WeCovr explains endometrial ablation procedures and PMI coverage
Struggling with heavy periods can be debilitating, affecting everything from your work life to your social confidence. As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 750,000 policies, WeCovr understands the need for swift, effective solutions. This guide explores endometrial ablation and how private medical insurance (PMI) in the UK can provide a fast-track route to treatment.
Heavy menstrual bleeding is a common issue, but it doesn't have to control your life. Endometrial ablation is a minimally invasive procedure designed to significantly reduce or stop heavy periods, offering a long-term solution for many women.
In this comprehensive guide, we will break down everything you need to know:
- What endometrial ablation is and who it's for
- The different types of procedures available
- What to expect during recovery
- How private medical insurance can cover the cost and help you bypass NHS waiting lists
- The critical rules around pre-existing conditions and PMI coverage
What is Endometrial Ablation? A Simple Guide
In simple terms, endometrial ablation is a medical procedure that destroys the endometrium—the lining of your womb (uterus). Each month, it's this lining that thickens to prepare for a potential pregnancy and then sheds during your period if you don't conceive.
For women with abnormally heavy periods (a condition called menorrhagia), this lining can be overly thick, leading to excessive bleeding. Endometrial ablation aims to solve this by permanently removing most of this lining. Think of it like carefully removing the old wallpaper from a room so it can't peel off anymore. By doing this, menstrual flow is dramatically reduced, and in some cases, periods stop altogether.
It's a much less invasive alternative to a hysterectomy (the complete removal of the womb) and is typically performed as a day-case procedure, meaning you can usually go home the same day.
Who is a Suitable Candidate for Endometrial Ablation?
Endometrial ablation isn't for everyone. A gynaecologist will only recommend it after a thorough assessment. You are likely a good candidate if you meet the following criteria:
- You suffer from severe menorrhagia: Your periods are so heavy they interfere with your daily life. This could mean soaking through sanitary products every hour, passing large blood clots, or experiencing symptoms of anaemia like fatigue and dizziness.
- Other treatments have not worked: You've already tried less invasive options, such as medication (like tranexamic acid) or a hormonal IUD (intrauterine device), without success.
- You have completed your family: This is a crucial point. Endometrial ablation is only for women who do not wish to have any more children. While the procedure significantly reduces fertility, pregnancy can still occur, and it carries very high risks for both mother and baby, including miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy. You will need to use reliable contraception until after menopause.
- Other causes have been ruled out: Your doctor has confirmed that your heavy bleeding isn't caused by other conditions like uterine cancer, active infections, or large fibroids that would require a different treatment.
The procedure is most commonly performed on women in their late 30s and 40s who are approaching the end of their reproductive years.
Understanding Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (Menorrhagia)
It's easy to dismiss heavy periods as "just one of those things," but menorrhagia is a recognised medical condition. According to the NHS, around 1 in 5 women between the ages of 30 and 49 are affected by it.
Signs of Menorrhagia include:
- Needing to change your tampon or pad every one to two hours.
- Bleeding for more than seven days.
- Passing blood clots larger than a 10p coin.
- Bleeding through your clothes or bedding.
- Feeling constantly tired, weak, or short of breath (symptoms of anaemia).
- Having to cancel social or work commitments because of your period.
The impact goes far beyond physical discomfort. It can cause significant emotional distress, anxiety, and a loss of productivity. For many, finding an effective treatment is life-changing.
The Endometrial Ablation Procedure: What to Expect
The journey from consultation to recovery involves several clear steps. Understanding the process can help reduce any anxiety and prepare you for what's ahead.
Step 1: Consultation and Diagnosis
Your journey will start with a referral from your GP to a consultant gynaecologist. During your consultation, the specialist will:
- Discuss your symptoms and medical history in detail.
- Perform a pelvic exam.
- Arrange for diagnostic tests to get a clear picture of your womb.
These tests often include:
- Ultrasound Scan: To check for fibroids, polyps, or other structural issues.
- Hysteroscopy: A thin, camera-equipped tube is inserted into your womb to get a direct view of the lining.
- Biopsy: A small sample of the endometrial lining is taken during the hysteroscopy to be tested for abnormal or cancerous cells. This is a vital safety check.
Step 2: The Different Types of Ablation
Once you're confirmed as a suitable candidate, your consultant will discuss the best type of ablation for you. Techniques have evolved over the years, and modern methods are quick and effective.
