I Zapped My Uterus: A NovaSure Review Part II
This post is Part II of my decision to undergo NovaSure, also known as endometrial ablation.
To read why I chose to have the procedure, visit: Why I Zapped My Utuerus: My NovaSure Decision.
Prepping for NovaSure
After I had made the decision to have the NovaSure procedure, things moved fairly quickly.
My physician asked me to have an ultrasound to make sure there weren’t any underlying issues causing the heavy bleeding such as fibroids.
When I went into the room, I saw the technician who had actually done all of my ultrasounds when I was pregnant with my boys, and she immediately recognized me.
“Welcome to your 40s,” she jokingly quipped.
Apparently there are women out there having the same problem I was having. What a revelation!
The ultrasound looked clear, and I was sent on my way to wait out my surgery date.
I’ve seen women asking if they can have local anesthesia for NovaSure.
I certainly was wondering that myself; however, they really can’t take a chance of you moving around.
So I psyched myself up for the procedure, determined it would go smoothly.
I shouldn’t have worried.
Of course, I need to say that all surgery comes with risks.
Plus, I am sharing my personal story about why I chose to have the NovaSure procedure.
These are all my personal observations and shouldn’t take place of any medical advice and information your doctor provides.
The Day of Surgery
The NovaSure is an in-office procedure.
I am incredibly confident in my physician and his team (we’ve been through a lot together) so I had no problem having the NovaSure in his office.
I was given a pain killer to start before the procedure as well as a drug that helps dilate the cervix so they can actually do the procedure.
The anesthesiologist put me under and, quite honestly, the rumors are true.
I felt like I just had had one of the best naps in my life.
I woke up groggy but ridiculously relaxed.
For me, the cramping from the procedure started fairly quickly.
Some people say that the cramping is equal to giving birth.
When my first son was born, my body never quite reached that stage and I had to have a C-Section, so I can’t tell you if it was comparable or not.
However, I was thankful for the drugs and I cannot emphasize enough that you should follow the pain management system your physician sets up for you.
The saying that you should stay ahead of the pain definitely applies here.
They wheeled me downstairs in a wheelchair and we waited for my husband to pull the car around.
Thanks to windy Chicago and the Polar Vortex, it was freezing and blistering snow everywhere.
I felt miserable, zonked out and just wanted to get home.
The cramping was horrible but the medication definitely helped.
Plus, the meds looped me up so much I just wanted to go to sleep, which helped me get through the afternoon and evening.
By the morning, I was dog tired but didn’t feel any pain.
I had several short waves of cramping over the following days but nothing unbearable.
And they went as fast as they came.
After the NovaSure Procedure
Some women apparently bleed for days after the procedure, but I had nothing.
That’s right, absolutely nothing.
I was afraid the procedure didn’t go right, but the nurse assured me that every person is different and what I was experiencing was completely normal and acceptable.
Two weeks later and I still haven’t experienced any bleeding.
My physician told me about 40% of women who have this procedure never have their period again.
I will tell you I don’t wish many things for myself.
My wishes often go to the health and happiness of my family.
But straight up, I wish to never have a period ever again.
In fact, I feel like I have paid my dues and it’s time for my body to cash the check and give me a break.
I won’t know for several months how the procedure will ultimately affect my period and my life.
It takes a while for the uterus to heal and get back into its rhythm.
But I’m hopeful and will keep you updated.
Video Explaining NovaSure Procedure
I found a terrific YouTube video explaining just how the procedure works and its benefits:
Go Ahead. Ask me Questions
If you are considering the NovaSure procedure, I hope my account was helpful.
I was scared beyond words before having it done and wish I could have found someone who told me they had been in the same boat.
Strangers we may be, but I hope my words ease your concerns and help you make the best decision for yourself.
If you have any questions, please leave me a comment below. I’ll be more than happy to personally email you back. And of course, I always love comments.
Please let me know if this article helped you or if you know someone who had the NovaSure procedure.
I am REALLY glad I found this. My Dr wants to do this in-house but she said I would only need a Valium to relax me and that there is not a lot of pain involved. If I could stand the yearly checkup which is only a pinch, I would be fine. If not, she said I would have to go to the hospital which would be considered surgery and be much more expensive. Looks like I need to find a new Dr. Thanks for your honesty.
Jackie — The pain is just temporary for the day and every person is different. The nurses told me as long as I stayed ahead of the pain with the pain medication I would be okay and they were right. But I would definitely go for a second opinion somewhere else.
I was in with my GYN yesterday and this was her recommendation, im done having children, thanks for your experience and for you sharing it with us it help me to make the decision .
Glad that it’s helping you make the right decision for you. I know for me it was the right choice and I couldn’t be happier.
Not sure if you will receive this or not. Had the EA done Dec. 22nd 2015. First day horrible cramps. Took the meds prescribed and helped. 2nd and 3rd day better but now almost one week cramps are back…not horrible…but there. Tonight tho I am having back pain and terrible body aches. No fever but worried if this could be an infection or just maybe getting sick. I have read so many negative reviews…after the procedure. ? just getting a little worried. Thanks!
I would definitely reach out to your physician to see if you’ve caught a bug or if this is connected to your procedure and what should be done.
Wow, I’m so glad I saw this! I was told two years ago to have it done and I’ve just put it off. I’ve heard mixed reviews and I’m still on the fence. Thanks for sharing your story, I’ll have to talk it over with my husband and doctor.
Having just been through it, I’m waiting to see what the final results will be but I’ve been very happy with the process and the procedure.
What are your results now ? I’ve read women have a lot of discharge from scar tissue or end up having hysterectomy even after
I personally haven’t had any of those things and haven’t heard from others that that was part of their experience either.
Hi am a 52 year old post menopausal woman and I just had a d and c and ablation on Oct 14th. Until this blog all I could find is negatives about this procedure. I am actually afraid of all the bad reviews you find online from bleeding, cramping, to massive weight gain!
Mostly it seems it is done on younger women that are not yet post menopausal. I would love to hear some positive experiences from women my age (52) post menopausal.
I had polyps and a thickening of the uterine lining due to hormone replacements.
I am a week out and I am cramping pretty bad and started spotting. It’s like a really bad period without all the bleeding. I don’t understand why weight gain would be associated with this procedure? My Dr. did a re-sectioning so that she would get to the root of the polyps to help prevent them from growing back. At this point I have little energy, cramping and spotting. I would have been just fine with removing my uterus but this is what I was told we needed to do. Has anyone my age fared well without all the negatives? I would love to hear good news! Thank you
I had normal periods after the procedure. This was not a disappointment because before my periods were so heavy with clots that I once had my doctor biopsy one to make sure it wasn’t a miscarriage! Sex was numbing and not pleasurable for a couple of months. Then things returned to normal. A few years down the line I started getting sharp pain during sex. It was determined that my uterus was very flexible and was actually starting to fold over! I remember reading the st risk paperwork I signed telling me this could happen from oblation. Finally I had my uterus taken out and that was the worst decision I ever made. It sent my hormones for a loop (and I still have my ovaries) with migraine and vertigo. It’s been a year since they removed my uterus and I still have pain during sex due to sewing up what was falling with unsupportive floppy uterus and early onset menapaus with the terrible symptoms associated with that. I’m on my 3rd doctor now. All I am say is know the risks and weigh the consequences to your pain level. Periods controlled my life. Now pain and vertigo do.
