Frequently Asked Questions

If heavy periods and prolonged menstrual bleeding are keeping you from enjoying your life to the fullest, you should know about the NovaSure procedure. NovaSure is a quick, safe, simple procedure that's been proven to help control heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) without any need for hormones or a hysterectomy. NovaSure can help put an end to the embarrassment and awkwardness of heavy bleeding.

What is menorrhagia?

Menorrhagia is excessive menstrual bleeding. If bleeding lasts for a long time, or is so heavy that you need to change protection frequently, you may have menorrhagia. Talk to your doctor about your heavy bleeding. Only your doctor can tell you for sure.

Women suffering from menorrhagia can experience fatigue, anemia, embarrassing accidents, and restricted activity. If you're familiar with these effects, you know that menorrhagia can disrupt your life. Find out more about irregular menstrual periods.

If you have heavy periods, you are not alone. About 1 in 5 women experience excessive menstrual bleeding. And there are now more treatment options available to you.

What are the treatment options?

Endometrial ablation may be your doctor's recommended treatment if you do not plan to have children in the future. Several methods of this minimally invasive procedure are currently available:

• A new generation of endometrial ablation is the NovaSure procedure. Some devices remove the endometrium by using heated fluid. Others use freezing temperatures to remove the tissue. NovaSure uses a precisely controlled dose of electromagnetic energy to gently remove the lining of the uterus to lighten or stop your periods in a one-time procedure. Because NovaSure is such a simple and safe procedure, recovery time is quick and many women can return to work the next day.
• Conventional endometrial ablation removes the lining of the uterus with an electrosurgical tool or laser. Risks include perforation of the uterus, bleeding, infection, or even heart failure due to fluids used to open up or distend the uterus.

Hormone therapy consists of oral contraceptives or other medications that treat hormonal imbalances. This therapy is effective only 48% of the time, and usually must be continued in order to remain effective.1 Some women experience undesirable side effects, including headaches, weight change, and nausea.

Dilation and curettage (D&C) is a surgical procedure that involves scraping the inside of the uterus. However, for the majority of women with menorrhagia, it's only a temporary solution that reduces bleeding for a few cycles.

Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus and it is the only definitive treatment for menorrhagia. Hysterectomy is a major procedure that is performed in the hospital under general anesthesia. It is accompanied by surgical risks, hospitalization, and a recovery period of up to 6 weeks, depending on the technique used.

What is NovaSure Endometrial Ablation?

NovaSure Endometrial Ablation is an endometrial ablation procedure that provides an effective and minimally invasive outpatient alternative to hysterectomy, while avoiding the potential side effects and long-term risks of hormone therapy. The NovaSure procedure delivers precisely measured electromagnetic energy via a slender, handheld wand to remove the endometrial lining.

This quick, simple procedure requires no incisions. It can be performed in an office or outpatient setting, and generally takes less than 5 minutes, significantly less time than any other endometrial ablation procedure.

What are the benefits of NovaSure Endometrial Ablation?

NovaSure Endometrial Ablation offers a treatment that is quick, simple, safe, and requires no endometrial pretreatment. Before other endometrial ablation procedures, women often need to take a pretreatment drug for as long as 2 months to thin the lining of the uterus. NovaSure Endometrial Ablation eliminates the cost, potential side effects, and delays in treatment commonly associated with endometrial pretreatment. NovaSure Endometrial Ablation is also more convenient because it can be performed at any time during your cycle, even during your period.

What can I expect from NovaSure Endometrial Ablation?

Most women see a significant reduction in their level of menstrual bleeding. In a randomized, controlled clinical study using NovaSure, a majority of patients returning for follow-up at 12 months had their bleeding reduced to light or moderate periods. Many patients reported that their bleeding had stopped completely.2 Several women may also experience the added benefits of a significant reduction in painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea), as well as a meaningful reduction in PMS symptoms.3

Am I a candidate for NovaSure Endometrial Ablation?

Premenopausal women with heavy menstrual bleeding who have completed childbearing may be candidates for NovaSure Endometrial Ablation. Your physician may perform diagnostic tests to rule out other abnormal uterine conditions, and your Pap test and biopsy must be normal.

What will I feel during the procedure?

Many doctors have their patients stay awake during the procedure, as the NovaSure procedure does not require general anesthesia. If your physician performs the procedure with a local anesthetic injected in and around the cervix, he or she may administer an intravenous sedative to make you more comfortable during the procedure. While some women may feel slight cramping, others may not experience any discomfort at all.

How will I feel afterwards?

As with any endometrial ablation method, you may experience some post-operative uterine cramping and discomfort shortly after the procedure. This can generally be treated with a mild pain medication such as ibuprofen. Some patients may experience nausea and vomiting as a result of anesthesia. Watery and/or bloody discharge is also common for several weeks after any endometrial ablation.

Are women satisfied with the results of NovaSure Endometrial Ablation?

Excellent results have led to very high satisfaction rates among patients treated with NovaSure. According to results of a patient satisfaction survey, over 93% of patients treated with NovaSure were satisfied or very satisfied with the procedure 12 months after treatment, and 97% indicated that they would recommend NovaSure Endometrial Ablation to a friend.3

Are there any post-procedure complications?

For any endometrial ablation procedure, commonly reported post-operative events include the following4:

• Cramping/pelvic pain. Post-treatment cramping can range from mild to severe. This cramping will typically last a few hours and rarely continues beyond the first day following the procedure
• Nausea and vomiting have been reported in patients immediately following the procedure and can be managed with medication
• Vaginal discharge
• Vaginal bleeding/spotting

Are there any adverse effects associated with NovaSure Endometrial Ablation?

As with all endometrial ablation procedures, serious injury or death can occur. The following adverse effects could occur or have been reported in association with the use of NovaSure4:

• Thermal injury to adjacent tissue
• Perforation of the uterine wall
• Post-ablation tubal sterilization syndrome
• Air or gas embolism
• Complications with pregnancy (Note: Pregnancy following endometrial ablation is very dangerous for both the mother and the fetus)
• Infection or sepsis
• Complications leading to serious injury or death

For more information, talk to your doctor about whether NovaSure is right for you.

Can I still become pregnant after endometrial ablation?

It is important to know that, although the chances for pregnancy are reduced following an endometrial ablation procedure, it is still possible to become pregnant.

However, pregnancy following endometrial ablation is very dangerous for both the mother and the fetus. You should not have an endometrial ablation if you think you might want to have a baby in the future. After an endometrial ablation, you should use some form of birth control. Please discuss these issues with your physician.

As with any medical procedure, please contact your physician for post-operative care instruction.

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