have repaired the tubes and then done an endometrial ablation? We must be misunderstanding something. Did they remove the clamps and just treat the endometriosis? It does not make sense that someone would repair your tubes to get pregnant and then do a procedure which could cause future pregnancy problems.
September 13th, 2010 at 10:43 am
My OBGYN says she did perform the ablation, but you’re right, that does sound strange and has me second guessing the procedure that was done on me. I am currently having another monthly cycle and though it is light, it is still a cycle none the less. I have requested a call back and am going to inquire with her in more detail when she returns my call.
September 26th, 2010 at 2:01 am
I had Novasure endometrial ablation done 4 years ago March and only bled for about 3 hours after the procedure. The only reason I stumbled on to this site was for research for a college course. I guess I need to knock on wood because I have not had anything that even comes close to a period except maybe an blemish here or there. I am glad I did it but it was certainly not a choice I made on a whim. I am glad this site is here. Maybe it will help other women think twice before making the choice.
January 29th, 2011 at 9:15 pm
[...] After Endometrial Ablation And Tubal Reversal Effects on Endometrial Ablation on Pregnancy Tubal Reversal, Endometrial Ablation, Pregnancy: Concerns Pregnancy After Endometrial Ablation: Study Review Pregnancy After Endometrial Ablation: Menstrual [...]
February 1st, 2011 at 11:52 pm
I am 36yo In 97 I I had a tubal ligation and an ablation in 2008 I have had a period every month since. My husband and I decided we now want to try for another baby and want to try for reversal. Do you think we would be successful at all?
February 2nd, 2011 at 7:41 am
Sherie B – Since you are having periods every month, there is a good chance you can become pregnant again after tubal reversal even though you had an endometrial ablation in 2008. You could have a vaginal ultrasound exam performed during mid-cycle (about halfway between periods) to measure endometrial thickness as another indicator of whether you will be able to have another baby if you have your tubes untied.
February 3rd, 2011 at 8:00 pm
I’m 30 yrs. old, A Single mom of two. After the birth of my second daughter in 2004 i had my tubes tied. After her birth my periods became even heavier and more painful, I tried Birth control pills and nothing worked. Finally my Doctor and I decided the best option for me was Endometrial Ablation, I did the procedure in 2007. I started having my period two months after the procedure and continue to have very irregular periods. I went back and my Doctor said the surgery did not take like it should. Now here I am with the hopes to one day get married and have more kid’s. What are my chances?
February 3rd, 2011 at 8:29 pm
Erika O. – The chances of getting pregnant again after having your tubes untied at age 30 are 3 in 4. But if you are having irregular periods since the endometrial ablation, that may indicate an ovulation disorder that may require treatment such as clomid. We usually recommend having a vaginal ultrasound examination to assess endometrial thickness about halfway between your periods after endometrial ablation. For further information, call (919) 968-4656.
February 15th, 2011 at 9:31 pm
I’m 32 years old and had an ablation done in 2006. I’ve always maintained a regular period at about 28 days cycle. I have been pregnant 3 times and lost all three, but am currently pregnant again. Each pregnancy lasted a little longer than the previous. I really want another child, and was not properly educated about my procedure when I had it done, or I would not have done it. I am 7 weeks now. I am not getting my hopes up, and am being realistic in the fact that I will probably lose this baby too. Is there a way to make my uterine lining more healthy to sustain a pregnancy?
February 24th, 2011 at 3:14 pm
i had a essure procedure done back in 09 and a ablation, I was reading about your removal of the essure, but was wondering the chances of getting pregnant cause i only spot every once in a while? wouldn’t mind having a baby i am so young
February 26th, 2011 at 10:27 am
Well, I must ovulate a little later than usual, because I am just now measuring at 7wks 3dys with a due date of Oct. 12th. There is a heartbeat, and so far everything looks good. Dr. will be sending me to a perinatologist and well as continuing to monitor me weekly for the time being. My dr said the one side of my uterus looks real healthy, the side the baby is growing on. She is concerned about a pocket of fluid on the other side. She isn’t sure if it started as a twin that didn’t make it, or if it has something to do with the previous ablation. I am her only case of pregnancy after ablation.
March 28th, 2011 at 5:37 pm
I am 43 and have not had a period since my endometrial ablation 3 years ago. Just to represent the segment of the population that remains happy with their decision, all I have to say is woo-hoo!!