I had the procedure and haven’t bled since and it has been two years. I really had no choice but to try it and see if it would work. It did and I wished I had done it sooner. I am now 42. 🙂
So glad that it worked like a charm for you. I’m keeping my fingers crossed!
Do you still find that you have any PMS or has that gone away too? I mean, since your ovaries are still in tact, I am curious. Thanks!
Betsy, I still have PMS… if you can call it that compared to what it was. I used to be practically incapacitated. Now I’ll notice that I’m a little bit irritable and wonder why and then it will hit me… oh, this is what it’s like after the procedure. and because my ovaries are intact (as well as all those great hormones) my sex drive has gone UP because I’m not dealing with all of the monthly nastiness.
Question: Does it change your sex drive?
Well, the procedure keeps your hormones in tact… so if anything, I felt more freed up from the ickiness of my overwhelming periods.
I am 42 and had Novasure and bilateral tube removal at the same time. This was 4 days ago. Trying to work from home today and am getting pretty tired. Anyone else have both done at the same time?
HI Wendy!
I am actually scheduled to undergo the same two procedures. How has your experience been? Honestly, I am a little worried because of all the negative accounts I have read online.
I hadn’t heard about this, but I appreciate your honesty. I hope it helps others in the same situation!
Happy Friday!! Thanks for hosting and have a terrific weekend 🙂
Interesting! It’s amazing what they can do now a days! I’ve never heard of this procedure before. I’m sure it beats getting a hysterectomy any day!
I’m so glad you wrote your account of NovaSure. There is so little information out there from real people about gyno issues and procedures. I have a couple of friends I’ll be forwarding this to.
I had this done years ago before it was called NovaSure. Was done at the hospital as same day surgery and I was put under. Didn’t have a lot of pain or bleeding and it pretty much stopped my periods for years. Now I’m perimenopausal so sometimes I have a really light flow and then nothing for months. I encourage any one who has very heavy periods to consider this procedure. It was definitely easier than a hysterectomy!!
That’s what I’m hoping, Kathy! Thanks for sharing your story.
I have never heard of this but THANK YOU! I am 44 and my situation is a little different. They still have me on birth control because when I am off of it I have a period every 19-21 days. Not to the degree you describe but that often is also terrible and with it I have Premenstral Dysphoric Disorder. Let me put it like this, a week before I do have a period there is not enough xanax on the planet! I have so much anxiety, anger and rage that comes from nowhere. It is horrible. I have no children and cannot so I wonder if if this rather than a hysterectomy would work for me? Thank you again!
I would definitely ask your doctor. It never hurts to look at ALL your options.
Wow! So glad I found this! Thank you so much for posting this and for your honesty. My GYN also recommended this 2 years ago and I have been hesitant. But I am 43 and my periods have gotten so bad. I have days where I go through super plus tampons & pads every 20 minutes. I am making an appt to discuss this further with my dr. I really need to just do it. Thank you again! 🙂
Glad my post is encouraging you to go talk to your doctor. When your periods interfere with your life on that level, it’s time to do something! I’m glad I asked my doctor… I had never heard of this before either.
I’ve read about so many woman complaining of weight gain afterwards. Up to 25lbs. Was this an issue for you? I’m scheduled to go have mine done next week and after reading so many negative posts I may back out and deal with my heavy periods.
It was not an issue on any level.
Did you have yours done yet?
Years ago! Best decision I ever made.
I am scheduled for this procedure a week from today! I have awful periods. I ruin underwear and furniture too! And the pain is out of control. I’m really hoping this works for me! Thanks for sharing your story!
So far so good for me! I’ve been very happy with the procedure so far. Good luck today 🙂
Well I was scheduled for tomorrow morning. I have been debating this for over two years. I was finally ready. However, I took the first dose of mistropol and had severe cramps … More than told … I thought that may happen with the second dose. I then googled Novasure mistropol complications … And got an eye full of the 10% that it doesn’t work for … More than just their periods come back. Decided to cancel. I need more info especially since lystera seems to really help. This isn’t something you can undo. Ask to speak with someone it didn’t work for. ( I’ve have two friends that have loved it so I’m not all negative). I just want more than marketing. I adore my GYN but feel that in today’s world discussion of the google forums is appropriate. Should be an interesting conversation with the office tomorrow.
Fiona — Everyone needs to make their own decisions. For me, it’s been almost three months and I haven’t had a period since. It has been a wonderful relief!
Since its now 2017 I’m hoping to get an update from you. I am scheduled for this procedure next week and super on the fence about it!! I hear there are more failures over a longer time period so I’m curious to know how you are doing?? I have also wondered if I’m overreacting to the amount of bleeding I’m having and if ablation is too drastic a measure. During my periods I have at least 3 days of doubling up with the biggest tampon and pad on the market and soaking through every 2 hours. Would this justify the procedure? Other women have much worse situations.
Thanks in advance for your help!
It’s 2018 and I still am SO glad that I decided to have the procedure. I haven’t had any problems on any front.
Hi, so happy you had such great luck. I had a D&C and Ablation almost 2 weeks ago. Starting to feel back to normal with minimal pain. Very minimal bleeding/discharge. However, I notice my ph level is off. Like I went to the gym and didn’t shower. I’m assuming its bc j still healing. I called my dr office last week and they said if it’s a fishy smell with pain or abnormal discharge. Its none of that. Just wondering if you has any order issues after your procedure and if so, how long did it last?
Hi there Fiona…just wondering what lystera is and why it helps…
Put off novasure few years ago and still not sure what to do, but periods are getting heavier and heavier. ..
Thanks. ..have a great day..
It slowed my periods but didn’t stop them. I was grateful for that. I did oblation more than 10 years ago and the long term affects were it thinned out my uterus and led to a lot of pain and a hysterectomy last year at 45 years old. That sent me into early menapaus even though I still have my ovaries. The menapaus set off my migraine headaches and that led to once a month severe vertigo where I couldn’t get out of bed for three days. They were linked to my cycle. I’ve begun hormone replacement and that is helping my symptoms but not taking them away. Beware that when you thin your uterus you run the risk of it folding over or inverting. It’s in the paperwork you sign. It happened to me. It took many years for this to happen and I was very satisfied with the oblation until this happened. Things fall with age and your uterus is there for more reasons than holding a baby. Anytime you alter your natural body there are consequences. Some worse than others. In my case I needed sewing up for things that fell and that caused pain again. I would research other people’s long term effects rather than those who are posting they just had this done.
Hi Jennifer- So happy to have stumbled across your post. I’m having NovaSure done in one week and when I previously Googled the topic, all I found was horror stories. I adore my GYN and am hopeful that I will have success with NovaSure. I’m 41 and get my period every 16 days. Just want this mess to be over with for good! Thanks for the positive vibe, you have me feeling more at ease with my decision.
I’m glad I could be helpful! I tried to find information on the internet and was having a hard time, too. So I decided to write about my experience. Several months later and I haven’t had a single period. Not having to have hormone replacement is a serious bonus for me. Good luck with your procedure and let me know how it goes!
So, had NovaSure done yesterday. Didn’t feel that great as I was coming out of anesthesia, having some major pain, but nothing that Percocet couldn’t fix. Took it easy for the rest of the day, and actually felt great all day today! No cramps, very little bleeding, and only feel tenderness when I need to empty my bladder. Have taken 2 Motrin 800mg, but that has been it. Saving the good pain meds for real pain. I did have a minor headache for most of the day, but I think that is due to the anesthesia, and now that I have passed the 24 hour mark, it seems to have subsided. Hoping that I have the desired result of no periods, but time will tell. As for the procedure itself, this was the easiest “surgery” I’ve ever had!
