An Overview of the Novasure Procedure

If you experience heavy bleeding every month and it is affecting your quality of life because you are unable to enjoy activities during your heavy menstrual cycle then a NovaSure Ablation may be a great option for you. Novasure is a one-time, procedure that decreases your heavy bleeding without the risks associated with hysterectomy and the possible side-effects of hormonal treatments. NovaSure is a revolutionary new generation endometrial ablation device that provides you with a minimally invasive surgical option. The NovaSure procedure is done to gently remove the lining of the uterus, the part responsible for your heavy bleeding, so that it won’t build each month and therefore you will experience less bleeding. Sound great? But exactly how do the gynecologists do it? What should I expect on the day of the procedure?

 Here is a brief overview of the procedure.

Many providers are able to provide the Novasure procedure in their office or any other outpatient settings. You will be premedicated with a few different medications that will help decrease your anxiety about the procedure, help with the discomfort and cramping. Once the medication has been given the appropriate time to work, you will be asked to recline on the procedure table and place your feet in stirrups, similar to a routine pap smear. Your doctor will place a speculum in your vagina, and after cleansing the cervix, the provider will inject a local anesthetic into the cervix to you make the cervix numb. The medicine is similar to what you receive at the dental office.
The doctor then uses a slender, hand-held device for the ablation. The device contains a sheath with an electrode (the part that does the ablation) that is placed in your cervix. The sheath is pulled back, allowing the electrode to expand and conform to the shape of the uterine cavity. When it does, the uterus is inflated with a small amount of CO2 to ensure proper placement of the device after which the device is activated and a precisely measured amount of radio-frequency energy is passed for one to three minutes. When the procedure it completed, the device automatically turns off! And then, the electrode safely retracts into the sheath for easy removal. Once the procedure is completed, you can leave your doctor’s office but you will need someone to drive you home due to the pre-procedure medications. Most women tolerate the procedure extremely well and are able to return to their normal activities the next day.
If you are tired and frustrated with your heavy bleeding episodes, contact our office and discuss your options.

Mother to Be

Mother to BeDear Mother to be:

Welcome to the office of Dr. Christina Midkiff.  We are happy you have chosen our office for your prenatal care and birthing experience.  The purpose of the welcoming letter is to encourage your active participation in your prenatal care, and outline basic suggestions to optimize you and your baby’s health.

We encourage visits before planning pregnancy, especially for first time mothers.  We can enhance your chances for a successful pregnancy by identifying any risk factors and reducing them when possible.  Attention to diet, exercise and personal habits though the pregnancy is important.

At this visit we will discuss your lifestyle habits and your genetic and medical history will be reviewed.  We advise the following:

  1. If you smoke cigarettes, quit or at least reduce to less than half a pack per day.  Babies raised in smoke filled wombs have a higher risk of growth retardation, premature delivery and respiratory problems.
  2. Avoid alcohol consumption;  although small amounts of alcohol (one glass of beer or wine) on an occasional basis probably does no harm, no safe amount has been established.  Heavier alcohol intake has been implicated in causing the fetal alcohol syndrome, with minor birth defects and mental retardation.
  3. Avoid drugs or medications unless okayed by your provider.  Several medications known to be safe include Tylenol (acetaminophen) for various aches and pains;  Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) for nasal congestion; TUMS, Rolaids and other mild antacids for stomach upset; and plain Robitussin for cough.  Throat lozenges for sore throat are fine, but if your symptoms persist, CALL US.  You should avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, Advil/Nuprin and other over the counter medications.
  4. While moderate amounts of caffeine (less than 2 cups of coffee per day) are likely to be harmless, greater amounts may cause subtle long term changes for the baby, so excessive coffee, tea and caffeine-containing soft drinks are discouraged.  Nutrasweet (aspartame) in moderate amounts appears to be harmless.

Many women are concerned about miscarrying and indeed, about 15% of recognized pregnancies do terminate spontaneously.  There is nothing you or we can do to prevent first trimester miscarriages, since most are a result of chromosomal abnormalities.  However, it is important to know that almost half of women have some bleeding in the first trimester, and most women continue normal pregnancies.  If you have bleeding, cramping or pelvic pain, please CALL US.

Nausea and occasional vomiting are very common, and usually signify a healthy pregnancy.  High hormone levels are responsible.  These symptoms peak at about 10 weeks gestation.  As long as you can keep some fluids down to prevent dehydration, there is no harm even if you lose weight.  The best ways to reduce nausea is to avoid having an empty stomach.  Get some dry crackers and eat them first thing in the morning.  Also try to increase your protein (nuts, beans, eggs, peanut butter) and eat small meals/snacks every 2-3 hours.

Other common problems include constipation and various aches and cramps in the pelvis.  To prevent firm stools, drink plenty of liquids and add more roughage and fiber to your diet.  Fibercon, a fiber supplement, is very useful in naturally stimulating your bowels.  As the womb grows, it is common to have cramps and pulling sensations as the round ligaments as the side of the uterus are pulled.  Gas pains and urinary frequency are also common.  Persistent sharp pains or increasing cramps should be reported.

If you have any more specific questions, please list them so we can discuss them at your appointment.  Please DO NOT hesitate to call us beforehand if any problems occur.  We are looking forward to providing you and your partner the BEST prenatal care possible.

THANK YOU!

Benefits & Possible Side Effects of Novasure

stomach painDo you have heavy menstrual bleeding that makes you feel hostage to the bathroom and your tampon each month? Do you miss out on monthly activities because of the heavy bleeding? Would you like to get back to care-free periods? Then Novasure is here to help restore your freedom. Novasure is a next-generation treatment (or endometrial ablation system) that reduces or eliminates excessive bleeding by safely removing the endometrial lining of the uterus which is responsible for the heavy bleeding. This minimally invasive procedure is well tolerated and 97% said they would recommend Novasure to a friend. So, how does NovaSure work and what details do I need to know?
1. It’s a one-time procedure: With the Novasure procedure, you can bid farewell to your troublesome heavy bleeding once and for all. The doctor uses a slender, hand-held device to remove the endometrial lining by passing a precisely measured amount of electrical energy for about 90 seconds and that’s it; you are done. And this procedure takes only three to five minutes!
2. It’s tolerable: Most women who have gone through the Novasure procedure say they experienced little pain or not pain at all!
3. It can be performed at an out-patient setting: Novasure procedure can be performed in your doctor’s office. You will need someone to drive you home due to the mild sedative to make the procedure more comfortable.
4. It is a great option, especially when hormones don’t work or aren’t tolerated: The Novasure procedure involves no incision, no anesthesia and no hormonal treatment.
5. It does not set you back: Unlike other treatments for menorrhagia, the Novasure procedure (since it’s minimally invasive) lets you get back to work the very next day and you might even play sports like tennis that very weekend.
6. It is very effective: 91% of Novasure patients claimed to have returned to normal or lower than normal levels of bleeding and 93% of patients treated with Novasure were satisfied with their results.

Chistina Midkiff, Md - 2023 Vadalabene Dr., Suite 200 • Maryville, IL - (618) 288-7408