Articles

Is NovaSure Endometrial Ablation right for me?

When considering a procedure like NovaSure® Endometrial Ablation, it is important for you to understand and consider all the other treatment options available to you. Most treatments are only temporary, while NovaSure and hysterectomy represent one-time treatment options. Please carefully review the options listed below and discuss these options with your doctor to help you determine if the NovaSure procedure is the right choice for you.

NovaSure Versus Temporary Treatment Options

  NovaSure Endometrial Ablation Hormone
Releasing
IUD
Hormone
Therapy
D&C
(Dilation
and
Curettage)
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/ progestin used for select low-risk patients Surgical procedure used to temporarily control heavy bleeding by scraping the inside of the uterus
Advantages
  • For 90% of women, menstrual bleeding is dramatically reduced or stopped
  • One-time, five-minute procedure
  • Can be done in your doctor’s office, usually for the cost of a copay
  • Rapid recovery
  • Reduces problem bleeding in about 70% of patients1
  • Contraceptive
  • Effective for 5 years
  • Retain fertility (when IUD is removed)
  • Reduces problem bleeding in about half of patients5
  • 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
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/spotting2
  • 30% of women experience hormonal side effects2
  • Hormonal side effects may include: depression3, acne3, headaches3, nausea3, weight gain3, and hair loss4
  • Other potential side effects include abdominal pain, infection, and difficulty inserting the device, requiring cervical dilation1
  • Hormonal side effects may include: nausea, headaches and weight gain5
  • Results may vary depending on hormone6
  • Requires anesthesia
  • Reduction in bleeding is temporary7
  • Risk of complications associated with minimally invasive procedure



Could NovaSure be right for you? Take this interactive quiz, and then talk to your doctor to find out!

To continue learning about NovaSure please continue with Contraception with NovaSure

 

1. Istre O, et al. Treatment of menorrhagia with levonorgestrel intrauterine system versus endometrial resection. Fertil Steril. 2001; 76:304-309.
2. 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.
3. Mirena [page insert]. Wayne, NJ: Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc.; 2007.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Singh RH, et al. Hormonal management of abnormal uterine bleeding. Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2005; 48:337-352.
7. Decherney AH, et al. Current Obstetric & Gynecologic Diagnosis & Treatment, ninth edition. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2003.

The information above was obtained from the Hologic NovaSure website.

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