Yeah! So glad to hear that! It’s true the first 24 hours aren’t all that great (but not nearly as bad as I had expected). I’ll keep my fingers crossed that you’re one of the 40% that never get their periods again. Looks like I’m in that camp 🙂 Thanks SO much for checking back in and letting me know how it went. The more feedback on this post, the better informed decision other women will make. Jenny
I’m having the NovaSure procedure done tomorrow and I am a nervous wreck!! I need to stay off the internet. The horror stories are giving me major anxiety!!! Hoping all goes well! Happy to read positive stuff on this site.
Definitely stay off of the Internet!!! But I’m glad you took time to visit me 🙂 Good luck on your procedure… so many people have popped onto The Jenny Evolution to say it went really well for them.
How did your procedure go? I have fibromyalgia, arthritis PTSD, major depressive disorder and major anxiety. I have pain all month long but periods start light then heavy on day 2-6 but only 1x a month but so bad sometimes I have to go to the hospital cuz 3 ibroprifine and 2 asprine every 4 hours don’t work. Sex is painful sometimes and since I turn 32 my sex drive went down. Now at age 37.y periods got really bad after my tubal ligation in 2003. That tubal ligation was worse than having all 4 of my kids. I was in so much pain after my tubal I would pass out from the pills and pain would wake up screaming. I have a low tolerance for pain I hope to God the pain isnt like the tubal
How did your procedure go? I have fibromyalgia, arthritis PTSD, major depressive disorder and major anxiety. I have pain all month long but periods start light then heavy on day 2-6 but only 1x a month but so bad sometimes I have to go to the hospital cuz 3 ibroprifine and 2 asprine every 4 hours don’t work. Sex is painful sometimes and since I turn 32 my sex drive went down. Now at age 37.y periods got really bad after my tubal ligation in 2003. That tubal ligation was worse than having all 4 of my kids. I was in so much pain after my tubal I would pass out from the pills and pain would wake up screaming. I have a low tolerance for pain I hope to God the pain isnt like the tubal
Hey there- Jenny who I feel like is my new BFF! Ok, so I just had this done on Tuesday. I am 43, have 2 kids and we are done having kids. My periods were so bad that I was running to the bathroom every 20 minutes, pads & super plus tampons be damned. My dr has been recommending this for two years now. I am glad I did it. The pain was bearable. I am keeping in mind that a little pain for a few days is worth it having pain free periods in the near future. I agree to definitely follow the doctors orders with the pain meds. The first day I really needed them. Second day, I was able to just get away with regular Tylenol. The key is to rest, drink lots of water and just take it easy in general. I am hopeful that this is going to make things a lot better for me in the future. THANK YOU Jenny for sharing your story and giving me the courage to have this procedure done.
LOL, Nicole 🙂 I’m so glad that my experience helped you make your own decision. And you’re SO welcome! I am still thrilled with my decision to do the NovaSure and haven’t had a single period since. I agree that just a couple of days of discomfort is definitely worth the outcome. You really won’t believe the difference it will make in your life!
Hi Melissa here
I’ve been bleeding since the operationand period pain been 2 weeks going on 3
Thank you for sharing your experience! I had this procedure scheduled, but then cancelled it because of all of the horrible experiences I read. I have been bleeding since April 9th, so I went ahead & scheduled the procedure again & am having it done Monday. I know everyone is different, but reading your experience really put me at ease. SO happy I happened upon your blog!
Oh, Katie. I’m SO glad to hear that. I can’t tell you how many women have said they cancelled their appointment because they were spooked. I was certainly a ball of nerves before the procedure which is why I decided to write these posts. I hope everything goes exactly as planned. I know I haven’t regretted going *at all.* It’s been such an amazing change in my life I can’t even begin to tell you. Just be sure to follow the pain relief directions you’re given and you’ll do great! 🙂
I was supposed to have this procedure last November and literally freaked out and cancelled it and said to my dr to try birth control hormones to manage my periods. It took 6 months to get it under control but I still have break thru bleeding and I gained weight which really upset me after working so hard to lose 50lbs. So, I am highly reconsidering the nova sure after reading your blog. Thank you sooooo much! I’m planning on scheduling the procedure soon.
I’m glad I could help you with you any fears about the procedure. I’ve had nothing but great results. I still can’t believe how ridiculously out of control my periods were, and how relieved I feel after the procedure.
Has anyone had this procedure done without anesthesia? I’m 51 and haven’t had periods for 3 years. Started bleeding in Nov. of ’13 and in Jan. had DNC and polyp removed. Started bleeding again June 5th and finally went back to doctor on July 11th. My doctor did an exam, took biopsy and did ultrasound. Should have results today and planned to schedule the NovaSure procedure. He does it in the hospital or his office. If I opt for the office I’m given a pill to take at home and another pill at the office. He then uses something to numb the area. He said the procedure takes about 90 seconds and the pain feels like a labor pain that last 60 seconds. My other option is hysterectomy . UGH!!
Thoughts???
Pam
I know some people have commented that they’ve had the procedure done with local anesthesia but I can’t really comment on if that’s appropriate or not. I just know that my doctor said he only does it under general anesthesia because having a patient move during the procedure could create some serious issues. I’d talk to your doctor about it.
Hi Pam,
Thank you for sharing.
I’m in a similar situation. Did you proceed with NovaSure? If yes, what was your experience?
I ma scheduled for August 4th, the more research I do the worst my fears become. I have heard things on different forums about women gaining weight after the procedure and more concerning developing back pain (lower) I do not know how true this is or if this is something that happens often. I called my Doctor and he says he really never heard those types of concerns but that everyone is different. Have you run across any stories such as those? I have to say this is the first positive story thus far I have come across, I am seriously debating whether to go through with this or not. My periods are not as much as heavy as they are irregular this is why my Doctor has suggested the procedure. My other concern is t hat I am going on a vacation 4 weeks after the procedure where I will be doing lots of water activities and want to be sure that I am ok, of course the Dr. said I should be but am curious to hear how you felt after the 4 weeks?
I personally have not experienced any side effects whatsoever. Within days I felt like my normal self and haven’t looked back once. And I have to say that the feedback I’ve heard from others has never included back pain or weight gain.
Great blog. My procedure was this morning. Headache today and very light cramping. I think bouncing back from the anesthesia was the “longest” part of the day. No bleeding, no spotting, no discharge. I am hoping NovaSure WORKS for me. Time will tell, but I am feeling pretty positive. The procedure was so smooth! I was excited because I knew what the outcome might be. I guess I will know more in 3 weeks when my period would be due. I feel like a “guniea pig” for my friends that are just hearing about it. I don’t want to share too much about my experience either way because as you can tell on the internet, everyone’s body is so different! Hope mine is as positive as yours, Jennifer! Best, Gail
Gail. That’s awesome to hear! My outcome was 100% positive… I haven’t had a period since. It’s really changed the game for me 😀
Like everyone one else Thanks for the feedback. I really appreciate it. I wish I had seen this before and I wouldn’t have felt like I had only my Dr’s word to go on. Its hard to make the mental choice to ignore the negativity, but I figured all the positive people were living their life and being active, which is I want. I was only searching because I was looking for a place to provide a review. I had my procedure done yesterday. I am a little light headed and crampy but for the most part I am ok. I did have general anesthesia yesterday (which let me tell you felt very relaxing) and funny enough they told me No banking, gambling or life changing choices because the anesthesia they gave me could alter my perception. Good Time. I was happy, smiling, and joking too. So overall day after, good experience. Hoping also to be apart of the 40 to 50% with nothing afterwards. 🙂 Thanks again for the post!
