In-Office Treatment of Heavy Bleeding — NovaSure® Ablation

Abnormal uterine bleeding is a common problem, affecting over 7.5 million women in the United States.  If your periods routinely last more than 7 days or if you sometimes change a pad or tampon every hour, you may have menorrhagia.  Approximately 1 in 5 women suffer from menorrhagia.  If your periods adversely affect your lifestyle or quality of life, it’s time to do something about it.

Traditional treatments have included hormone therapy (usually in the form of birth control pills), Mirena IUD, hysteroscopy, D&C, endometrial ablation in the operating room or hysterectomy.  Now endometrial ablation using the NovaSure® device can be done in the office.  This minimally invasive procedure reduces bleeding in 87% of patients.  NovaSure® is a quick (less than 90 second) procedure that uses electrical energy to thin or remove the lining of the uterus, thereby producing lighter or no periods.  No incisions are required.  You will be back to normal activity in a day or 2 and you may resume sexual intercourse in 7-10 days.

 What Tests Will I Need Prior to the NovaSure®

You may need a pelvic exam, Pap smear, endometrial biopsy, and sometimes an ultrasound or sonohysterography before the NovaSure® procedure.  These are to make sure we understand the cause of  your heavy bleeding so we can be more certain of success.  The day before the procedure, we usually insert a laminaria into the cervix.  It is a slender expandable cylinder which absorbs water and gradually softens and opens the cervical canal leading into the uterus. 

 What Will I Feel During the NovaSure® Procedure?

Some women experience menstrual-like cramping or a labor-like pain, though others experience no discomfort at all.  You will take some pills and a rectal suppository prior to the start of surgery to minimize the cramping.  In addition, local anesthesia will be injected in and around the cervix.  The whole procedure requires about 30 minutes, but the main cramping is only about 90 seconds.  

 What Can I Expect After the Procedure?

You may experience some cramping and discomfort which can generally be treated with ibuprofen or other pain pills.  Some women experience nausea and sleepiness.  A small amount of watery and/or bloody discharge is common for several weeks after the procedure.  Most women can return to normal activities within a day or two of their treatment.  Sexual activity can be resumed in 7-10 days.

 Are Women Satisfied with the Results?

Over 92% of patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the procedure 12 months after treatment and 95% indicated that they would recommend the procedure to a friend.

 What Risks are Associated with the NovaSure® Procedure?

 Some of the risks of this procedure are bleeding, infection, possible injury to the uterus, bowel or bladder and accumulation of blood within the uterus due to scarring.  Because pregnancy following endometrial ablation is very dangerous, you should not have the procedure if you want to have a baby in the future.  You will still need to use effective contraception to prevent a pregnancy, as endometrial ablation is not a birth control method and a pregnancy following the procedure might not be healthy.

If you think you might be a good candidate for this procedure, 

please call our office at 650-988-7550 to make an appointment  with a physician.   

Information on this website is for educational and reference purposes only and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice.

Copyright © 2006

Women Physicians

Ob-Gyn Medical Group

650.988.7550