Ablation Method | How It Works | Typical Procedure Time | Anaesthesia |
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Radiofrequency Ablation | A fine mesh is placed inside the womb, and a controlled burst of radiofrequency energy destroys the lining. (e.g., NovaSure) | 2–5 minutes | Local or General |
Heated Balloon Ablation | A balloon is inserted into the womb and filled with heated sterile fluid, which cauterises the lining. (e.g., Thermachoice) | 8–10 minutes | Local or General |
Microwave Ablation (MEA) | A thin probe emits microwave energy to heat and destroy the endometrium. | 3–5 minutes | Local or General |
Hydrothermal Ablation | Heated saline solution is circulated inside the womb to gently wash away and destroy the lining. | ~10 minutes | General |
Resectoscopic Ablation | A more traditional method using a hysteroscope with an electrical loop or rollerball to physically remove the lining. | 15–30 minutes | General |
The second-generation methods (radiofrequency, balloon, microwave) are now the most common as they are faster, often require only local anaesthetic, and have excellent success rates.
Step 3: Recovery and Aftercare
Endometrial ablation is usually a day-case procedure, but recovery experiences vary.
- Immediately After: You'll likely feel period-like cramps, which can be managed with standard painkillers. You may feel a little groggy if you had a general anaesthetic.
- First Few Days: Cramping may continue for a few days. You can expect a watery, sometimes blood-tinged, discharge. This is normal and can last for a few weeks as the womb heals. It's best to use sanitary pads instead of tampons to reduce the risk of infection.
- Returning to Normal: Most women feel able to return to work and light activities within 2-4 days. You should avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and sexual intercourse for a couple of weeks, or as advised by your consultant.
The full results can take up to three months to become apparent. Many women experience a dramatic reduction in bleeding, while some find their periods stop completely.
Private Medical Insurance (PMI) and Endometrial Ablation
This is where having the right private health cover can make all the difference. While endometrial ablation is available on the NHS, waiting lists for gynaecology consultations and procedures can be lengthy. Latest NHS England data shows that gynaecology is one of the specialisms with the longest waiting times, with many patients waiting over a year for treatment.
PMI allows you to bypass these queues and get treated quickly. However, understanding how coverage works is essential.
The Golden Rule: Acute vs. Chronic and Pre-existing Conditions
Private medical insurance in the UK is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after your policy begins. An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery.
PMI does not cover chronic or pre-existing conditions.
- A chronic condition is one that is long-lasting and cannot be cured, only managed (e.g., diabetes, asthma).
- A pre-existing condition is any ailment for which you have experienced symptoms, sought advice, or received treatment before you took out your insurance policy.
This is the most important factor for endometrial ablation coverage.
If you have already seen your GP about heavy periods before buying a PMI policy, it will be considered a pre-existing condition and will be excluded from cover. However, if you develop symptoms of menorrhagia after your policy is active, your PMI is very likely to cover the entire diagnostic and treatment process.
Real-Life Example:
- Sarah has been suffering from heavy periods for two years and has discussed it with her GP. She buys a PMI policy in January 2025. Her policy will not cover endometrial ablation for this issue, as it's pre-existing.
- Chloe buys a PMI policy in January 2025. In July 2025, she starts experiencing unusually heavy periods for the first time. She sees her GP, gets a referral, and is diagnosed with menorrhagia. Her PMI policy will cover her consultations, diagnostic tests, and endometrial ablation procedure.
How PMI Underwriting Affects Your Cover
The way your policy is underwritten determines how pre-existing conditions are handled.
- Moratorium Underwriting: This is the most common type. You don't declare your full medical history at the start. Instead, the insurer automatically excludes any condition you've had in the last five years. However, if you go for a set period (usually two years) without any symptoms, treatment, or advice for that condition after your policy starts, it may become eligible for cover.
- Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You complete a detailed health questionnaire when you apply. The insurer assesses your history and explicitly lists any conditions that will be permanently excluded from your policy. This provides clarity from day one but may result in more permanent exclusions.
A specialist PMI broker like WeCovr can help you understand which underwriting type is best for your circumstances and find a policy that offers the most suitable terms.