So glad to hear your procedure went well. They didn’t tell me “No gambling” afterward…. but they knew I was heading home and straight to bed. 😀
I’m glad to see all the good experiences people have had. Like everyone I have extremely heavy bleeding my Dr. Suggested the Novasure when i saw her today. I am 28 yrs old I have 2 children and my husband and I are done having children due to my health issues. I have Chrons disease and MS. Well my dr suggests the NovaSure or hysterectomy. I’m just confused what to do due to my age and I the fact that my dr. Said it’s usually done on women in there 40s. Not to sure what to do. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
Charlotte — I can only give my personal opinion, but it seems a hysterectomy is much more invasive and robs you of the natural hormones your body produces and needs. The NovaSure was fairly easy and it certainly has worked for me.
Hi Jenny – Thank you for sharing your story. I am scheduled to have the NovaSure procedure next week, and im scared. I’ve been doing research online, and i would say about 85% of the reviews that I’ve come across, are not good ones. Women complain about long lasting back pain, 20 lbs weight gain within 6 months of the procedure, and no relief on the heavy bleeding. I asked my Dr and she said that she has never hear such complaints. The weight gain could possibly be from getting off of birth control.
I consider myself a healthy 41yr old woman and i hope im not of the women who will be writing about a bad experience. Eveyone here seems to have done well with their procedure and that makes me feel at ease.
How long has is been since your procedure?
How do you feel now and are you still positive you had the procedure?
Any words of wisdom or encouragement??
I had my procedure done late February of this year. I’ve had absolutely no issues. I would listen to your doctor, who should be aware of any side effects from the procedure.
For me, having NovaSure was the best thing I could have done. I was one of the 40% my doctor was talking about… I haven’t had a single period since the procedure. It’s completely changed my life. I don’t feel stuck at home and completely miserable. I still get the hormones of a period (nothing like they were though) but not the ridiculously awful bleeding. I was incredibly scared before I had the procedure, too. But now that I’ve been through it, it was relatively easy and recovery was fairly quick.
As for words of wisdom? Listen to your doctor and take the pain medication as described. You’ll only need it for a day or two. Good luck and be sure to visit me after you’ve had the procedure and let me know how you’re doing.
Thank you Jennifer….all of your comments have been very strengthening and reassuring. I’m scheduled for surgery next Thursday.
I forgot to ask if you had a tubal ligation at the same time of your ablation?
I will beep you posted! Thanks again.
I didn’t. It was a personal choice.
Thank you for posting your experience!
My doctor has recommended this procedure and I have had a hard time finding recent feedback/experiences. Everything seemed to be from 2012 or earlier and the comments were a bit scary!
Oh you’re more than welcome! I’ve had a wonderful personal experience… it was the smartest decision I made.
I do have a question, what were the recommendations from your doctor on resuming normal activities and of course, sex?
Normal activities within a day. I don’t remember how long I was supposed to wait until sex, but I seem to think it was only a couple of days.
Based on what I was just told he said about a week. I read somewhere on the internet to wait two weeks. Hope this helps.
I had the Novasure procedure done July 2014. I am very happy with the results. So far I had 2 cycles, didn’t even have enough blood to get on panty liner only a litle when I wiped after voiding. I was under general anesthesia because I had my gall bladder removed and a tubal ligation done at the same time. My periods were so heavy and my cramps were so bad the i would vomit from the pain. My longest period lasted 31 days. My doctor recommended this procedure two years ago and I kept putting it off because I didn’t want to do something I regretted. I am so happy I had it done and hopefully I never get my period again. I did have severe cramping after the procedure but I think it was due to my doc removing a bunch of polyps I had in my uterus.
Sue — Thank you for sharing your story. I’m amazed at how many women are putting off the procedure when it could really help them. So glad the procedure worked well for you!
Hi Jennifer
How are you doing after so many years of Novasure ? I’m having mine tomorrow so was wondering if you are still period free?
Yes, I am still period free!
How did yours go? Having mine next month. Worried about all the negative reviews online and the lawsuit against nova sure.
I can only speak to my own personal experience. Everything went fine and am personally very pleased I did this. But please have a discussion with your doctor about your concerns to help you make the right choice for you.
I wanted to post because my experience was a bit different and I wanted people to know my experience during the procedure. I just had my procedure on Friday (10/3/14) and was scared to death because I had heard the pain was terrible. I was really unsure of having it done in the Dr.’s office but decided that I could handle this.
I was given a anti-anxiety pill along with taking a couple of pain killers. I went into the procedure room to meet up with my Dr. and had expressed my concerns to him before the procedure. I have to be honest that the only real pain I felt was from the needles that were used to numb me up before the procedure. I was awake for the whole thing and even got to watch it on the monitor. Afterwards I also had no pain. Very minor cramping and didn’t take any pain meds after the first dose.
So far in my recovery (it has only been a couple of days) I have had no bleeding and very minimal discharge. I can hardly wait for the next few months to see how things progress.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I just wish I would have found it before my procedure!
Yeah! I’m glad the procedure went well! And it’s interesting to hear that you were actually awake for the procedure. My doctor said that I definitely needed to be under general anesthesia.
Do you have time for an update now? months later? My Dr just recommended the procedure and I’m on the fence after reading so many reviews….
For me, it was the best decision to have the procedure. I haven’t had a single period since having the NovaSure. The procedure was easy and I haven’t had a single complication. It has completely changed my daily life and I can’t believe how long I suffered before I finally did something about it.
My primary doctor has suggested I get this done. I am conconsidering it cause I bleed and clot so bad. I also suffer from bad pms….did this help you with your pms? Your was done in the office? Do you mind me asking the rough cost. My insurance covers it…just depends if it’s billed aas out patient or doctor visit. Did your obgyn perform this or your primary doctor perform it?
This procedure did significantly help with my PMS. I get a little bit of a spike of hormones but that’s basically it. Everything else went away for me.
I had the Novasure procedure done at the end of August, along with removal of my fallopian tubes to reduce my ovarian cancer risk. I think any discomfort during recovery was more due to the ft removal, as it was a more invasive surgery. I did have discharge for a couple weeks after the procedure, but minimal. Now 2 months post I have not had a period. No weight gain and no back pain. No complaints. I’m actually glad I didn’t research the procedure on the internet beforehand, as the horror stories might have caused me to second guess my decision. My doctor has done this procedure many times and no complications.
Thank you for sharing your story! I know a lot of people are wondering what other people’s experiences have been. I’m so glad to hear the procedure was a success for you.
Jennifer,
Thank you for your story.. as well as others. I never knew about this due to I have not been to my GYN in almost 16 years. I did not know his and my ideas of children were so different… neither here nor there. I heard a FB friend mention it and checked around. I really thank you and others for the positive stories. As well thank you for keeping up to date on this.
I do have a few questions that I can’t find answers too.
Why do some have dnc’s?
Is this done after your period?
If the lining is “removed” why do they say this is not a sterilization and pregnancy can still happen?
Are there any sex issues now after the proceedure… wetness issues etc. Sorry to be graphic.
Thank you,
Terri
Terri — Some of these questions I really feel should be answered by your doctor. I’m not a medical professional! But I can tell you that the sex part works just fine afterwards with no changes 🙂
Hi
I just thought I would post my thoughts on this procedure.i had also read the horror stories on the internet,which is why I had put it off for 3 years.also because I have a blood disorder where my blood doesn’t clot and at risk of haemoraging.i suffered heavy periods since 2010 after a miscarriage at 18 weeks.