March 29th, 2011 at 12:20 am
Hi, I’m 36 and had an endometrial ablation last year. My periods became very, very light. Almost like spotting after my ablation. I was told that I wouldn’t be able to get pregnant again.. which I was ok with. I already have 3 children. Well, I just recently found out that I am 10 weeks pregnant with my 4th. I’m very worried about this pregnancy, but feel that the odds of it happening are a miracle, and I’m determined to carry it out. I have a doctor specialized in high risk, but despite his 25 years of practice, he has never had a case such as mine. I’m nervous!
April 2nd, 2011 at 1:31 am
Denise~please keep me posted! I had a tubal 5 years ago, ablation following. I have a period every 28 days but is very light and majority brownish discharge. My husband and I now want another child. Were 34 and not getting any younger, but i want to prepare my womb to attempt greater chances before a tubal reversal. I’ve read stories of ‘accidental
pregnancies after ablation’-but what about planned? Can women not have an ultrasound to check thickness if lining? Then, if needed, use progesterone/estrogen to thicken lining to acceptable/healthy thickness
prior to trying to conceive? I know I mist have some lining if I menstruate regularly-it’s just very light.
Is used for other infertility conditions?
April 21st, 2011 at 9:35 am
I had tubes cut and tied in 2004 after my third son was born, ablation in 2006. I have since remarried to the love of my life and my best friend, who has no children of his own but is a great step dad to my three sons. However we really want one of our own. I has ablation due to irregular periods, never heavy, but after the ablation my periods never changed. I went in March for a vaginal ultrasound and was told by the tech that my lining looks great and don’t look as if I ever had an ablation. So I wonder if it is ok to get my hopes up? I go for my reversal on may 31
April 21st, 2011 at 10:43 am
Deanna – Since you are still having periods and ultrasound has apparently shown a normal uterine lining, it should be possible for you to get pregnant after tubal reversal even though you have had an endometrial ablation.
April 21st, 2011 at 12:11 pm
I guess Dr Berger I’m kinda of hoping to hear at least one success story. Do you have any patients that had an ablation that has had a successful pregnancy after a TR?
April 21st, 2011 at 12:28 pm
Deanna
If one has regular periods after ablation then pregnancy is always possible. We do have frequent blog visitors who leave comments about becoming pregnant after ablation but these have not been tubal reversal patients of Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center.
To answer your question and to my knowledge, we have not had any patient with an endometrial ablation report pregnancy after reversal. You also should be aware we have only had a small number of these patients over the years and because of the small number we have not developed a system to track them. So there could be some but there are none that I am directly aware of becoming pregnant.
April 27th, 2011 at 7:43 pm
I had my tubes tied 16 years ago. I had the novasure in 2008. I have had a regular period of 5 days every 28 days like clockwork. I had an ultra sound done and my uterus looked fine so the doctor performed a hysteroscopy and told me that half of my uterus was white from the burning and both sides had scar tissue. He said the scar tissue could be removed but the burnt tissue could not be repaired. I have not gotten a second opinion yet but was wondering if I would have any chances of a successful pregnancy if I have my tubes untied. He suggested a surrogate but I prefer to do this on my own. Are there any chances the embryo would implant on the good side of the uterus? I am willing to take my chances with pregnancy or IVF even if it is a small percentage.
April 27th, 2011 at 8:30 pm
Rhonda A – It is possible that you could have a successful pregnancy after having your tubes untied, but with the your hysteroscopic findings, there would be a high risk of miscarriage, premature delivery, and placenta accreta (the placenta being unable to detach from the uterus after a delivery) even if you have the scar tissue removed from your uterus. I think your doctor has given you good advice that a surrogate carrier would be a safer alternative than if you were to become pregnant again.
May 2nd, 2011 at 9:12 pm
He also informed me today that my tubes did not lead into my uterus…there would have to be a new opening..I know the health risks to myself but if I am willing to face those issues would I be a candidate to have my tubes repaired. If I have a specialist with me the entire pregnancy to watch for the risks I would be willing to take my chances. I would hate to have a miscarriage but I would take my chances to end up with a child of our own..Im not trying to sound cold but I would do everything possible to have a healthy child with my husband even if it meant a lot of doctors visits and bedrest for nine months I would take my chances
May 15th, 2011 at 8:07 pm
I am 44 had tube tied since 1990 also my doctor discovered small fibroids it possible to reverse my
tubes and become pregnant again?
