As the dialogue continues to blossom, more and more women are moving forward with their stories of hormonal struggles, including those diagnosed with fibroids, PCOS and endometriosis. Luckily, a myriad of treatments and procedures are becoming accessible to aid symptoms and help those women take back their lives, including the uterine procedure known as endometrial ablation.
While a game-changing surgery, recovery from endometrial ablation is a feat through every lens. The desire may be there, but reintroducing intimacy into your routine can be a daunting task: your uterus just went through a major surgery and needs time to adjust. From the potential pain to the risk of infection, it is imperative to make sure you are abiding by the proper healing timeline. Here’s how to best navigate intimacy after endometrial ablation in the healthiest and safest manner possible.
What is Endometrial Ablation?
Endometrial ablation is a groundbreaking procedure that uses heat, cold or different types of energy to eliminate the lining of the uterus in order to effectively treat heavy menstrual bleeding. These different types of energy to eliminate the uterine lining include radio frequency, microwaves, balloon therapy and cryoblation.
The treatment is said to result in lighter periods or the disappearance of them completely, which can be a gift for those who deal with anemia on a monthly due to blood loss. Also used as a treatment for fibroids, this procedure can provide a ton of relief for those that suffer from their periods and do not have any intent on getting pregnant.
Intimacy After Endometrial Ablation
Because of the severity of the procedure, it is important to give your body the proper time needed to heal and recover, especially before engaging in sex. It is recommended to wait at least two weeks to allow the cervix to heal before intercourse, though this can of course vary from case to case and everyone’s individual healing timeline.
If you find yourself at a comfortable and pain-free point of your healing journey, and it’s been the full recommended time for recovery, reintroducing sex is fine, so long as you are moving at your own pace. It’s important to communicate with your partner on how you want to ease back into the swing of things, which may mean doing things very gently. It is recommended to start with non-penetrative forms of intimacy like cuddling and kissing before gradually working up to more intensity.
Look Out For Risks
Giving your body time to heal is certainly advised for a reason. Rushing too quickly into intimacy after endometrial ablation can cause discomfort or lead to a number of complications, ranging from mild to severe.
One of these potential complications is infection. Since the lining of the uterus usually serves as a protective barrier against infection, having it removed during the procedure leaves the uterus susceptible to bacteria entering and possibly infecting it.
Though rare, an infection could potentially spread to other parts of the reproductive system and cause even more serious complications, including pelvic inflammatory disease or infertility. Should you be worried, symptoms that would warrant getting in contact with your doctor include fever, abdominal pain and vaginal discharge with a pungent odor.
Listen to Your Body
When it comes to intimacy after endometrial ablation, ultimately, your body always knows what is best and will communicate to you if and when it needs time to rest, recover or move. It’s crucial to make the best decision for your healing without any external pressure, so make sure to abide by medical backed advice while standing your ground on prioritizing your body’s needs.