NovaSure for Endometriosis: What to Expect

You’ve endured years of life-altering menstrual cycles thanks to endometriosis, so you've decided to put an end to the problem through endometrial ablation. There are many ways to perform this procedure, but we’re pleased to offer NovaSure®, which is one of the fastest and easiest solutions available.

Patient comfort matters at Associates in Obstetrics & Gynecology, which is why our team of women’s health experts offers advanced technologies like NovaSure.

Here’s a look at how NovaSure works and what you can expect during and after your procedure.

Endometrial ablation made easier

Put simply, an endometrial ablation is a procedure in which we remove the lining of your uterus to minimize or prevent abnormal uterine bleeding. As we mentioned, there are several techniques that accomplish this, but we chose the NovaSure system thanks to its efficacy and speed.

When you come in, we first make you comfortable on the exam table. There’s no need for general anesthesia, but we can use a local anesthetic for your comfort. When you’re ready, we dilate your cervix and insert a small wand through your vagina to your uterus. Once the wand is in place, we release a mesh that covers the interior walls of your uterus.

Once the netting expands, we deliver radiofrequency energy through the mesh for about 90 seconds to ablate your endometrial lining.

Then, we simply pull the wand and net back out, and you’re free to go home with complete aftercare instructions.

After your NovaSure procedure

For a few days after your NovaSure procedure, it’s perfectly normal to experience some cramping, bleeding, and watery discharge. Most of our patients manage these side effects with sanitary napkins and over-the-counter medications.

You should not use any tampons for a few days after your endometrial ablation, and you should refrain from intercourse for the same amount of time. You might also want to avoid any strenuous activities, such as heavy lifting.

After two or three days, you should be well on the road to healing, and you can resume your normal activities. You can also start to enjoy your life more moving forward, without dreading the monthly arrival of abnormal periods. Most of our patients who undergo the NovaSure procedure experience far lighter-than-normal periods or no periods at all afterward.

Of course, our team is with you every step of the way, and if you have any questions during your recovery, we’re just a phone call away. Complications aren’t all that common, but you should call us if you:

• Still experience heavy bleeding after two days
• Develop a fever
• Notice foul-smelling discharge 
• Have problems urinating

If you have more questions about what to expect from your NovaSure endometrial ablation procedure, contact our office in Colorado Springs, Colorado.