What Is NovaSure Ablation?
If you’re experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding or painful periods during perimenopause, an experienced gynecologist may recommend that you undergo NovaSure ablation. NovaSure is a brand name endometrial ablation that’s a minimally invasive, one-time procedure that reduces or stops abnormal menstrual bleeding by permanently removing the endometrium, which is the uterine lining responsible for heavy menstrual bleeding.
With convenient locations in Midtown Manhattan, Queens and Columbus Circle, Dr. Felix Cohen and his team of specialists at Hysteroscopy Center of New York offer you a way to continue enjoying every day of the month without worrying about excessive bleeding or disruptions to your daily life. Before scheduling your procedure, Dr. Cohen performs a thorough examination to determine the cause of your symptoms and whether the procedure is right for you.
Am I a Candidate for Endometrial Ablation?
You may be an ideal candidate if you’re a pre-menopausal woman experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding due to benign causes. Additionally, you may be an ideal candidate for NovaSure if you have factors such as:
- You’re not pregnant and don’t plan on getting pregnant.
- You tried other treatments without success.
- You don’t have pelvic cancer.
- Your period lasts longer than seven days.
Your OB-GYN specialist conducts a clinical assessment to rule out uterine abnormalities. This may include a Pap test, biopsy and high-resolution imaging of your uterus through the latest technology and equipment. But NovaSure isn’t right for everyone. NovaSure isn’t suitable if you:
- Are postmenopausal
- Have a suspected uterine or endometrial cancer
- Have a history of C-section deliveries
“It all starts with an examination,” says Dr. Cohen. “During your consultation, we determine whether endometrial ablation is right for you, depending on your age, period duration and most importantly, your plans for getting pregnant. We don’t perform NovaSure while you’re pregnant or if you plan on conceiving because the procedure destroys your uterine lining.”
How Is the NovaSure Ablation Procedure Performed?
The NovaSure procedure is performed either in an office visit or an outpatient setting, depending on the anesthesia. The procedure usually takes no more than five minutes. NovaSure is different from other ablation techniques because it relies on radiofrequency instead of balloons, heat or freezing. It also doesn’t require that you have any hormone treatments before the procedure. The NovaSure procedure includes:
- Pre-procedure examination. Your experienced NYC OB-GYN specialist uses a small telescope that passes into your womb to check if the cavity looks normal.
- Insertion of the NovaSure device. A small device is inserted into your womb through your vagina and cervix. The slender wand creates a custom-fitting triangular mesh. For this procedure, no incision is necessary.
- Endometrial ablation. Once in place, the device emits radiofrequency energy for 60 to 120 seconds to remove the lining of your uterine cavity.
- Completion and recovery. Your top-rated gynecologist retracts the mesh and safely removes the NovaSure device. Then, he inserts a small telescope to ensure that the lining was successfully removed and there are no complications.
400,000 to 500,000 women undergo an endometrial ablation procedure each year, and about half experience the complete cessation of menstrual periods. Clinical studies point to a strong track record of success in endometrial ablation. Visit one of Dr. Cohen’s three locations, where women are more than satisfied with his dedication to making them feel confident again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about NovaSure Ablation
Does the NovaSure procedure work?
Yes, NovaSure ablation is a highly effective, minimally invasive procedure that helps lighten or stop heavy menstrual bleeding. Clinical studies report that 90 percent of women undergoing the procedure still see the effects a year later.
Can I get pregnant after NovaSure ablation?
Endometrial ablation doesn’t act as a contraceptive. There’s still a slight possibility of getting pregnant after the procedure. But Dr. Cohen and his team strongly advise against using NovaSure ablation if you plan on getting pregnant. If you do get pregnant, you risk pregnancy complications, like having a small baby or a placenta that’s stuck inside your uterus, which may lead to life-threatening bleeding.
Are there risks associated with the procedure?
While NovaSure Ablation is a highly effective procedure, there are some minor complications that may occur during your recovery process. These include cramping or infection, which are greatly mitigated when you rely on experts at Hysteroscopy Center of New York.
Can I go home immediately after an endometrial ablation?
Yes, you return home the same day of the procedure, but you need to find someone to get you home if you’ve had general anesthesia. While you can return to daily activities right after the procedure, your doctor recommends a companion for at least 24 hours after the procedure.
What are the common symptoms associated with endometrial ablation?
After the procedure, don’t be alarmed if you experience mild period-like cramping, a frequent need to urinate or some pelvic pain. Expect the symptoms to subside the day after the procedure.
How can I prepare for an endometrial ablation procedure?
Weeks before your procedure, your NYC specialist in endometrial ablation may check you for pregnancy, as the procedure isn’t done if you’re pregnant. Also, Dr. Cohen requires you to do an endometrial biopsy to rule out cancer. You’re required to undergo an examination of your uterus to check its size and shape. You may have to take medication to thin your uterine lining.
Are the effects from endometrial ablation long-lasting?
Yes, the effects from endometrial ablation are long-lasting, but they aren’t noticeable right after the procedure. It takes several months to a year for you to see the effects of the procedure, with most women experiencing lighter periods, while some stop menstruating altogether.
What benefits do I get from the procedure?
It’s a quick procedure, with no incision needed. Those are some of the many benefits associated with the procedure.
What Makes Hysteroscopy Center of New York a Leading Choice for NovaSure Ablation?
Dr. Cohen, a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist, offers more than just medical treatment. He offers endometrial ablation with the NovaSure ablation procedure to free you from the constant worry of uncontrolled monthly bleeding.
At Hysteroscopy Center of New York, you receive a thorough consultation before your procedure and exceptional post-operative monitoring throughout your short recovery. If you’re interested in getting a NovaSure ablation, schedule a consultation today at one of the three locations.