How long after ablation can you swim

Try to rest for the remainder of the day. The healing process will present itself as a profuse watery, occasionally bloody vaginal discharge for a few weeks. During this time of heavy discharge, wear a pad and refrain from having sexual intercourse and using either a tampon or douche.

Reduction of the discharge will show that the healing process is complete. The first couple of periods after this procedure may still be a little heavy. During the first year after surgery, periods should progressively diminish. If your periods do not get lighter, after two to three cycles, contact your physician. Some women will eventually get no periods at all.

Cramping is a common side effect for the next few days. Often times, your physician will prescribe a mild narcotic analgesic, take as directed. Patients usually return to their normal activity within a day or two.

Women should refrain from sexual intercourse or using a tampon for at least seven days or until your post-op visit with your doctor. Douches should also be avoided for at least two weeks after surgery to reduce likelihood of infection. You may shower when you feel comfortable. It is recommended that you not swim or soak in a hot tub or bathtub for two to four weeks. The anesthesiologist will watch your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and blood oxygen level during the procedure.

The recovery process will vary, depending on what type of ablation you had and the type of anesthesia used. If you had spinal, epidural or general anesthesia, you will be taken to the recovery room.

Once your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing are stable and you are alert, you will be taken to your hospital room or sent home. If you had the procedure as an outpatient, plan to have someone else drive you home. You may want to wear a sanitary pad for bleeding. It is normal to have vaginal bleeding for a few days after the procedure. You may also have a watery-bloody discharge for several weeks.

You may have strong cramping, nausea, vomiting, or the need to urinate often for the first few days after the procedure. Cramping may continue for a longer time. Do not to douche, use tampons, or have sex for 2 to 3 days after an endometrial ablation, or as advised by your health care provider. You may also have other limits on your activity.

These may include no strenuous activity or heavy lifting. Take a pain reliever for cramping or soreness as recommended by your healthcare provider. Aspirin or certain other pain medicines may increase the chance of bleeding and should not be taken.

Be sure to take only recommended medicines. Your healthcare provider may give you other instructions after the procedure, based on your situation. Talk with your healthcare provider about appropriate types of birth control for you. Health Home Treatments, Tests and Therapies. He or she can use: Electricity electrical or electrocautery. In this method, your provider uses an electric current that travels through a wire loop or roller ball.

The current is put on the uterus lining to destroy it. Fluids hydrothermal. This method uses heated fluid. It is pumped into the uterus to destroy the lining.

Balloon therapy. Your health care provider puts a thin tube catheter into the uterus. The catheter has a balloon at the end. Your provider fills the balloon with fluid and heats it. The heated fluid destroys the lining. High-energy radio waves radiofrequency ablation. In this method, your provider puts an electrical mesh into the uterus. He or she expands it. Then your provider sends an electrical current made by radio waves to destroy the lining.

Cold cryoablation. Your provider uses a probe with very cold temperature to freeze the lining. Microwaves microwave ablation. Your provider sends microwave energy through a thin probe to destroy the lining.

Why might I need an endometrial ablation? Your healthcare provider may have other reasons to suggest endometrial ablation.

What are the risks of an endometrial ablation? Possible complications of endometrial ablation include: Bleeding Infection Tearing of the uterine wall or bowel Overloading of fluid into the bloodstream Tell your healthcare provider if you are: Allergic to or sensitive to medicines, iodine, or latex Pregnant or think you could be.

Endometrial ablation during pregnancy may lead to miscarriage. You may not be able to have an endometrial ablation if you have: Vaginal or cervical infection Pelvic inflammatory disease Cervical, endometrial, or uterine cancer Recent pregnancy Weakness of the uterine muscle wall Intrauterine device IUD Past uterine surgery for fibroids Classic or vertical C-section incision Abnormal structure or shape of the uterus Certain things can make it harder to do certain types of endometrial ablation.

These include: Narrowing of the inside of the cervix Short length or large size of uterus How do I get ready for an endometrial ablation? Your healthcare provider will explain the procedure to you. Ask him or her any questions you have about the procedure. In most circumstances this is of no consequence.

In the event of uterine perforation, the ablation may not go ahead. There is a risk of damage to adjacent organs, such as bowel or bladder, which may require further corrective surgery.

In a very few cases, the fluid used to expand your uterus may be absorbed into your bloodstream. This may allow too much fluid in your body and can be serious, causing your hospital stay to be prolonged. Infection could be introduced into the uterus, tubes or abdominal cavity. This would require treatment with antibiotics. Excessive bleeding from the uterus can occur.

This may require blood transfusion and further surgery. There are some general risks inherent to all operations: Small areas of the lungs may collapse, increasing the risk of chest infection. This may require treatment with antibiotics and physiotherapy.

Clots in the legs with pain and swelling. Rarely part of this clot may break off and go to the lungs which can be fatal. You may suffer a heart attack or stroke because of strain on the heart. Death is an extremely rare possibility for anyone undergoing an operation. Some women are at an increased risk of complications, including: women who are very overweight—these women have an increased risk of wound infection, chest infection, heart and lung complications and blood clots women who smoke—smokers have an increased risk of wound and chest infections, heart and lung complications and blood clots.

It is also normal to expect some bleeding or blood-stained vaginal discharge. While you are still bleeding or have vaginal loss, it is important for you to: shower not bath , use pads not tampons avoid swimming avoid sexual intercourse Routine cervical screening tests are still needed as all your reproductive organs are still in place.

Offensive vaginal discharge or heavy bleeding. Nausea and vomiting which does not settle. Unable to empty your bladder or bowel. Severe pain. Mater acknowledges consumer consultation in the development of this patient information.

Consumers were consulted in the development of this patient information. For further translated health information, you can visit healthtranslations. Share this page. Was this information helpful?