I had the procedure done almost five weeks ago under general anaesthesia. I woke up with the cramping as expected,it wasn’t horrific cramping like I was expecting,but I did need morphine to help it settle.i went home the same day,had small amount of blood loss for 3 days. I have had some pelvic discomfort since I had the procedure,but the doc said everyone’s different and can take 6 weeks for it to settle.i had what I think was a light period about ten days after the procedure,which is very minimal compared to what I’ve been used to.i also had a uterine infection,so has taken a little longer than expected to feel back to normal fully,but antibiotics were given.i think I am just about over it all now.still have discharge/fluid loss, not daily an some slight pelvic discomfort.the discharge can last up to 3 months,so five weeks for me is not unusual.i did feel scared to go through with the procedure,but I desperately needed to try something.i will know if it’s worked in a couple of months.i was due a period this weekend,but nothing has happened as yet, but I’m sure that’s because I haven’t fully healed yet. I did feel bloated for about 3 weeks,but certainly haven’t gained weight.I would certainly do it again if needed, they said I may need a second procedure in five years because of my age,I am 38.good luck to anyone who has this done, and don’t read all the negative reviews like I did before you have it done!
Thanks for being so willing to share your story, Laura! It can be easy to be overwhelmed by the negative stories. Personally I’ve had nothing but a wonderful outcome from the NovaSure procedure and am SO thankful I did it. It completely changed my life, which was overrun by my period.
I would like to thank you for taking the time to blog about this. My periods have been bad for years and recently I have been put on an anticoagulant and it got worse. I am now awaiting the ultrasound to see if I am able to get the novasure done. What you have written gives me a little more confidence that I am making the right decision.thank you
So so so pleased to hear that my posts have been helpful to you! I hope the ultrasound goes well. And let me know if you have the procedure and how it goes. The more information we can share among our fellow women the easier it can be for others to make a decision that is right for them.
I am scheduled to have this done December 10th, along with a labiaplasty. I am 32, 2 kiddos and horrible periods. I had a tubal ligation after my last baby, due to having HELLP syndrome with both pregnancys. Im scared to do this, but between all the bleeding and horible anemia, something has to give! This is the only place Ive read about the procedure, hoping for no weight gain and an over all better feeling in regards to my health!
I’m not sure why anyone would gain any weight from this procedure. It doesn’t change any of your hormones, which is a serious benefit of having this surgery vs. a hysterectomy. For me having the surgery was absolutely the right choice, no question. It has completely changed how my daily life goes. Wishing you an easy surgery… please come back and let us know how it goes. The more we can share our experience with others, the more we can help.
I’m 24. have 2 beautiful children and had my tubes removed due to my family history of ovarian cancer. I’ve had heavy and long periods since my daughter was born (almost 5 years ago. and they can last 8 up to 18 days) my doctor is suggesting that I get this procedure done depending on some test results. thank you for posting this. I love to read up as much as possible. it was incredibly helpful.
You are more than welcome Brittany. I’m so happy to hear that my post is helpful.
I just talked with my dr about this procedure today. I have an ultrasound scheduled for Dec 4 and if that comes out clear, I will schedule the surgery. This is the first site I clicked on after Googling “ablation reviews” and I think I’ll stop here! I don’t want to read about the horror stories.
So glad you’re finding a procedure that will work for you. I think you’re smart to be careful about what you read on the Internet… there’s loads of scare tactic posts out there. From my personal experience, this was the smartest choice I could have made. I haven’t had a single period since and I can’t even begin to tell you how it has changed my life for the better.
I admit I am the person you were referring to that just wants it because I am in my 30’s, do NOT want children and do not want a period or to take pills that affect my body and my libido. Been there, done that. I am too damn young to not have my mojo!
Your account was great and I thank you for all of your information about why to get it, how it was performed, etc. I wish you well on your period-free journey!
Thanks for the feedback, Christy. I certainly didn’t make the decision lightly… but from where I was before the procedure, I certainly feel free from the issues that were plaguing me beforehand.
Jennifer,
Thank you for posting this blog, I was glad to see this as a positive change from all the scary comments and reviews I read previously…
I am scheduled to have this procedure done in a few weeks and am wondering if I have made the right decision…
Besides having the dreadfully long 10-13 day menses, I also have them about 18 days apart…So many months, I have a period twice a month! After about a year of this my Dr, suggested I do the ultra sound and biopsy which thankfully came back normal, and she now has suggested I do the Nova Sure…
I also suffer from Bacterial Vaginosis (discharge, odor, irritation) caused by changes and fluctuations in PH levels and the good and bad bacteria in the vagina…
My Dr. is hoping that the reduction in bleeding may help keep my PH levels stable since I generally have a flair up just prior to my cycle… However,
I have read dozens of posts stating their BV symptoms were worse after the ablation…
My question was have you herd or experienced any of these symptoms as result of the ablation? #Trying2MaketheBestDecision4Me
Quran, I can only speak to my personal experience — I didn’t have BV but I did have regular discharge. It didn’t get worse after the procedure and is slightly less. NovaSure doesn’t remove the hormones. What can I say is it got rid of my outrageous periods, which has been amazingly beneficial.
Hello in a week and half i will be going back to my obgyn and im going to tell her im going to have this procedure done as long as every thing is ok . I have very heavy periods and i was told by some 1 its not right to have my periods messed with or even stoped i should just go with it but im done having kids and im 41. Thank you Jennifer for making this webpage and keeping us woman posted on your recovery . Im 100% sure i will do this .
I think your friend has absolutely no idea what she’s talking about… and quite honestly, that’s quite insensitive of her. Rather than trying to understand what you’ve been going through, she just brushes it off and tells you you should continue to suffer? Well, that’s up to you how you want to handle that. But the fact is women used to have hysterectomies because their body was so out of control. At least we have a MUCH better option with NovaSure, in my opinion.
I’m glad my story has helped you better understand the procedure and my personal experience. Good luck with talking with your doctor. Please come back and share your experience. The more we let people know, the more may benefit.
Love your blog. Its nice to read recent reviews of Novasure. My sister had this done 10 years ago and although she wasnt one of the lucky ones that had no period after, she does only have light 3 day periods now, no other side effects. I had the procedure done 9/24/14. I had just gotten off my monthly a few days before. I did the surgery as out patient at the hospital and was completely out for it. I did have cramping for over a week. Felt really weak and had an “out of it” feeling for the 1st week too. For 6 weeks had a fluid like discharge. For 3 days during the 3rd week post op I had light period. I did get a UTI from the catheter. I waited 7 weeks before trying sex. I am slightly more moody, get frequent light headaches and I get hot flashes now. I havent had a period yet either so Im crossing fingers that I am one of the lucky ones and wont have any more, YAY! I did read the horror stories and still decided to go ahead with it. I am happy I did 🙂 Hope my story helps others!
Cori — I do remember my doctor saying it takes 6-8 weeks for the body to completely recover from the surgery, so I’m not surprised to hear you had some stuff going on afterward. I haven’t heard of hot flashes from the surgery — my doctor did tell me that I would still go through menopause as normal because the procedure doesn’t mess with your hormones so that could be it. I would check in with your doctor just to be sure. Oh, and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that you don’t get your period at all. But I must say I would have been thrilled with the procedure whether I had a light period or no period at all.
