How long does novasure ablation last

Endometrial ablation is one of the surgical options for treatment of heavy menstrual periods. In the past, the only surgical treatment option for many women suffering from heavy, painful periods was removal of the uterus hysterectomy. Endometrial ablation has been developed over the last decade to offer an alternative to hysterectomy by locally destroying or removing the uterine lining.

The uterus consists of two layers — an outer muscular layer called the myometrium, and an inner lining, the endometrium.

Each month, hormonal changes cause the lining to thicken in readiness for implantation by a fertilised egg. If conception does not occur it breaks down, leading to menstrual bleeding.

Since menstrual blood arises entirely due to shedding of the endometrium, its destruction effectively halts or reduces blood loss during menstruation. A range of different methods may be used to destroy the uterine lining. The first generation methods included laser energy and a heated cutting wire to remove the uterine lining. Newer methods have now been developed using radio waves, electricity and heated water. Women's Health. The content of this website is for informational purposes only.

It is not intended for use as diagnosis or treatment of a health problem, and should not be used as a substitute for a visit with a health care professional.

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If there is any concern, we will request that you return to your car. Our triage nurse will greet you and determine whether to proceed with the appointment. Yes, vaginal bleeding for a few days is a normal part of endometrial ablation recovery. You will likely want to wear pads; do not use tampons, douche or have sex in the first few days to the first week. Persistent bleeding, though, may be a concern and may require a pelvic exam as well as a conversation with your doctor about next steps, which may lead to a future hysterectomy.

Most women 9 out of 10 will either have no periods or lighter periods after endometrial ablation. It is possible that your period will come back heavier after a few years. The discharge may also be bloody or mixed with blood. It will likely be heavy for the first few days after your surgery. Any endometrial ablation discharge should stop after, at the latest, a few months. Pregnancy can occur after endometrial ablation. However, these pregnancies might be higher risk to mother and baby.

The pregnancy might end in miscarriage because the lining of the uterus has been damaged, or the pregnancy might occur in the fallopian tubes or cervix instead of the uterus ectopic pregnancy.

Some types of sterilization procedures can be done at the time of endometrial ablation. If you are having endometrial ablation, long-lasting contraception or sterilization is recommended to prevent pregnancy. One type of endometrial ablation uses a thermal balloon filled with heated fluid to destroy the lining of the uterus endometrium.

During radiofrequency ablation, your doctor uses a triangular ablation device which transmits radiofrequency energy and destroys the tissue lining the uterus endometrium. The ablation device is then removed from the uterus. Endometrial ablation can be performed in your doctor's office. But some types of endometrial ablation are performed in a hospital, especially if you will need general anesthesia.

The opening in your cervix needs to be widened dilated to allow for the passage of the instruments used in endometrial ablation. Dilation of your cervix can happen with medication or the insertion of a series of rods that gradually increase in diameter.

Endometrial ablation procedures vary by the method used to remove or destroy the endometrium. Options include:. It might take a few months to see the final results, but endometrial ablation usually reduces the amount of blood lost during menstruation.

Most women will have lighter periods, and some will stop having periods entirely. Endometrial ablation isn't a sterilization procedure, so you should continue to use contraception. Pregnancy might still be possible, but it will likely be hazardous and end in miscarriage. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.