NovaSure® - Treatment for Heavy Periods

Introduction

NovaSure® is a quick, safe, simple, one-time endometrial ablation treatment for menorrhagia, abnormally heavy or lengthy menstruation.  It is an alternative to hysterectomy.  NovaSure gently removes the lining of the uterus with precisely measured electrical energy.  This quick simple procedure is performed as an in-office procedure and generally takes less than 5 minutes.  Unlike other ablation methods or hysterectomy, NovaSure does not involve hormones and has a quick recovery time—most women return to their regular activities the next day.

Traditional options for treating menorrhagia include endometrial ablation, hormones, dilation and curettage (D&C), or hysterectomy.  Unlike these traditional options, NovaSure is a reliable method for relieving heavy menstrual bleeding that does not involve hormones, pre-hormone treatment, hysterectomy, or a long recovery time.  NovaSure can be performed at anytime during your cycle.

NovaSure is a one-time treatment that gently removes the uterine lining.  The state-of-the-art technology uses a slender wand to deliver a precise amount of electrical energy to remove the endometrial lining.  No incisions or stitches are needed.  Most women experience a significant reduction in their menstrual period bleeding.  Periods may decrease to a moderate or light flow, and some women experience no bleeding at all.  Many women report a reduction in pain and PMS symptoms as well.

NovaSure is for premenopausal women with menorrhagia.  NovaSure is for women who have completed childbearing or are sure that they never want to have children.  Although the chance for pregnancy is reduced following NovaSure, you will need to use contraception.  Pregnancy following NovaSure is very dangerous for the mother and fetus.  Your doctor will discuss these issues, as well as the risks and benefits of the procedure, during your consultation.

Treatment

NovaSure is performed as an in-office treatment.  The procedure generally takes less than five minutes, which is significantly less than any other ablation method.  It does not require general anesthesia, incisions, or stitches.  You may receive an intravenous (IV) sedative to help you relax during the procedure and a local anesthetic to your cervix.  Your doctor will gently insert the treatment wand through your vagina and cervix to perform the ablation.  Some women report mild cramping during the procedure and others report no discomfort at all.

You may experience temporary cramping and discomfort following the procedure.  Some women experience a watery or bloody discharge for several weeks.  NovaSure is generally associated with a rapid recovery time.  Your doctor will let you know how long to rest before resuming your regular activities.

If not performed correctly a rare but serious consequence known as hematometra can occur.  The lower portion of the uterus is ablated but the bioactive upper chamber is not.  This continues to menstruate monthly as before but the lower chamber can seal together shut and not allow menstrual blood to escape.  This causes a backup of blood and severe cramping but with little no no menstrual flow.  This can be temporarily treated with continuous progestin therapy or permanently with a hysterectomy.