Key Benefits of Using PMI for Your Treatment
Feature | NHS Treatment | Private Treatment (with PMI) |
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Cost | Free at the point of care. | Covered by your insurance premium. You may need to pay an excess. |
Waiting Times | Can be very long (months or even over a year for gynaecology). | Very fast access, typically within weeks. |
Choice of Hospital | Limited to your local NHS trust. | Wide choice from your insurer's approved national hospital network. |
Choice of Consultant | You are usually assigned a consultant. | You can research and choose a specific specialist you want to see. |
Comfort & Privacy | Usually treated on a shared ward. | A private, en-suite room is standard for inpatient procedures. |
Convenience | Appointment times are fixed and can be inflexible. | More flexibility to schedule appointments and your procedure around your life. |
How a PMI Broker Like WeCovr Can Help
Navigating the world of private medical insurance UK can feel complex. That's where we come in. WeCovr is an independent, FCA-authorised broker with years of experience and high customer satisfaction ratings. Our service is provided at no cost to you.
We help by:
- Explaining the Jargon: We break down complex terms like 'moratorium', 'excess', and 'hospital lists' into plain English.
- Comparing the Market: We compare policies from all the leading UK providers, including Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, and Vitality, to find the best PMI provider for your budget and needs.
- Tailoring Your Policy: We help you understand the options for outpatient cover, cancer care, and other benefits to build a policy that's right for you.
- Assisting with Claims: Should you need to make a claim, we can offer guidance and support throughout the process.
Our goal is to give you the clarity and confidence to choose the right private health cover.
Beyond the Procedure: Wellness and Long-Term Health
Your health journey doesn't end after the procedure. Focusing on your overall wellness can support your recovery and improve your quality of life in the long run.
- Diet and Nutrition: If you were anaemic due to heavy bleeding, focus on rebuilding your iron stores. Include iron-rich foods like lean red meat, poultry, beans, lentils, spinach, and fortified cereals in your diet. Vitamin C helps with iron absorption, so pair these foods with citrus fruits, peppers, or tomatoes.
- Gentle Exercise: Once your consultant gives you the all-clear, gradually reintroduce exercise. Activities like walking, swimming, and yoga can improve circulation, boost your mood, and aid recovery.
- Prioritise Sleep: Good quality sleep is vital for healing. Create a relaxing bedtime routine and ensure your bedroom is a calm, dark, and quiet space.
- Contraception is Still Necessary: Remember, endometrial ablation is not a sterilisation procedure. It is crucial to use a reliable form of contraception until you have gone through menopause to prevent a dangerous pregnancy.
- Mental Wellbeing: Living with menorrhagia can take a toll on your mental health. Acknowledge the relief that effective treatment can bring. Don't hesitate to speak to a professional if you're struggling with anxiety or low mood.
Exclusive WeCovr Member Benefits
We believe in supporting our clients' overall health. When you purchase a private medical insurance or life insurance policy through WeCovr, you get complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. Maintaining a healthy weight can have a positive effect on your hormonal health, making it a great tool to support your long-term wellness.
Furthermore, our clients often benefit from discounts on other types of cover, such as income protection or critical illness insurance, when they bundle policies with us.
Will my private medical insurance cover endometrial ablation if I've already been diagnosed with heavy periods?
Generally, no. Standard private medical insurance in the UK does not cover pre-existing conditions. If you have sought advice, had symptoms, or been treated for heavy periods before your policy started, it will be excluded from cover. PMI is designed for new, acute conditions that arise after you join.
How much does a private endometrial ablation cost in the UK without insurance?
The cost of a private endometrial ablation in the UK typically ranges from £3,000 to £6,000. This price can vary significantly depending on the hospital, the consultant's fees, the specific type of ablation procedure used, and your location in the country. This fee usually includes the consultation, the procedure itself, anaesthetist fees, and one follow-up appointment.
Is endometrial ablation a permanent cure for heavy periods?
For most women, endometrial ablation is a highly effective and long-term solution. Studies show that over 90% of women have significantly lighter periods or no periods at all following the procedure. However, it is not a 100% guarantee. In a small number of cases, the endometrial lining can regrow over time, and a repeat procedure or alternative treatment like a hysterectomy may be needed years later.
What are the main risks associated with endometrial ablation?
Endometrial ablation is considered a very safe procedure, but like any medical intervention, it carries some small risks. These can include infection, bleeding, cramps, or minor burns to the cervix or vagina. More serious but very rare complications include perforation (a tear) of the uterine wall or damage to nearby organs. Your consultant will discuss all potential risks with you in detail before you consent to the procedure.
Take the Next Step Towards Peace of Mind
Don't let heavy periods or the prospect of long waiting lists dictate your life. Taking control of your health starts with having the right information and the right support.
Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote. Our friendly experts will help you compare private medical insurance from the UK's leading providers, ensuring you find a policy that gives you fast access to the best care when you need it most.