Novasure

Heavy Period Treatments

Many factors can cause heavy periods, and treatment starts with diagnostic investigations that can include:

A pelvic examination,
A cervical screening test to exclude cervical causes for bleeding, and
A pelvic ultrasound examination.

Heavy Bleeding Management Options

Management options will depend on the patient’s preference and clinical situation. These can include:

Hormonal - Oral contraceptive pill
Endometrial Ablation (Novasure)
Hysteroscopy, and
Hysterectomy

What is Novasure?

NovaSure is a brand name for a procedure called endometrial ablation. It is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat heavy menstrual bleeding caused by menorrhagia.

Endometrial ablation is a procedure that destroys the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) using energy in the form of radiofrequency. The procedure is done using a device called NovaSure, which uses a small wand-like device inserted into the uterus through the cervix. Once inside, the device sends out a small amount of radiofrequency energy, which destroys the endometrium.

The NovaSure procedure is a good option for women who want to avoid surgery, have completed their families or do not wish to have children in the future. It has a high success rate and can help reduce heavy menstrual bleeding and improve the quality of life for women with menorrhagia.

Who Should Consider Endometrial Ablation (Novasure)?

NovaSure is a procedure that is typically recommended for women who have heavy menstrual bleeding (also known as Menorrhagia).. This involves excessive bleeding during menstrual periods; it can include bleeding that is heavy enough to interfere with a woman's daily activities or quality of life.

The following are some of the factors that the healthcare provider will consider when determining if NovaSure is suitable for a patient:

Menstrual bleeding: The patient should have heavy menstrual bleeding that interferes with their daily activities or quality of life.
Childbearing status: NovaSure is not recommended for women who want to have children in the future. The procedure is usually recommended for women who have completed their families or do not wish to have children in the future.
Other medical conditions: The patient should not have any contraindications for the procedure, such as an active pelvic infection, abnormal cervical or uterine conditions, or a history of pelvic radiation therapy.
Patient's preference: The patient should be willing to accept the risks and benefits of the procedure and should have realistic expectations about the results.

Benefits of NovaSure

NovaSure is a procedure that can offer several benefits for women who have heavy menstrual bleeding caused by a condition called menorrhagia. Some of the potential benefits of NovaSure include the following:

Reduced heavy menstrual bleeding: The procedure destroys the lining of the uterus (the endometrium), reducing heavy menstrual bleeding and improving the quality of life for women with menorrhagia.
Minimally invasive: NovaSure is a minimally invasive procedure that does not require a surgical incision. This can reduce the risk of complications and recovery time compared to more invasive procedures such as hysterectomy.
No hormone therapy: Unlike other treatments that rely on hormone therapy, NovaSure does not require long-term hormone therapy.
High success rate: NovaSure has a high success rate in reducing heavy menstrual bleeding and improving the quality of life for women with menorrhagia.
Quick procedure: The procedure takes about 30 minutes in total, and patients can return to normal activities within a day or two.
Cost-effective: NovaSure is a cost-effective treatment option for heavy menstrual bleeding as it often eliminates the need for repeat procedures or long-term hormone therapy.

Alternative Options to NovaSure?

There are other available alternative options to Novasure, which include:

Hormonal therapy: Hormonal therapy, such as birth control pills, injections, or intrauterine devices (IUDs) that release hormones, can help to regulate menstrual cycles and reduce heavy bleeding.
Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help to reduce heavy bleeding during menstrual periods.
Surgical such as:
Hysterectomy: This is a surgical procedure that removes the uterus. It is a standard treatment option for heavy menstrual bleeding, but it is considered a more invasive option, and it is not suitable for women who want to have children in the future.

Endometrial Ablation Procedure

During Endometrial Ablation

A hysteroscopy is a day procedure performed under General Anaesthesia; the total operating time is about 30 minutes.

An instrument with netting is inserted into the uterus. The netting expands to take up the cavity of the uterus.
The netting is then heated for about one minute, and the Endometrial lining of the uterus is destroyed.
The monthly menstrual cycle prevents the lining from growing and shedding each month.
In this procedure, a thin long telescopic instrument (camera) called a hysteroscope is inserted into the uterus through the vagina and the cervix to view the uterus cavity. The Hysteroscopy is performed following the ablation to confirm that the cavity has been evenly treated.
A Hysteroscopy is performed, and a detailed image of the uterine cavity is obtained.
An Endometrial Biopsy is taken.
If an Endometrial Polyp or Fibroid is present, this is removed.

NovaSure® does not affect your hormone production. However, it destroys the lining and is only suited to those who do not wish to have children after the procedure. It is also not a contraceptive. Thus, your health circumstances would need to be assessed by our doctors to determine your suitability.

Recovery After Endometrial Ablation

It is expected that you will go home the same day after you have recovered from the general anaesthetic.

You are advised to avoid intercourse and swimming for one-week post-procedure.

There can be mild vaginal bleeding for a few days after the procedure, which is not a cause for concern. Also, you may experience mild period-pain-like cramps.

Heat packs, paracetamol and ibuprofen can help relieve short-term discomfort after the procedure.

What are the Risks of Endometrial Ablation?

Endometrial Ablation (Novasure) is generally safe.

Occasionally, an injury may occur to the uterus or cervix during the procedure (uterine perforation), which does not usually require any treatment and will heal by itself.

Rarely, there can be injury beyond the perforation to internal organs such as the bladder, bowel or blood vessels.

These injuries may require a further operation through the abdomen to repair (either at the time of process or later down the track). Infection, bleeding and reactions to the anaesthesia are some of the adverse effects observed in a few individuals.

You should seek immediate medical attention by going to the emergency department of your closest hospital or by contacting me if you experience any of the below-mentioned conditions:

Fever
Heavy vaginal bleeding
Severe abdominal pain
Offensive vaginal discharge

After Endometrial Ablation, painful periods might persist after the procedure.

NovaSure Prognosis

The prognosis for NovaSure, a brand name for a procedure called endometrial ablation, is generally considered favourable for women with heavy menstrual bleeding. The procedure can help to reduce or stop heavy menstrual bleeding and improve the quality of life for women with heavy menstrual bleeding.

According to studies, up to 90% of women who undergo the NovaSure procedure experience a significant reduction in menstrual bleeding, and up to 70% of women may stop having menstrual periods altogether. This is a successful outcome, as it allows women to return to their daily activities without interruption and improve their quality of life.

NovaSure procedure is only suitable for some women. Dr Giselle Crawford will consider your specific circumstances and preferences before determining if NovaSure is the best option.