What Should You Know About Treating Your Heavy Periods

NovaSure^® Endometrial Ablation Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is NovaSure?

NovaSure Endometrial Ablation is a one-time, 5-minute procedure that gently removes the lining of the uterus - the part that causes the bleeding. The NovaSure procedure can reduce or stop bleeding altogether. It's less invasive than hysterectomy, and avoids the potential side effects of hormones.

Is NovaSure right for me?

Women with heavy or long-lasting periods who do not wish to have children in the future may be candidates for the NovaSure procedure. Your doctor can help you decide if NovaSure is right for you. But if you're sure you don't want any children in the future, and your doctor rules out more serious causes of heavy bleeding, you may be a good candidate for the NovaSure procedure.

Can I still become pregnant after the NovaSure procedure?

Because NovaSure treats the lining of the uterus, your chances of getting pregnant after the procedure will be reduced. However, it is still possible to get pregnant if you're sexually active. A pregnancy after an ablation is very dangerous for both the mother and the fetus, since the uterine lining would not be able to properly support fetal development. It's very important to talk to your doctor about what birth control you will use after the NovaSure procedure.

What can I expect after the NovaSure procedure?

Immediately after the NovaSure procedure, some women may experience some cramping, mild pain, nausea, and/or vomiting. Most women feel back to themselves and can resume normal activities within a day or so. Be sure to follow any instructions from your doctor, no matter how good you're feeling. A watery and/or bloody discharge following the NovaSure Endometrial Ablation procedure is normal. It could start anywhere from immediately after the procedure to a couple of weeks afterward. The discharge may last only briefly, or for up to a couple of months. It could even come and go, increasing after certain activities. This is quite normal and can be expected with any endometrial ablation procedure.

When will I know what my periods will be like after the NovaSure procedure?

Every woman is different. Plan to give your body about 3 months to fully heal on the inside and resume its normal cycle. Then, you and your doctor should be able to tell what your cycle and your periods will be like.

Are women satisfied with the NovaSure procedure?

Yes! In a clinical study, 12 months after the NovaSure procedure:

95% of patients were satisfied with the results*
97% said they would recommend NovaSure to a friend*

Doctors prefer NovaSure too:

Nearly 7 out of every 10 endometrial ablation procedures performed are NovaSure.

References

* Cooper K, Jack S, Parkin D, Grant A. Five-year follow up of women randomized to medical management or transcervical resection of the endometrium for heavy menstrual loss; Clinical and quality of life outcomes. Br J Obstet Gynaecol. 2001; 108:1222-1228.

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