I’m 45, have had 4 children and two miscarriages. After my last miscarriage, last Xmas, my periods have been horrible!! Very heavy to where I became anemic. I had the IUD inserted but HATE the side effects so I’m having it removed today. I want to do this alblation but I’ve heard terrible things about it. Your story has definitely helped. How do you feel now? How long was your recovery?
My recovery was only a couple of days. And honestly I feel wonderful and haven’t had a single issue (including a period — they’ve completely stopped for me).
Hi,
I just happened to stumble across this post of yours from earlier in the year. Curious to know how you feel about this procedure months later? I ready so many negative things about in online so I am curious.
Many thanks and hope all is well.
Shelley
Shelley, I’m doing fabulous after the procedure! It’s been 9 months (I think) and haven’t had a single side effect. I have no periods now, which I’m thrilled about. The procedure was easy, recovery was fairly quick (within days) and I’m so happy that I did it.
Hi Jenny,
Thx for the info. I’m actually having a fibroid removal done in two days. Along with that I’m scheduled for Novasure OR Mirena IUD insertion. Apparently, they both should have good and similar outcomes. I’ve been waffling between the two procedures. Wondering if you were given the Mirena option as well and what helped you make the ablation decision. Thx!
Leslie
We didn’t talk about the Mirena IUD because my bleeding was so severe that we really needed to get it stop and my physician said I was the right candidate for the ablasion. Good luck with your fibroid removal.
Had the mirena implanted did not work for me. Clots and period was so heavy that pushed the mirena out. Ended up trying the procedure had it done December 17.
It actually pushed the mirena out?!? Yikes!
thanks for the awesome blog Jennifer! I’m scheduled to have ablation Dec. 29th, my Christmas present to myself! After reading all the stories I’m rethinking having the procedure done. I don’t have really heavy long drawn out periods, my periods are textbook! I just like the idea of not having a period! I’m torn, should I wait until my periods are super heavy? I’m in my 30’s. Help me decide…
Kristen, I can’t help you decide. But I do know that the surgery doesn’t guarantee that you won’t have a period again.
Hello I was just told about this process and I am thinking about getting it done. I am done having children. I just scared about getting the anesthesia. My husband has had anesthesia before he said he did not dream was it the same for you?
Nope. There’s no dreaming… although they call it going to sleep you don’t dream like you would if you actually fell asleep. You’re just “out” and when the anesthesia wears off you wake up… like from a deep nap.
Okies thank you
Hello i just had the Novasure on Monday and the procedure was a breeze it was only about an hr later i got the severe cramps and horrible nausea but thanks to a med for nausea i was soon feeling better. The only side affect so far is some watery discharge and some bleeding but other than that so far so good!
Thanks for checking in! Glad to hear the procedure was easy. The cramps generally last about a day — is that what you experienced?
Yes it was for about 4hrs fell asleep and woke up feeling so much better
I am getting this done December 30 and SO glad I found this blog! I am not as scared now!! I will let everyone know how it goes. I am sick of bleeding to death and passing what we jokingly call “chicken livers”. Ugh!!!! Thanks so much for sharing! 🙂
That is the best description I’ve heard so far — chicken livers. I’m so glad you found my post. I’m amazed at how many people are considering this procedure and are looking for information. It was such a smart decision on my part. Please come back and check in… let us know how it goes. I’m sure other women will benefit from hearing from others who have done the procedure.
I’ve been reading this for over a month and that chicken liver description is perfect! Thank you Jennifer for writing this blog- I read SO MANY negative articles, blogs and posts that I put off doing this. Had my Novasure procedure done on Nov. 20th and it was the best decision I could have made!!! After six months of suffering with horrible cramps, running to the bathroom every hour, worrying about any plans we made with friends and travel- awful anxiety- I decided to pull the trigger. I had been on BC constantly without placebo week for years and I started having issues and my doctor said I was too old (45) to stay on the pill, so I went off with a wait and see attitude. Three months later, I lost half of my hair, could barely walk up the stairs, was exhausted while working out, even tho I have done the same thing for 4 years, terrible leg cramps and my periods were horrible! Had low iron and had to start taking iron tabs. Had mine done at a surgery center under general anesthesia. That day had bad cramping into the night- Percocet and heating pad are your friends :). Next day, no cramps just lung, shoulder and neck pain from the anesthesia, next day all fine!! Seriously had tiny bit of spotting and that is it. Clear fluid/light brown every once in while, but not bad. My period was supposed to start on Dec. 3 and I had my usual headache but just 1/2 hour total time of spotting whole week. What a blessing!!! PMS so much better too since I didn’t feel so sick. Hoping this pattern continues! You don’t realize how much your period affects your life until it, and the accompanying anxiety, are gone- hope this info helps! Everyone on this blog helped me, thank you!
Thank you for sharing!!!!! You’re right… there’s loads of negativity out there. But the women who are coming to this post and commenting or sending me messages are all saying they are SO happy they did the procedure. I’m glad the procedure went well for you. And you’re absolutely right — you have NO idea how much your period interferes with your life and really takes over until you manage it. The fear of even leaving the house was ridiculous for me. Smartest decision I could have made.
Hi
Love this blog, all the negative ones are scary, just had procedure done yesterday, little cramping, hoping to do Christmas cookie baking later. So, you said your experience no side effects sexually? Hoping this works well for me I am now the “guinea pig” for all the girls at work, we are all 40 + done w kids & ALL HATE their monthly cycles & once they heard I was doing this are ALL anxious for the next few months – a year results……thanks for you positive feed back would love to keep hearing updates, not expecting miracles as not a hysterectomy, but any kind of change to “lighten the load ” would be fantastic
Sounds like your procedure went well. 🙂 I have had absolutely no side effects, physically, sexually or otherwise. Enjoy the holiday baking!
Well…..it has been exactly a week since I’ve had this Novsure procedures. It COMPLETELY STOPPED my period for now but we will see how that goes as time goes. I was bleeding pretty heavily with clots the size of the palm of your hands for almost 2.5 MONTHS! prior to this procedure so you can only imagine how I’m now floating on cloud nine now! I feel like I have a sense of normalcy now AND since my hormone levels are back to normal I’m no longer an emotional wreck! Oh and you’re right!….the sex drive DEFINITELY increases…..I’m at least interested in it now….of course I can’t do anything until after my two weeks post op check up…I’m done with week one and let’s just say I can hardly wait for week 2 to get here lol!! Anyways… this by far has been the BEST decision I’ve made for myself and my loved ones in a long time…..remember when you’re suffering so are the ones around you.
Hooray! So glad that it went well and that you’re seeing immediate benefits 🙂 Isn’t it amazing when you’re not constantly bleeding?!? Enjoy feeling MUCH better (and more sex — I’m sure you’re partner will be thrilled, too !!!!)
Thank you so much for sharing. I just left my doctor’s office as we directed the same thing. My cycle is soooooo bad (ever since I was a preteen), I told him I’d rather just donate my uterus to science. Lmbo! That’s when he mentioned this. I was on depo in the past with kept me from having one but as I get up in age, he’s worried about my bone density so this is my consideration. I’m definitely thinking about it and I’m done having kids soooooo…… I guess all that’s left is to make my final decision. Hopefully my cycle goes away completely, but if not, I know depo can kill it! Lol! Thanks again for sharing, I needed to hear that!!
Same here — my period was always awful, even in high school. but after having kids, game over! I was so pleased I did this procedure. So glad that my experience can help make your decision easier.
