BellaOnline Forums Health and Fitness Gynecology Novasure for heavy bleeding

I have been reading the stories about those who have had this procedure and end up having a hysterectomy within a couple months anyway. Does this procedure truly help, or would a hysterectomy be the route to go? I have been trying to avoid that route because of the expense and length of recovery time. I am to the point that I can't function for several days because of the severe pain or the side effects from pain meds. Any advice?

eveyone is different it works for most in some way shape or form but not all women. i had mine done almost 4 months ago and while the period has gotten lighter by alot i have pain for 2 days some women never see a period again it alos can take up to a yr for final results good luck

Hi,
I had the procedure in May of 2008 because of long periods and heavy bleeding, flooding, etc. My doctor said you HAVE to get an ultrasound to make sure you don't have fibroid tumors first, otherwise it won't work. I didn't have any so she did the procedure. It was quick, like she said. I was home the same morning with minor cramping and running around the next day like nothing. Right away, the flooding stopped. I had better periods. And 3 months later, my period is practically gone. I was able to wear a pantiliner with no tampon the first 2 days of my period. I am so happy. I am so used to being wiped out from my periods and having to plan my day around them. Yesterday I was playing volleyball for 2 hours and not thinking about my period. As an added bonus, being more active the last 3 months, I have lost 20 lbs and 2 sizes in my blue jeans. My doctor is on the Novasure website. Her name is Leslie Cohan and she works out of the Woman's Hospital in Houston. Hope this helps.

Hi, I posted a new response under "greetings". The procedure really helped me. It's only been 3 months and it is so much better. I've lost weight because I am able to be more active now without the heavy bleeding. My doctor did insist on getting an abdominal ultrasound and an a vaginal ultrasound to make sure I didn't have any fibroid tumors. I have heard of people who have the procedure, then have more bleeding problems, only to find out afterward that they had tumors. So they were never good candidates for the procedure in the first place. Then they end up having to get the hysterectomy. Hope this info helps you. I've had 3 periods since the procedure and each period gets shorter and lighter.

i had the novasure procedure 5/15/08. i am now on my 4th post op period and have had 0 bleeding. i think the first month i had a spot but thats it. i still feel some cramping just not the ones i had before where i felt like some one was pulling my insides out. i still feel the PMS-still getting grouchy just not like before. breast still feel sore. but all in all i am sooooo happy i chose this procedure. i was 7 days long-very bad cramping, clotting and heavy flow at least 3 of the 7 days. had the vaginal ultrasound to rule out fibroids. i had none and was a good candidate for the procedure. ive also been told it can take a full year before you know what the final outcome of the procedure will be like. what i would like is to hear from women that have had this done several years ago. am curious in knowing if their periods have returned or if they are still doing fine after so many years. im wondering if the lining of the uterus can grow back or not. also wondering if its safe to NOT have a period....curious

the linning can grow back but not everybodies does

Hi. I am from Aussie, and don't have heavy periods, but ihave suffered with a lot of pain since 21 now 36 with periods and bloating to look 9 months pregnant, my gyn seems to think that i have adenomyosis- from endo, however i had never heard of it and have read that novasure can also cause this, it is a form of endo in the muscle of the uterus.(i believe??) I am currently taking a tablet called withania that has reduce my symptoms for some time but i still have issues. My gyn said i need to have it done along with the tubes tide, has anyone out there done the both, that has had fairly normal to light periods.
I read some negative stuff the other day about this, the only other option he gave me was the marina, well thats a no go as i suffer from depresion if i get to much of one drug like i did with the depro needle.

I had the novasure procedure on July 28th and I am still bleeding. Does anyone have any advise?

post op tips


~ The Most Common Questions Women Ask ~



What is this clear fluid I am passing?
This is called serous fluid and it is very normal. Most women get it, however, some do not. The reason it occurs is because when the uterine lining is destroyed, it 'weeps' this fluid and this is a sign of healing. Say you get a burn on your arm, as it starts to heal, it will 'weep' a clear liquid to heal, the same applies after an endometrial ablation due to the destruction of the endometrium.


