Endometrial Ablation (NovaSure®)

Dr. Savitha Krishnan talks about the endometerial ablation procedure.

Endometrial ablation is a procedure that destroys the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) in women with heavy and/or prolonged menstrual bleeding. The procedure significantly lightens and may eliminate menstrual periods and the associated pain premenstrual symptoms.

Excessive menstrual blood loss may be characterized by:

• Unusually heavy bleeding most months
  
• Enough blood loss to soak through a pad or tampon every hour on the heaviest days
  
• Anemia due to excessive blood loss.

PAMF doctors perform endometrial ablation using the NovaSure® method, which uses a quick burst of radiofrequency energy to cauterize the uterine lining. Endometrial ablation is an outpatient procedure performed in the doctor's office within two to five minutes without hormones or general anesthesia.

Q: Who can benefit from endometrial ablation (NovaSure®)?

A: NovaSure® is appropriate for premenopausal women with unusually heavy periods who are finished having children. The procedure can provide significant relief from the inconvenience, discomfort and pain of heavy and/or prolonged menstrual periods.

Q: Who should not have endometrial ablation (NovaSure®)?

A: The procedure is not appropriate for women who have uterine cancer, infections, an IUD or metal uterine implant. Because the procedure destroys the uterine lining, women who wish to have children should not have endometrial ablation.

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