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.