NovaSure® Endometrial Ablation

Don't Let Heavy Periods Slow You Down

Do you suffer from heavy menstrual bleeding that interferes with your quality of life? For 1 in 4 women, abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) dramatically impacts their daily activities, including:

• Fatigue and weakness from anemia
• Missed days of work
• Limited physical and sexual activity during menstruation
• Periods lasting more than 7 days
• Heavy clotting
• Need to double up or change sanitary protection frequently

Abnormal uterine bleeding may commence in the late 30s, but can continue through menopause. Although AUB may be the result of uterine abnormalities such as fibroid tumors, polyps, or even precancerous changes in the lining of the uterus (endometrium), fluctuating levels in ovarian hormones (estrogen and progesterone) are often the cause. As women age, ovarian function decreases, resulting in irregular and often excessive periods.

In the past, treatment options for this condition were limited to hysterectomy or hormonal therapy (birth control or IUDs). Many women are opposed to hormonal therapy after they have completed their families. Extended absence from work, expensive hospital deductibles, and potential surgical risks make surgery an undesirable alternative for some women.

A simple procedure called endometrial ablation treats the lining of the uterus, which significantly decreases or sometimes even stops menstrual bleeding in greater than 70% of patients.

What Can I Expect?

NovaSure® endometrial ablation is a safe, effective, one-time treatment that uses a form of heat to gently remove the lining of your uterus. Dr. Bass typically performs NovaSure in the comfort of his office. For some patients, however, he may recommend that endometrial ablation be performed in an outpatient hospital setting.

During the procedure, Dr. Bass uses a special wand-like device to deliver a precise amount of radio frequency energy to the uterine lining. First he will administer a local anesthetic to make you more comfortable. Precise measurement of the uterine cavity is then obtained and the NovaSure device gently delivers radio frequency energy for about 90 seconds.

By reducing or eliminating the uterine lining, less tissue is shed each month. The result is a drastic reduction in menstrual bleeding and improvement of pain and mood related to PMS.

This safe, effective procedure is not painful, does not require general anesthesia, and generally takes less than 5 minutes to complete. There is far less risk to vital organs such as the bladder or intestines since the abdomen is not entered, compared with traditional surgical options such as a hysterectomy.

With NovaSure, there is minimal down time. While you may feel some cramping, mild pain, or nausea after the procedure, these side effects are typically mild and go away within a day. In fact, most patients can return to work and resume normal daily activities the very next day. The procedure is FDA approved, and it is a covered benefit by most insurance plans.

NovaSure is for premenopausal women who have completed childbearing or are sure that they do not want to have children. Although the likelihood for pregnancy is reduced following NovaSure, it is not an approved method of sterilization.

If you have completed your family and want to find out if endometrial ablation is an appropriate option for you, call FemCare OB/GYN today at (954) 421-2201 or book an appointment online. Our office is conveniently located in Plantation, Florida.

Dr. Bass also serves the surrounding areas of Coconut Creek, Cooper City, Coral Springs, Davie, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Margate, Miramar, Pembroke Pines, Plantation Acres, Southwest Ranches, Sunrise, Tamarac, and Weston.