What to Expect from the NovaSure Procedure

NovaSure endometrial ablation is the simple, one-time, 5 minute procedure trusted by over two million women, that helps to lighten or stop heavy menstrual bleeding - without hormones or hysterectomy.

It can be done in a doctor's office and the entire procedure typically takes less than 5 minutes

NovaSure endometrial ablation is performed without any incisions. There is no need for general anesthesia with the NovaSure procedure and most women report little or no pain, and return to their regular activities within a day of the procedure
 

About

Here's what you can expect before, during, and after the NovaSure procedure:

Before the NovaSure procedure

The NovaSure endometrial ablation procedure can be scheduled any time during your menstrual cycle, even if you are bleeding at the time. Your doctor will give you a pregnancy test before the procedure to confirm you are not pregnant. You may be given an anti-inflammatory medicine, to take an hour or two before the procedure, to reduce discomfort.

During the NovaSure procedure

If performed in-office, your doctor may inject a local anesthetic into your uterus (the cervix). No general anesthesia is required, so you will probably be awake during the procedure.

 

The entire procedure usually takes less than 5 minutes.
 

Right after the NovaSure procedure

Before you leave the doctor’s office, you will receive discharge instructions. These instructions typically include the following information:

  • Have someone drive you home.
  • For the remainder of the day, do not drive, operate potentially dangerous machinery, sign legal documents or make critical decisions. You may resume regular activities the next day.
  • A heating pad placed on your lower abdomen can help to reduce cramping.
  • Consult your physician about medication to help reduce cramping.
  • You may shower the same day but refrain from swimming and baths.
  • Please refrain from anything in the vagina for 4 weeks. This includes tampons and intercourse.
  • Call your doctor if you have:
    • increased abnormal discharge
    • increased post-procedural pain
    • increased bleeding
    • fever above 100.4F
  • Be sure to check with your own doctor to find out what your specific discharge instructions are.
  • Most women report little or no pain, and return to their regular activities within a day.
Contraception and the NovaSure procedure

When you have the NovaSure procedure, you’ll need long-term birth control, since it’s still possible to become pregnant and a pregnancy after any ablation procedure is unsafe for both mother and fetus.

Click here to learn more about contraception methods after the NovaSure procedure.