Procedure prep
Fasting Before Endometrial Ablation
An endometrial ablation treats heavy periods by removing or destroying the thin lining of your womb. It is usually a day-case procedure, so you go home the same day, and this page walks you through how to get ready.
Fasting for this procedure
→ Get your exact fasting times with the calculator
Medicines to check
- Blood thinners (aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin, Eliquis, Xarelto) — see medications to stop.
- Diabetes medicines & insulin — they need a plan. See diabetes tablets.
- Blood pressure medicines — confirm which to take with a sip of water.
- Estrogen, HRT or the combined pill can raise clot risk — ask your team whether to pause them.
- Anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen or naproxen — ask whether to pause them, as they can increase bleeding.
- Iron tablets for a low blood count — keep taking them unless your team tells you otherwise.
When this surgery may be delayed
- Fever, a new cough or cold, or a chest infection
- Vomiting or diarrhea in the day or two before
- A positive or unknown pregnancy test
- An active pelvic or urine infection
- You ate or drank inside the fasting window by mistake
Reports & documents to carry
- Photo ID and insurance or hospital paperwork
- A list of all your medicines, doses, and any allergies
- Any recent ultrasound, biopsy, or other womb scans
- A responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you
- Loose, comfortable clothing and sanitary pads
What to ask your anesthesia team
- Will I have a general anesthetic, spinal, or sedation?
- Which of my medicines should I stop, and which can I take with a sip of water?
- When can I eat and drink again afterward?
- Will I go home the same day, and who needs to collect me?
- How much cramping, bleeding, or discharge is normal afterward?
Your prep checklist
Tick things off as you sort them — saved on this device only, nothing is sent anywhere.
A general guide — your hospital's own instructions always come first.
Frequently asked questions
Does endometrial ablation hurt afterward?
It is normal to have period-like cramping for a day or two, which usually settles with simple pain relief such as acetaminophen (paracetamol). You may also have a watery or blood-tinged discharge for a few weeks as the womb lining heals. Call your team if the pain is severe or the discharge becomes heavy or smelly.
Can I still get pregnant after an ablation?
This procedure is only for people who do not want a future pregnancy, and you must not be pregnant when it is done. Any pregnancy afterward can be high-risk, so most teams advise reliable contraception or sterilization. Talk to your team about the right birth control for you.
Will my periods stop completely?
Many people find their periods become much lighter, and some stop altogether, while others still have some bleeding. It can take a few months to see the full effect. Your team can tell you what is realistic in your case.
Do I really have to fast if it is just a day case?
Yes. Even though you go home the same day, an empty stomach keeps you safe under general anesthesia, spinal, or sedation. Follow the 8-hour solids, 6-hour light meal, and 2-hour clear fluids rule, or whatever times your team gives you.