May 15th, 2011 at 8:14 pm
Betsy – It is possible to reverse tied tubes and you might become pregnant, although at age 44 the chance to become pregnant again is declining with each year of age.
June 1st, 2011 at 6:18 pm
I am a single mom of three. recently met a wonderful man who wants to have a baby together and adopt my 3. I had the novasure procedure done in aug 2008. periods are gone, although I do have a little scant blood now and then. is it possible to reverse the novasure procedure, have an ultrasound to check my uterine lining, and start medication to restore my periods to increase my chance of another pregnany?
June 1st, 2011 at 9:14 pm
The Novasure can not be reversed. If you are not having periods then you do not have any lining left and adoption or using a gestational surrogate are your only two options.
June 4th, 2011 at 5:58 pm
I have my tubes tied and had the Endometrial Ablation almost a year ago hoping it would help, but it didn’t I still have my period every 28 days. I recently married my best friend and I have 3 kids, he has none and we would like to have a baby together. We were wondering if its possible at all or if we should just give up on the idea?
June 4th, 2011 at 7:53 pm
Christen
If you are having regular periods then pregnancy is possible after tubal reversal but any pregnancy would be considered higher risk.
June 21st, 2011 at 7:36 pm
I had my tubes tied and ablation done 3 years ago. I haven’t had any bleeding until recently I had a couple spottings over the last few days. It’s bright red. I’m cramping in my lower back and a little in front. My boobs are really sore. I’ve also been gaining weight slowly over the last several months. (not sure if this is related but its mostly in my belly area) but being pregnant has never crossed my mind because I didn’t think that was possible. Should I be concerned and go to doctor or is this just part of my lining growing back and starting to have periods again?
June 21st, 2011 at 8:45 pm
Mindy
You should always do a pregnancy test to make sure you are not pregnant. You should see your doctor to try and determine the cause of why you are experiencing these symptoms.
July 1st, 2011 at 10:14 am
I have an automimmune disorder that required me to take heperarin shots twice daily to carry my son to term who was born in 07. In 08 i had an ablation done due to the heaviness of my period after him. my periods have been very regular since then noticed no change. I had a miscarriage in feburary at 12 weeks pregnant. i’m scared to try again. should i?
July 1st, 2011 at 7:58 pm
Samantha
You will need to speak to your doctor about this but, in general, pregnancies after ablation are at higher risk and it sounds like you have an additional medical problem which is high risk as well.
July 1st, 2011 at 11:20 pm
I’m 44 and had Novasure procedure in March of 2010 because of irregular and heavy periods. I get a period monthly and the blood is bright red when I wipe after urination but I do not need to wear a pad. We have a 9 year old son and always wanted another baby but did not seek outside medical help because of my age. My husband has been deployed for eight months and just came home for 2 weeks. We have always been very careful but I threw caution to the wide because I missed my husband and I have not had a period for 5 weeks. I’m taking a pregnancy test tomorrow. I’m hoping for a miracle. I will keep you posted.
July 3rd, 2011 at 7:50 am
I am really at a loss at how many women on here are hoping for a successful pregnancy after having an endometrial ablation. Did your doctors not give you a pamphlet advising that pursuing a pregnancy after this procedure is highly inadvisable? Did they not discuss the aftermath at length with you BEFOREHAND? Did you just make the decision to have the procedure done on a whim? Guess I should be glad my doctor is making me wait 6 weeks for the Novasure surgery, although after 20+ years of very heavy bleeding and 3 years post-tubal ligation, my mind is very definitely made up.
July 7th, 2011 at 5:11 pm
I keep hearing ‘if you have regular periods’ pregnancy is possible after the Novasure procedure. My question: what constitutes a ‘regular period’. I use to be super heavy, that’s why I had the procedure. I have had regular periods every 28 days. The flow is very minimal. Maybe two days maximum of one tampon each day, then couple days of brown/old blood. Maximum of 4 days. Is this a ‘regular period’????
July 7th, 2011 at 5:18 pm
Curious – “Regular” periods is a bit vague. Normal periods in terms of the duration and amount of flow is a better description. Very minimal flow indicates damage to the endometrial lining and/or scar tissue resulting from the Novasure procedure, so your uterus will not be likely to implant and carry a pregnancy normally.
