For many women, heavier menstrual flow significantly burdens their daily routines. This health condition, also known as menorrhagia, is actually very common. It can lead to many problems, such as fatigue, anemia, and even social isolation. Fortunately, endometrial ablation procedures such as NovaSure ablation offer a good solution for those looking to tackle this issue. This minimally invasive process targets the endometrium, which is the lining of the uterus that causes heavy bleeding when you menstruate. By destroying this piece of tissue, this modern procedure can decrease menstrual bleeding and significantly improve the quality of your life.
University Park OBGYN is a clinic that specializes in women’swomen’s health and provides a range of services to address various gynecological issues, including menorrhagia. Our gynecologist in Sarasota, FL is here to support you every step of the way, whether you are struggling with heavy menstrual bleeding or any other gynecological issue. In this blog post, we will discuss NovaSure ablation, its potential side effects, and how it can improve your vaginal health.
Menorrhagia
Heavy menstrual bleeding, or menorrhagia, affects numerous women of all ages and is very common. It’sIt’s characterized by long and extreme menstrual bleeding, which usually lasts more than a week and requires constantly changing pads or tampons. Menorrhagia can be caused by various factors, some of the most common ones being hormonal changes or imbalances, endometrial polyps, fibroids, and endometrial hyperplasia.
The endometrium, which is the lining of the uterus, has a key role in menstrual bleeding because it builds up and sheds when you menstruate. In some cases, there are changes in vaginal discharge during the menstrual cycle, which becomes thick and heavy, especially during those days when the blood flow is heavier. Women with this health issue can also experience other symptoms, such as fatigue, lightheadedness, and weakness, because of severe blood loss.
Endometrial Ablation
This is a minimally invasive procedure performed in the surgeon’ssurgeon’s office, and it is used to treat heavy menstrual bleeding by removing or destroying the endometrium. It can be done in various ways, like using heat, cold, or radiofrequency waves.
One of the most popular types of endometrial ablation is NovaSure ablation, a procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to remove the endometrial tissue in a swift and controlled manner. This usually takes less than 5 minutes to be completed and only demands local anesthesia or mild sedation. This is an effective treatment method for women who have menorrhagia but don’tdon’t have positive results with medical therapy or don’tdon’t want to undergo a hysterectomy. Many have reported decreased menstrual bleeding after the procedure and a better quality of life.
However, this is not a suitable treatment option for every woman, so discussing this with your chosen gynecologist to see if you are the right candidate based on your age, medical history, and vaginal health is essential.
Types of Endometrial Ablation
There are several types of endometrial ablation available, including:
- Radiofrequency ablation: This type uses radiowaves to destroy the lining of the uterus. An instrument that has a wand on its tip with a mesh is inserted into the womb to destroy the surroundings. It’sIt’s a minimally invasive procedure that is performed in the gynecologist’sgynecologist’s office.
- Thermal balloon ablation: It uses a balloon filled with hot water or saline to destroy the endometrial tissue. This process lasts for about 10 minutes and is usually performed under general anesthesia in a surgical center.
- Cryoablation: This one uses extreme cold to destroy the endometrium. Small ice balls are inserted into the uterus to freeze its surroundings and destroy it.
- Microwave ablation: This type of endometrial ablation has a small applicator to remove the endometrial tissue successfully. It generally lasts around five minutes.
Which procedure you choose depends on several factors, such as your medical history, age, reproductive goals, and preference. It is essential to discuss all of the options mentioned above with your gynecologist to determine which one suits your specific needs the best.
NovaSure Ablation: Effectiveness and Side Effects
This is a safe treatment choice for women with menorrhagia who are unable or don’t want to undergo a hysterectomy. NovaSure is minimally invasive and requires no surgical cuts or general anesthesia. During this procedure, your gynecologist will insert a small wand into the uterus, which uses radiofrequency energy to remove the lining of the uterus. It reduces menstrual bleeding by up to 90%, which can drastically improve the lives of those with menorrhagia. If you are worried about the recovery time, there’s no need; it is usually short, and patients can return to their regular daily routines after a few days.
As with any other medical procedure, NovaSure Ablation has some risks and side effects like nausea, vaginal discharge, pain in the pelvic area, cramping, and spotting. It is not recommended for women who want to conceive in the future because it may affect the womb’s ability to carry out a pregnancy. However, that doesn’t mean that you are safe from becoming pregnant. Patients who have undergone this procedure should use birth control to prevent any unwanted gestation.
Before the Procedure
Before undergoing NovaSure ablation, you should schedule a consultation with your gynecologist to discuss your symptoms and medical history, and determine whether you are a suitable candidate for the procedure. During the visit, they will also perform a physical exam to inspect your uterus and order additional laboratory tests, if needed. You may also be asked not to use certain medications like blood thinners the days before the procedure to reduce the risk of bleeding.
On the day of the surgery, you will have to empty your bladder and wear something comfortable. They usually give a mild sedative to help patients relax during the process. NovaSure ablation is generally performed as an outpatient procedure, and you will be able to go home the same day. However, it is recommended to ask someone to drive you home and stay with you in the following hours, just in case. Make sure to take a few days off to get enough rest and recover successfully.
Your gynecologist will provide all the necessary details on how to take care of yourself after the procedure. With good preparation and aftercare, NovaSure ablation can be a safe and effective treatment option for those who struggle with menorrhagia.
After the Procedure
After the NovaSure procedure, you will likely experience some mild to moderate cramping and pain in your pelvis, but this can be managed with pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Some women might experience vomiting, nausea, and even night fever, but these will usually clear up on their own within a few days. Do not worry if you notice some vaginal discharge, which can be light or heavy; it may last for a few days. That said, avoid sexual intercourse or penetration, tampon insertion, or douching for two weeks after the procedure to give your body enough time to heal.
On the other hand, if you experience severe pain, heavy bleeding or spotting, or a fever that doesn’t resolve on its own, visit your doctor as soon as possible to ensure that you are healing properly and to discuss any concerns or questions you might have. With good aftercare, most women can return to their regular routines within a few days to a week after the procedure.
To Conclude
Endometrial ablation procedures such as NovaSure ablation can be effective in treating menstrual bleeding for women who struggle with this issue. While all medical procedures carry certain risks, endometrial ablation has many benefits that outweigh the risks for many patients. If you are suffering from heavy menstrual bleeding, talk with your gynecologist, who can help determine whether this procedure is the correct choice for you. If you are prepared for it and follow all the aftercare rules, you can expect to experience significant relief from heavy menstrual bleeding and other challenging symptoms.
If you have any questions or inquiries about endometrial ablation, please do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with us at University Park OBGYN.
