Do heavy periods affect your life? Ask us about NovaSure^®...

Menorrhagia (unusually heavy or long-lasting menstrual periods) is more than just a problem with bleeding. It can have very disruptive effects on  your family and social life, regular daily activities, and your mood. If your period lasts a long time, or is so heavy that you need to change pads or tampons every 1-2 hours, you may want to discuss the NovaSure^® option with us. It's a conversation that could change your life.

What is NovaSure^®?

• NovaSure^® is a convenient, cost effective procedure designed to help reduce a woman's menstrual bleeding.
• It can be done right in our office and does not require anesthesia or use of hormones.
• It can be performed at any time during your cycle, even during your period!
• The procedure generally takes less than 5 minutes and does not require any incision.
• Most women recover quickly and are able to return to work, or resume their normal activities, the very next day.

We appreciate being able to offer our patients a solution to their heavy menstrual bleeding that doesn't require entering the hospital, undergoing anesthesia, or taking hormones. If you experience heavy menstrual bleeding, please talk to your doctor and ask if the NovaSure^® procedure is right for you.

Here are some common questions we are asked regarding NovaSure^®:

I have started my period.  Can I still have the NovaSure^® procedure?

• Yes.

How soon after the procedure will I be allowed to go home?

• Although the NovaSure^® procedure itself takes less than 2 minutes, you will need to plan to be at Women's Health Center for about 2 hours to allow time to prepare, perform the procedure, and after treatment care and observation.

What are some common symptoms that I should expect after the procedure?

• You will probably feel tired.
• You may have some pain and menstrual cramping.
• You may also experience headache, gas, nausea, diarrhea, or constipation.
• You may have vaginal bleeding.  This will decrease over the next couple weeks.
• You can also expect a thin, watery discharge from the vagina, possibly tinted with blood.

How long can bleeding or vaginal discharge last?

• Light vaginal bleeding or discharge may last for 2-3 weeks following the procedure.

Will I have any restrictions on my activities?

• You should not have intercourse, use a tampon, or insert anything into the vagina for at least 10-14 days following the procedure. We typically ask that you wait until after your post-procedure appointment so we can check for adequate healing before you insert anything into the vagina.
• You should not drive a vehicle until you are no longer taking prescription pain medication.
• You may shower, but do not take a tub bath for at least 2-3 weeks or until your vaginal discharge has completely stopped.

What can I eat or drink?

• You may eat food as tolerated.  You may want to start with bland, low-fat foods.  Try to eat a healthy, balanced diet that includes foods from each food group.
• Drink plenty of water, at least eight 8oz glasses per day.  Avoid alcohol while you are recovering and/or taking pain medications.

When can I return to work?

• You should be able to return to work the following day.

What symptoms should I be concerned about, and when should I call the office?

• If you have trouble breathing, shortness of breath, or chest pain you should go to the Emergency Room.
• If you have bright red vaginal bleeding that soaks one or more maxi-pads within 1 hour, call the office.
• If you are passing blood clots from the vagina, call the office.
• If you have pain that does not respond to your pain medication, fever over 100°F (38°C), or a foul smelling vaginal discharge you should call the office.

Click below to visit the NovaSure^® website for more information...