What is Endometrial Ablation?
Endometrial ablation is a highly effective, minimally invasive outpatient procedure designed to permanently reduce or completely stop abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding. The procedure works by carefully destroying (ablating) the endometrium, which is the thin tissue lining inside the uterus that builds up and sheds each month during your period.
At Miami Women’s Center, we specialize in NovaSure® endometrial ablation. This advanced, trusted medical technology delivers a customized dose of radiofrequency energy to the uterine lining. Done quickly without any surgical incisions, NovaSure provides an excellent, low-risk alternative for women who want to reclaim their lifestyle from debilitating periods without undergoing a major surgery like a hysterectomy.
Request an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions About NovaSure®
How does the NovaSure® procedure work?
NovaSure is a quick, gentle procedure that requires no cutting or skin incisions. During the treatment, your gynecologist slightly dilates the cervix and inserts a slender, protective wand into the uterus. Once inside, a netted triangular mesh matrix expands from the tip of the wand, unfolding to perfectly fit the unique shape and size of your uterine cavity.
The system delivers a precise, controlled dose of radiofrequency energy through the mesh for approximately 90 seconds. This energy safely treats the lining down to a specific depth. The mesh is then neatly folded back into the wand and entirely removed from the body.
What are the main benefits of NovaSure®?
NovaSure is a highly successful treatment that boasts incredible patient satisfaction rates. Key benefits include:
- High Success Rates: Approximately 90% of women experience dramatically lighter periods, and nearly half stop bleeding entirely.
- No Hormones Required: Unlike birth control pills or hormonal IUDs, NovaSure treats heavy bleeding mechanically, avoiding hormonal side effects.
- Fast Treatment Time: The entire clinical procedure takes under 5 minutes, with the actual energy delivery lasting less than two minutes.
- No Down time: Performed as an outpatient procedure, patients experience minimal disruption and can go home immediately.
Who is an ideal candidate for NovaSure®?
NovaSure is specifically designed for premenopausal women who suffer from heavy menorrhagia (abnormally heavy periods) due to benign causes and who have completed childbearing. It is an ideal option if your heavy flow forces you to miss work, limits your daily activities, or causes iron-deficiency anemia, and you prefer to avoid a hysterectomy.
NovaSure is not suitable for women who still wish to become pregnant, individuals with active pelvic infections, or women with certain structural uterine abnormalities like large intracavitary fibroids.
Can I still get pregnant after an endometrial ablation?
No, and trying to do so is highly dangerous. Because the procedure permanently removes the structural lining of your uterus, a fertilized egg cannot safely implant or grow. However, endometrial ablation is not a form of birth control; ovulation still occurs naturally. This means pregnancy is still biologically possible but carries severe, life-threatening risks for both the mother and a fetus. Women who undergo NovaSure must use a reliable form of contraception, such as a vasectomy for their partner or a permanent tubal occlusion/removal, until they have fully completed menopause.
What to Expect During and After the Procedure
At Miami Women’s Center, our clinical team ensures your treatment is managed with maximum comfort, privacy, and clinical safety:
During the Procedure
- Comfort Options: NovaSure can be performed comfortably in our advanced surgical center under mild intravenous sedation or local paracervical block anesthesia.
- Quick Treatment Cycle: The entire process takes only a few minutes. The device continuously runs an advanced safety check prior to starting, ensuring the treatment only activates under optimal conditions.
After the Procedure
- Immediate Discharge: You will rest in our recovery area for about an hour before returning home. You will need a trusted companion to drive you.
- Typical Recovery: Most women experience mild pelvic cramping (similar to a normal period) for the first 24 to 48 hours, which can be managed easily with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen.
- Post-Procedure Discharge: It is completely normal to experience a pinkish or watery vaginal discharge for a few weeks following the procedure as the uterine cavity fully heals. Most patients comfortably return to their job and light physical activities within 1 to 2 days.