July 24th, 2011 at 4:59 pm
I have four children, had the ablation done after my 4th child. My Dr. only told me that I wouldn’t be able to have any more children, which I was fine with. I had the ablation done in 2005, I am now 6-7 weeks pregnant and scared to death! I have my first appointment with my OB-GYN in two days. So to answer your question Heather, No, my doctor did not inform me of much except that this procedure would decrease the heavy bleeding associated with my periods.
August 14th, 2011 at 5:53 pm
I am 36 yrs old with 2 children, and just found out I am 8 wks pregnant after having Novasure endometrial ablation almost 5 yrs ago. I have not had a period since the procedure other than a tiny bit of spotting. So you can imagine what a surprise a positive pregnancy test was! We feel very blessed as I am in a new marriage and my husband has never had children. Does anyone know of a specialist in the El Paso, TX or Albuquerque, NM area? We really are hoping for a successful pregnancy, but are extremely scared.
September 6th, 2011 at 6:51 pm
Has any other women carried a baby to term or close to to term after their emdometrial ablation?
September 6th, 2011 at 6:58 pm
Jennifer – Yes, there are others, but these are women who continue to have normal menstrual periods after their endometrial ablation.
September 15th, 2011 at 10:08 am
Is there a risk for ectopic pregnancy after an endometrial ablation?
September 15th, 2011 at 11:50 am
If you have an endometrial ablation and do not have a tubal ligation you could be at higher risk for ectopic pregnancy.
September 15th, 2011 at 12:34 pm
Thank you for your response. I had an endometrial ablation 5 years ago and did not have a tubal ligation. For the last few months my body has been acting as it did when I was pregnant with both of my two children. Home pregnancy tests show up negative. I have just relied on the negative results and assumed that I am not pregnant. Do the tests usually show positive when there is an ectopic pregnancy?
September 15th, 2011 at 6:55 pm
Anonymous – A pregnancy, regardless of its location (whether inside the uterus or ectopic) will produce a positive pregnancy test.
September 26th, 2011 at 8:12 pm
Im 28 and have one child from 7yrs ago. Im now engaged and of course I want to create a family. My heart wants a child, the birthing experience, the pregnancy experience more than I can put into words. Following a right oophorectomy five years ago, I had the left side treated with Essure. during an appt with my gyn, I mentioned my heavy flow periods and wound up having a thermal balloon ablation. I have had 3-4 day periods ever since 2009. i understand entirely about the risk involved if I have the Essure coil removed, but I would like to know if there are any hormone therapies that may help to thicken the uterine wall, as there is obviously an amount of remaining tissue. Im currently looking for a fertility specialist to help guide us, but will anything help to salvage the lining. I have an appt for a hysteroscopy already but if it shows a minimal thickness, what else can I do to increase the odd of possibility?
September 26th, 2011 at 9:39 pm
Rebekah
There is currently no medical treatment that will increase the thickness and the health of the uterine lining after an endometrial ablation.
September 27th, 2011 at 5:29 pm
Oye… That’s what I was afraid of. I will be faxing over the hysteroscopy and u/s results next week as I am in limbo with the approval for this reversal. To clarify, amd I understanding properly that if the lining of the uterus is less than a certain thickness then most likely a pregnancy would be unlikely to be carried to term? So far this is what seems to be the conclusion. I guess Im just putting all my eggs into one basket with this u/s. And the pun is ABSOLUTELY intended.
October 20th, 2011 at 4:49 pm
I am a 40 year old single mother. My son is 17. I had an ablation done almost 3 years ago due to horrible periods. Thankfully I have not had any periods(other than symptoms..ie..tender breast or occasional cramping)since the procedure. My boyfriend of a year and a half and I just found out that I am 5 weeks pregnant! I was under the impression that with no periods I was pretty much sterile so you can imagine my suprise. After everything I have read from these ladies as well as the physician responses it is my understanding that I will not be able to carry this baby to term due to lack of a period for 2 1/2 years. My doctor wants me to wait and just see but if what I am understanding is that it won’t be a viable pregnancy then what am I waiting for? Is there ANY chance based off of what you know and have tracked so far? I am not for abortion but if I can potentially harm myself and I know this baby will not live then I feel I should terminate this. Can you advise if there is any chance?
October 20th, 2011 at 6:15 pm
Tracey
Anything can happen if you get pregnant after an endometrial ablation. No one can predict the future but most pregnancies will do very well.
