When it comes to your menstrual cycle, defining “normal” can be tricky. That’s because every woman is a unique individual, and what’s normal varies. That’s one reason many women don’t seek treatment for heavy periods, even though there are effective treatments available.
Generally, experts define abnormally heavy bleeding as soaking through a pad or tampon every two hours or less. In addition to disrupting your life, unusually heavy bleeding can cause anemia. If you’re experiencing that kind of flow on a consistent basis, you may be a good candidate for treatment with NovaSure®.
NovaSure is a method of endometrial ablation. Each month during your period, your body sheds the thin lining of your uterus, which is called the endometrium. Endometrial ablation destroys that lining so that your body doesn’t need to shed it anymore.
There are several different methods for performing endometrial ablation, including applying heat electricity, or freezing the endometrium. NovaSure delivers a radiofrequency pulse to your endometrium.
NovaSure treatments are performed in Dr. Jovanovic’s office, don’t require anesthesia, and are remarkably short. You won’t have any incisions.
When you have the procedure, Dr. Jovanovic inserts a triangular-shaped device made of netting attached to a slender wand into your uterus. The netting expands, fitting against the walls of your uterus so that it’s in contact with the lining.
The netting is used to deliver a precisely calculated and measured radiofrequency for approximately 90 seconds. Dr. Jovanovic then removes the device and the procedure is complete. The whole thing takes about five minutes.
In the days following your NovaSure treatment, you may experience some cramping and you may have some discharge. The majority of women who undergo the procedure are able to return to most normal activities the following day. You’ll need to refrain from intercourse and using tampons for four weeks following the procedure.
After NovaSure, your periods may stop occurring altogether or will be far shorter and lighter than before the procedure.
Endometrial ablation provides safe, effective results for certain people. You may be a good candidate if:
If you want to have children in the future, NovaSure is not an appropriate treatment, but there may be other approaches to controlling your heavy bleeding. NovaSure isn’t a contraceptive or sterilization procedure, but pregnancy following endometrial ablation is dangerous for both the fetus and the mother.
Often, women who are nearing menopause experience hormonal changes that can cause heavy bleeding, and they may be appropriate candidates for NovaSure. Most women who meet the criteria above are candidates for the procedure.
If your periods are unusually heavy, book an appointment with Dr. Jovanovic. We have a convenient online booking tool, or you’re welcome to call our office on the Upper East Side of New York City during regular business hours. NovaSure may be a good treatment option for you, ending your stress about heavy periods.