When will my post-op bleeding/discharge stop?
It varies so much among women. Some get nothing {rare} and some get it for up to six weeks, I heard from a few women that had it a bit longer. I had it for about two or three weeks.


When can I resume intercourse?
Listen to what your doctor tells you. I was told to wait for six weeks because I had a D&C along with my endometrial ablation. Some women are told to wait until their bleeding/discharge stops, some are told to resume at two weeks, some at four weeks, etc. It differs so much, so please always follow your doctor's orders to the letter.


When can I wear tampons again?
This is up to your doctor. I have heard anywhere from two to six weeks, give or take a week.


Will I gain weight from the endometrial ablation?
Some women have reported bloating which has lasted them for a few weeks post-endometrial ablation, but no lasting weight gain from the endometrial ablation that I have ever heard of.


Will my PMS change after the endometrial ablation ~ get better or worse?
It can, however, because the ovaries are not touched, it is not supposed to have any affect on PMS. Some women report an increase in PMS while some women say their PMS is much better.


Why am I still experiencing cramps so far into my recovery?
You will still cycle and there is such a thing as a blood-less period - if there is nothing to shed - then nothing gets shed but your hormones still jump start the uterus to cramp into action so to speak.


Why am I still getting periods, I thought an endometrial ablation makes them stop?
Endometrial Ablations are performed to eliminate or reduce bleeding from the uterus. Women who have had a successful endometrial ablation will have light to normal periods, and some women will have no menstrual bleeding at all. For example - if you fall down and skin your knee on the ground, that skin or scar is a little bit tougher than the other skin on your body. Endometrial ablations aim to 'toughen up' the endometrium, that's where the bleeding comes from. So if there's less or no endometrium then there's going to be less or no bleeding.


I assumed that my next period would come 28 days (my cycle length) after my last period. Is that the assumption that the next period arrives on schedule or does the endometrial ablation set the clock somehow? Or is it just, anything could happen, have to wait and see?
Endometrial ablations do not stop the ovaries from functioning, therefore, you will still have your period when it is due, BUT in order to have a period that includes discharge (blood) you must also have a lining to shed ~ in the case of D&C's and endometrial ablations - that lining for the most part is gone (at least in the initial stages ~ it should be) thus any period that you have would only be shedding what is left in your uterus - post-op remnants and fluid from the uterus trying to heal.

What we see in a period flow is the lining of the uterus being expelled ~ depending on hormones, state of uterus, functioning of ovaries, etc., that is what is expelled during a period - once your body starts to decrease it's production of progesterone and the levels of estrogen start to increase again, the lining stops it's shedding action and starts once again to rebuild itself. A D&C or endometrial ablation would remove the lining for the most part - that is the reason that many ladies are given Lupron prior/or their endometrial ablations are scheduled when the lining is at it thinnest (right after their periods) - the doctors then have less "stuff" to deal with. Afterward the majority of that lining is gone. Your ovaries may very well be sending a signal to the uterus that it is time for a period - that is why you may continue to get PMS symptoms (brought on by hormones) but with your endometrial ablation being so recently - there should not be that much lining left to flow - so to speak! And lastly if you did have Lupron prior to your endometrial ablation - the hormone cycles are really going to be messed up for a while.


When will my final result become apparent?
This can take 3-4 months up to a full year for your final bleeding pattern to 'settle in'. Be patient as some women have some very odd bleeding patterns those first few months post-op, and sadly, some 'assume' their ablations 'didn't help' as they do not give this enough time. The body needs to get back on course and this does take time so PLEASE BE PATIENT and don't give up - give the endometrial ablation time to see if it will indeed offer you relief. Be sure to ask your doctor about this.

I had my novasure done back in May and 4 weeks afterwards all the bleeding was done. I did get my first period post-novasure at the end of July but it was so light that it was hardly noticeble. I would talk to your doctor.