Thank you! A lot better info on your page then the others. Just had the procedure performed on dec 17. Was on the pill for months didn’t work so then the mirena iud that didn’t work either as the clots pushed it out. So hoping this works.
Hi Rhonda just noticed you had procedure done around same time as I….curious if you are still bleeding from procedure? Not blood but pink or brown discharge?
hi Rhonda I had my procedure the same day as you did. I’m getting my period still but it is much lighter now. Do you have any occasional for no reason spotting?
Thanks for this! I’m waiting for a call from my doctor to give me a date to have Novasure. I have had horrible and irregular periods for a year now. I was completely regular before my last pregnancy. I had a c.section with tubal ligation. I nursed for 6 months and had no period the entire time, which I was told was normal. At that time I weaned her off because I was scheduled for a procedure to correct a condition I was diagnosed with called pelvic congestion. Since then the pain I experienced is gone. I however never became regular on my period after that. PMS became a whole new issue for me. I bleed more than not. In between periods which last forever I have spotting. Very few days are without. Some days are so heavy I feel as though I’m bleeding to death. Ultrasound showed my endometrial lining is measuring 28mm just days after my period. Biopsy was clear so that was a relief. My gyno wants to do this procedure with a laparoscope, hysterscope, and d & c all at the same time. I feel this is a good plan to rule out and treat all possible causes. I’m still very nervous though. I recently had my gallbladder removed too. My body has been through so much in a 2 year period. I really trust my gyno but the risks still linger. I’m glad to hear your sex life has improved as mine had diminished so badly with all that’s been going on. I am 38 and had already decided 4 kids was enough. I’m just looking for some normalcy. I hope I get the results you have. Thanks for the encouragement.
Good grief! You have had a lot going on over the past two years! I hope you get the surgery scheduled soon and that it goes smoothly for you as well.
Hi,
My doctor suggested this procedure to me this morning. I’m curious, months later how are you doing? Any side effects that you habd noticed or any other problems?
Thanks so much,
Jennifer
No side effects. No period. Really just so glad that I did the procedure 🙂
Oh good! I think I’m gonna do it as long as what else they did comes back normal. Thanks so much for the reply!
Thank you for writing about this. I’m scheduled to have the novasure, d&c, and tubal ligation on the 28th of this month. I go back and forth about doing it or canceling. My periods aren’t as bad as yours were, but I’ve been on the pill for about 5 years now. I don’t even know what my body would do if I stopped. I suffered from ovarian cysts as a teenager, and I’m scared to go off the pill since the pill is how the cysts went away. I do have irregular bleeding, at the most inopportune times (catch my drift?), and my dr suggested this trio of procedures to solve all the problems. I started reading reviews tonight and freaked out. I had my mind set to cancel, then came across your story and all the others here in the comments. What a blessing! I’m still nervous, as I’ve never had general anesthesia before, but I’ve recovered from 2 c-sections, so I’m quite certain I can handle the pain. I’ll be 36 in 2 weeks…still a bit “young” in my dr’s eyes, but I’m done having children and ready to move past the issues, ya know? Wish me luck, I’m gonna do it! I’ll keep you posted!
Definitely wishing you luck! On the pill my periods were manageable but I just didn’t want to take hormones forever. I had two C-sections as well — don’t worry. The recovery from this surgery is nothing compared to having a C-section. You’ll be up and about in a day and feeling like yourself after 24 hours.
Just surfing the web and ran across this blog. Looks like it has been 9 months later now….any updates on this procedure? Have you had a period or any discharge?
Nothing. Nada. Zilch. So happy I did the procedure 🙂
I have fibroids anyone else have had nova sure done and know what happens to the fibroids? My doctor said it’d still be there. Wondering if getting this done is worth it? I’ve had heavy bleeding and horrible cramps for the last 8 years. I’m 42. Had a tubal ligation in 2006.
My doctor also said that I would no longer need a Pap smear after nova sure and there is no way of finding abnormal cells. Kinda worried about the future and cancer and no way of testing for it.
Honestly, I have not heard this from my doctor.
I am so glad I found your website! I schedule my Novasure procedure today. I have had heavy periods my whole life and like you…they got even worse after kids and I did not want to take birth control pills. I am also super nervous about the procedure, but also ready for my period to be better! Sounds like it went well for you!
The procedure went incredibly well for me! Good luck on your procedure today… and please check in in a week or two to let me know how you did!
Thank you for sharing your story. I was literally sitting in my Dr.’s office waiting to do pre op and thinking about canceling my procedure on Thursday. I had read all the horror stories and started to panic. I certainly don’t want to trade one set of problems for others. I talked thru my concerns with my Dr and have been encouraged by you and your readers. I am still nervous, but excited about improving the quality of my life. Thanks for taking the time to post the positive!
Thank you for reaching out. This is exactly why I took time to write this post. Good luck on your procedure! It was certainly the smartest decision for me.
Ok, I am having this procedure done in 2 days, and this is the first time I have found anything positive on it……needless to say I am scared to death. Why are there so many negatives on the darn internet……I just want no period……I know not gaurenteed……I leave for vacation 5 weeks after I have this done, I guess another fear is I will still have after affects when I go on my cruise, which I certainly do not need…….The plan is go home after the outpatient surgery is done, and I will rest all weekend back to work on Monday, sure hope this works out the way I would like it too…..Any and all feedback I would welcome, thanks…..
If your experience is anything like mine, you’ll be up and about the next day. 2 days later and I felt perfectly fine with the odd cramp once in a while. Good luck on your procedure!
Hey guys. I’m 33 just had novasure with d&c. Wanted to ask for women who have had it done if there has been any weight gain? I’ve read a lot of 30 lb weight gain? And also right after the procedure I was 7 lbs heavier I figured maybe fluid retention from the procedure. Has this happened to anyone else??
I certainly haven’t heard of any weight gain and didn’t experience any myself.
Hi – I know this is an old post but wondering if weight gain was a long term issue after your procedure? I too have read so so many horror stories about that and no idea the stats on how many women have that or why. Thanks so much to all who have added info to this story.
I have had heavy periods my whole life. After my second child was born I had my tubes tied and if it’s possible my periods got heavier. I had an IUD inserted in 2011 and then while it did lessen the amount of bleeding, I proceeded to get my period every two weeks which lasted for 8-9 days. When I changed GYNs I was told the IUD was put it incorrectly. So I had the IUD removed and steps were taken to begin the ablation surgery. I first had to have a sonogram inside and out, Then I had to have an endometriosis exam. Once those results came back negative I was cleared to have the final step. I had it on Thursday Jan 22 and felt surprisingly good even that afternoon. I was never put out just pain medicine and a cervical block. I have had a tinge of blood on a light day and a little when I wipe. I’m nervous as to what the future brings. There are so many horror stories that I have been reading all weekend. My husband said its like a plane accident. You only hear about the bad ones and not the thousands that land safely everyday. I’m very grateful to have come upon this blog. It makes me feel better to see some good results and hear positive feedback. Thank you for helping me to calm my fears a little and I will post back once some time has passed.
I think your husband is right! It’s so easy to find the “scary” stories while the great outcomes — well, nobody writes about them! I’m so happy to hear that your surgery went well. I’ll keep my fingers crossed that your period doesn’t come back (at all!). And thanks for letting others know how you felt after the surgery. I know a lot of women are worried about the recuperation time — but it really was quite easy for me.
