Does uterine ablation hurt?

Uterine ablation, also known as endometrial ablation, is usually performed under local or spinal anesthesia, reports WebMD. In some cases, a patient may receive general anesthesia for the 45-minute procedure. However, patients often experience cramping, nausea and a bloody vaginal discharge after the procedure.

During endometrial ablation, a physician destroys the uterine lining with heat, a laser beam, electricity or freezing. The procedure is used to control heavy vaginal bleeding that does not respond to other treatments. It is typically recommended for older women who do not wish to have any more children and do not want a hysterectomy, according to WebMD.