NovaSure Endometrial Ablation Procedure | PBGS
NovaSure endometrial ablation is a one time, simple and very safe gynecological procedure that consists of removing the endometrium (the inner lining of the uterus). It is usually done under local or spinal anesthesia.
NovaSure is recommended to evaluate and treat painful periods and heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding with every menstrual cycle.
Who Is NovaSure Endometrial Ablation Recommended For?
Endometrial ablation is recommended for woman who have:
- Painful and heavy periods every month,
- Anemia due to excessive loss of blood with menstrual periods
- The need for hysterectomy but for some reason this is contraindicated
- The need to prevent the uterus.
How Is NovaSure Endometrial Ablation Performed?
NovaSure endometrial ablation has been proved to be very successful. In 90% of the cases the menstrual flow has been reduced or totally stopped. The procedure consists in destroying the inner lining of the uterus by delivering radiofrequency energy, for a couple of seconds. First your doctor will open the cervix of the uterus, insert a slender wand and extend a triangular mesh device inside of the uterus. This mesh device will gently expand and fit the size of your uterus. Through this mesh radio frequent energy is delivered into the uterus, for about 90 seconds. After the procedure is completed, the mesh device is pulled back into the wand and removed from the uterus.
Possible Side Effects
Even though NovaSure endometrial ablation is a safe procedure, effects and complications are possible.
Possible side effects of NovaSure endometrial ablation include:
- Abdominal cramping
- Mild to moderate pain – You may have menstrual-like cramps for a few days. Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help relieve cramping after the procedure.
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Frequent urination – You may need to pass urine more often during the first 24 hours after endometrial ablation.
- Vaginal discharge – A watery discharge, mixed with blood, may occur for a few weeks. The discharge is typically heaviest for the first few days after the procedure.
- Spotting, etc.
Complications of NovaSure Endometrial Ablation
Complications of NovaSure endometrial ablation are very rare, but when they occur they are very severe and life-threatening. Possible complications of the NovaSure endometrial ablation include:
- Accidental perforation of the uterus
- Thermal injuries of the uterus and bowel
- Cervical laceration (tearing of the cervix-opening of the uterus)
- Pulmonary embolism
- Pulmonary edema
When Is This Procedure Contraindicated?
Keep in mind that NovaSure endometrial ablation should be considered only in cases when no future pregnancies are desired. If you and your partner want to have children in the future, NovaSure endometrial ablation is not recommended. However, pregnancies are still possible, even after NovaSure endometrial ablation. In these cases, when a pregnancy occurs after endometrial ablation, there are greater risks for the baby and even for the mother. Since the uterine lining would not be able to properly support the development of the fetus, a pregnancy after NovaSure endometrial ablation will be dangerous. It will likely end in miscarriage.
NovaSure endometrial ablation is also contraindicated in cases when a woman has just recently gave birth, cervical or endometrial cancer, active genital, urinary or pelvic infection or an IUD, after menopause, etc.
Keep in mind that NovaSure endometrial ablation is not a sterilization procedure. Contraception is still needed for woman who have not passed menopause.
You may also need to avoid sexual intercourse for a period of time after the procedure.