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NovaSure Treatment Chart

Excessive menstrual bleeding is a highly treatable condition that affects 1 out of every 5 women

Use this chart as a handy reference when discussing and considering the most common treatment options

 

  NovaSure®
Endometrial
Ablation		 Hormone
Releasing IUD
(Intrauterine device)		 Hormone Therapy D&C
(Dilation and curettage)		 Hysterectomy
(Removal of the uterus)
Description Simple, safe procedure that removes uterine lining while preserving the uterus to reduce or eliminate bleeding Device inserted into the uterus that releases a steady amount of progestins, which can help control bleeding Estrogen/used for select low-risk patients Surgical procedure used to temporarily control heavy bleeding by scraping the inside of the uterus Permanent, surgical option for women not responsive to other treatments
Advantages
  • Reduces problem bleeding in about 91% of patients1

  • Approximately 90 - second treatment time*

  • Procedure takes less than 5 minutes*

  • Can be performed at any time during the menstrual cycle

  • Can be performed in the doctor’s office

  • Rapid recovery
  • Reduces problem bleeding in about 70% of patients2

  • Contraceptive

  • Effective for 5 years

  • Retain fertility (when IUD is removed)
  • Reduces problem bleeding in about half of patients6

  • Self-administered

  • Contraceptive

  • Retain fertility (when therapy is stopped)
  • Diagnostic tool that can provide tissue sample to test for cancer of the uterus

  • Retain fertility
  • Eliminates problem
    bleeding

  • Permanent
Disadvantages
  • Only appropriate for women who have completed childbearing

  • Requires anesthesia: local or general

  • Non-reversible – lose fertility

  • Risk of complications associated with minimally invasive procedures
  • Must be removed and replaced every 5 years

  • 70% of women experience intermenstrual bleeding/spotting3

  • 30% of women experience hormonal side effects3

  • Hormonal side effects may include: depression4, acne4, headaches4, nausea4, weight gain4, and hair loss5

  • Other potential side effects include abdominal pain, infection, and difficulty inserting the device, requiring cervical dilation2
  • Hormonal side effects may include: nausea, headaches and weight gain6

  • Results may vary depending on hormone7
  • Requires anesthesia

  • Reduction in bleeding
    is temporary8

  • Risk of complications associated with minimally invasive procedures
  • Cost

  • Involves major invasive surgery

  • Risk of complications associated with major surgery

  • Requires general or regional anesthesia

  • 2- to 8-week recovery time

  • May result in early onset of menopause/possible need for future hormone treatment9

  • Non-reversible - lose fertility

 

References:
1. Cooper J, et al. A randomized, multicenter trial of safety and efficacy of the NovaSure system in the treatment of menorrhagia. J Am Assoc Gynecol Laparosc. 2002;9:418-428.
2. Istre O, et al. Treatment of menorrhagia with levonorgestrel intrauterine system versus endometrial resection. Fertil Steril. 2001;76:304-309.
3. Hurskainen R, et al. Clinical outcomes and costs with the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system or hysterectomy for treatment of menorrhagia: randomized trial 5-year follow-up. JAMA. 2004;291:1456-1463.
4. Mirena [page insert]. Wayne, NJ: Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc.; 2007.
5. Backman T, Huhtala S, Blom T, Luoto R, Rauramo I, Koskenvuo M. Length of use and symptoms associated with premature removal of levonorgestrel intrauterine system: a nation-wide study of 17,360 users. BJOG 2000; 107:335-9.
6. Cooper KG, et al. A randomised comparison of medical and hysteroscopic management in women consulting a gynaecologist for treatment of heavy menstrual loss. Br J Obstet Gynaecol. 1997;104:1360-1366.
7. Singh RH, et al. Hormonal management of abnormal uterine bleeding. Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2005;48:337-352.
8. DeCherney AH, et al. Current Obstetric & Gynecologic Diagnosis & Treatment. 9th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2003.
9. Siddle N, et al. The effect of hysterectomy on the age at ovarian failure: identification of a subgroup of women with premature loss of ovarian function and literature review. Fertil Steril. 1987;47:94-100.

* The average treatment time is 90 seconds, and the entire NovaSure procedure typically takes less than 5 minutes to complete.