October 26th, 2011 at 2:46 pm
I am 43, had an ablation 2 years ago. I will maybe spot every few months if that but am concerned of becoming pregnant with my current boyfriend. We do use protection but sometimes the condom has slipped off or broke. At that point, I did take Plan B just in case I had cycled, although I do not believe that I had or have for some time.
Since I may spot for a day if that when I do cycle (last summer was the latest that I have felt or noticed the other body changes, vaginal discharge etc), what are the chances that I may become pregnant from an oops?
I certainly don’t want to have a ectopic pregnancy.
Thanks
October 26th, 2011 at 5:05 pm
Anonymous – With only occasional spotting after your endometrial ablation, it is unlikely that you can become pregnant again, but since you are concerned about the possibility it would be good to add another contraceptive method to be certain.
October 31st, 2011 at 8:50 pm
I had an ablation in 2003 after my third child due to heavy periods. I had a tubal ligation at the same time because my doctor said it was the safest. I have not used any birth control since the procedure because I was under the impression there was no way I could ever become pregnant again. I stumbled on this site because for the past 4 days I have felt pregnancy symptoms.( Cramping like a period which I haven’t had since the procedure, sore breasts, some discharge from the breast, nausea from smells that are usually fine, and headaches and dizziness.)After reading several thing about this, it sounds like you can conceive. I called my doctor and they said there really is no way that I can become pregnant. But due to how I feel I took a home test and it said negative, but I don’t know when I should take it because i do not have a period missed date. I am worried because of what i’ve read. Any information on this would be appreciated.
October 31st, 2011 at 8:53 pm
Kenie
Pregnancy is always remotely possible. If your test is negative then repeat it in a week and if still negative then you are not pregnancy. You will need to discuss the reasons for your symptoms with your doctor.
November 29th, 2011 at 3:43 pm
I am 41 and I had an ablation done 3 months ago. My periods were terrible before the procedure lasting over 7 days with very heavy bleeding. I have had a period each month post-op but they have been much more managable.
Last week I started experiencing pregnancy symptoms. I have been suffering from nausea, fatigue, dizziness, headaches, and changes in my breasts. I already have children so I know the drill.
My partner has had a vasectomy for well over 10 years so based on the science alone I feel it is virtually IMPOSSIBLE for me to be pregnant…but my 2 tests are showing the proverbial “faint” line. I will retest in a week and I am certain they will be negative. My question is what could be causing my symptoms? They don’t seem to line up with pera-menopause. Is there anything else I should be addressing?
November 29th, 2011 at 5:37 pm
i had a tubal 12 yrs ago and an ablation in 2006. after that i bled for 2 months then nothing for a year then had a period for 7 or so months. now i have been having sore/tenderness to my breasts, bloatedness, nasuea/dizziness, frequent urination. Ive yet to take a pregnancy test but wondering if at all if its possible if i might be pregnant???
November 29th, 2011 at 5:39 pm
Kimberly
Definitely repeat your pregnancy test and I would recommend you see your doctor to have the pregnancy test repeated and an evaluation for other conditions which could be causing your symptoms.
January 17th, 2012 at 6:04 pm
I had a tubal ligation i 99. an ablation in 2004. am now wanting to get pregnant. wnt to fertility specialist. my endometrial stripe is 8mm. i get normal periods. but my HSG showed a heart shaped uterus. specialist gave up and said not possible anymore…. he said that there was scar tissue that cannot be repaired?? what now? am i done???
January 17th, 2012 at 6:14 pm
Nicole – You can send your HSG images to me to examine. The heart shape uterus may have been present all along and not necessarily a result of the endometrial ablation. Hysteroscopy can be used to remove scar tissue inside the uterine cavity if that is what the HSG shows, but examining the x-ray films is the best way for me to be able to answer your question.
Gary S. Berger, M.D.
Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center
109 Conner Drive
Suite 2200
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 968-4656 phone
(919) 967-8637 fax
January 19th, 2012 at 6:56 pm
So glad to find info finally from a doctor as there is little info given to women on this procedure. I had my ablation in 2005 and was told it would help me from a future hysterectomy. Recently I have found out that I am indeed pregnant with my sixth child. I am very scared of the outcome to carry full term.I have had regular periods from day one. Could you please share any numbers of successful pregnancies?
January 19th, 2012 at 6:58 pm
Kim
We don’t have maintain statistics on pregnancy after ablation; however, the medical literature suggest that if you do not miscarry then 40-60% of pregnancies will be normal.