[howie1222]

Yes, endometrial ablation can be done by a variety of different techniques. There is the electric heated, curved wire with which the gynecologist carves away the uterine lining, as well as the rollerball and the laser and Thermachoice each of which burns away the lining. But none of them is guaranteed to wipe out 100% of the endometrial lining. While endometrial ablation greatly reduces fertility, it should not be trusted as a method of contraception. You know Murphy's law! If a sperm can find the egg on its way through the fallopian tube to the uterine cavity, Murphy is going to be sure that the egg will find that tiny little remnant of endometrial tissue and implant there to make a baby. By the way, I am fond of telling my patients that there is only one method of birth control which has never, ever failed -- total abstinence! Every other method of contraception has what is called a failure rate. That includes birth control pills, IUDs, hormone implants under the skin, tubal ligation, vasectomy, condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, and even -- I know it's hard to believe --hysterectomy.