I’m scheduled for the procedure this Friday. I’ve been nervous about it and finally found the time to look up some reviews so thanks all for sharing your experiences. It appears overall it’s worth it and I hope I’m in the 40% too. I’m 48 with one daughter and guess that’s it for me. 🙁 That is the hardest part to except but lucky to have her! I look forward to less menstrual “issues” I hope and we’ re lucky they just don’t take out the hole uterus anymore, like they did to our moms. I”ll be out of pocket about $1,600 with insurance but hope it’s worth it!! My OBGYN who I adore is NOT a fan of doing the procedure in office that was not an option for me. Best of luck to me and you all!!
The out of pocket expense can be steep. For me, the procedure was worth every penny! And you are right — we are SO lucky they don’t have to do hysterectomies any more. The idea of keeping all of my hormones while getting rid of the bad parts of my period was a win-win for me.
I had the nova sure procedure exactly one week ago. So far so good. Had it done in my doctors office. I had very little cramping and spotting the day of the procedure but you have to stay ahead of the pain. After the procedure, I can home and was in bed for the rest of the day. I was back to myself the next day. It was amazing. I have been wearing a pad until today thinking that I would start bleeding but that has not been the case. I was very happy to find this site because before having the procedure, I read reviews on other websites and I almost cancelled by procedure because I was scared that I would be in too much pain. I will check back in to let you know how I’m doing as I realize it takes a months to see how the procedure really worked. My follow up is next week and I’m sure everything will be fine.
Yeah! Sounds like you had a great procedure. And yes, the recovery time goes very quickly! I’m surprised at how many people say they almost canceled having the NovaSure done. Thanks for sharing your story… hopefully it will help others feel more comfortable.
Thanks so much for this website. I was also one of the women who had scheduled the procedure and then was contemplating cancelling. I read your posts and decided to at least go to the pre-op visit where I had to have a biopsy. I asked all the questions that I had and she reassured me that this was a good option for me.
I got the call that my biopsy came out clear and I am scheduled for the procedure on Friday Feb 6, 2015. I am praying that I will be in the 40%. Even if I have less bleading and pain, I will be extremely happy.
I will let you know how things turn out.
Thanks again for the encouragement!
I am so happy to hear that my experience is helping you make the right decision for you. I was SO scared before the procedure. Of course, now that I’ve done it, I can’t tell you how simple it was and was definitely the smart decision for me. Good luck with the procedure… and please do come back to let me know how you’re doing.
Hi Jenny,
I did have the surgery on Friday (3 days ago) and just want to give some detail regarding my experience:
I got to the surgical center an hour before I needed to (ran some errands prior and got finished with them way too early). I only needed to be there a half an hour prior to the procedure. They did a urine pregnancy test on my first. Then called me back to start the IV and give me my prescription medication (percocet) that I had picked up a week or so earlier. Oh yes, I forgot, I had to take misoprostal to soften my cervix and a percocet the night before the surgery. Anyway, once the IV was in, the anesthesiologist came in and took my medical history and described what he would be doing. He explained that he would be putting me in a “twilight” sleep and would also be giving me something for the pain (fentenyl) as well as something for nausea (zofran). My doctor came in to see if I had any last minute questions and I was then taken to the room where the procedure would be done. The anesthesiologist, the surgical nurse and my doctor were in the room. The anesthesiologist told me that he would be giving me oxygen and proceeded to put the mask on my face. He told me he likes to take his patients on vacation since they have to be in surgery and asked where I would like to go. I told him I wanted to go to Hawaii and he told me to think about the waves crashing against the shoreline and the heat on my skin. He then told me to take a deep breath in and slowly blow it out. That’s all I remember (lights out). When I woke up I was in a wheel chair sitting in front of my husband in recovery. The nurse gave us instructions for pain management and I agree with you that you have to stay on top of the pain, no matter how good you might be feeling, keeping your doctor’s instructions is a must. I didn’t have much of anything, for the first couple of days. But yesterday I did start with the clear leakage. I feel good though, so far so good. I will keep praying and let you know how it all turns out.
Sorry about the long post, but If any of the readers are anything like me, details are great! Again thanks for everything.
Love the long post! Thanks for adding more details to the procedure and sharing 😀
Thank you, thank you, thank you so much for your post! And thanks to all those who commented on their experience! I had a D&C and Novasure done Fri, Jan 9. I was nervous but excited. I am 42, have two children and would bleed excessively. Overnight pads weren’t cutting it, and I always had to be careful where I sat. It truly dictated my life, and I was tired of it.
I had it done at the hospital (my gyno does not do it in office). I was put under. My first time! When I woke up, I had serious cramping, but the meds definitely helped. By the evening, I felt back to normal and didn’t need the meds anymore. I did take it easy around the house though (hard with two young boys). I did experience a brown, watery discharge for two weeks, but nothing a pantiliner can’t handle.
I did get my period last Thursday. I felt the usual “welcome cramps” and the bloating and irritability were the same, but my period was 95% less. I guess I’m not the lucky 40% that will never get it again, but I am thrilled that I can wear an ultra thin pad/pantiliner! I gave all my overnight pads to my sister! It’s now day 5 of my period and it’s gone. They usually last me a full 7 days.
That’s great news! I would have happily accepted having light periods. After living in fear of my period and feeling like a prisoner, anything would have been better! Glad to hear the procedure went well for you and for sharing your own personal experience.
Thanks so much for sharing your story. I am scheduled in February for sono and biopsy. I am 47 and have had my period every 2 weeks for the past year. The periods lasted 5-7 days sometimes longer and extremely heavy and clotting. I have been encouraged that it can be the END to periods. My main concern is to go through the pain and spend the money and still have periods. If the sono and biopsy come back normal I will definitely scheduled the procedure and feel better about it since reading your blog
It sounds like even though the people may still get their periods, it’s nothing like it was before the procedure. I hope it goes smoothly for you. Please do come back and share your experience.
Thank you so much for sharing! I don’t have the same situation, I just have 5 days spotting, 3 heavy and another 5 spotting wit no reasons why. I would love to know your current thoughts.
I’m not a physician, Amy. I would highly recommend you talk to your doctor though.
Thank you for this blog. I am 45. I am scheduled for the D&C/Ablation tomorrow. My husband is very worried. Like so many, I have extreme bleeding (the chicken liver was the best description), my periods have become erratic (waning hormones) and severe cramps (causing vomiting). I have encouraged my husband to stay positive. I am entering this with more faith because of what everyone has posted here. One question: Did you take any anti-nausea medications?
Thank you!
Do you mean because of my periods? Then no, I did not take any anti-nausea medication when I got my periods. And I didn’t take any for the procedure.
Just want people to know that I had this procedure done yesterday. I am also an expat living overseas in China. My Gyno here is American and therefore was trained in America and had his own practice–so I felt very reassured about his qualifications. I had prepared for the worst (by reading other websites with all those horror stories–and I truly felt for what those individuals had to go through) but hoped for the best. I barely slept all week worrying about whether or not to go through with the ablation. I drove my husband and those around me completely nuts! Everyone kept telling me to stay OFF THE COMPUTER. The procedure was done in the OR as stipulated by rules in China. I still can’t believe I had it done because it doesn’t feel like I had any procedure performed. I just had “period cramps” in the recovery room, took a Percocet and came home. My doctor did tell me that regardless of whether or not I took the Percocet–I should take 400 mg of Ibiprofen every 4 hours and I have been doing that religiously. I have a very light period–a barley there period that I was told is normal and I might have that along with some liquid discharge for the next 4-6 weeks. If I never get a period again that would be fantastic–however–I would be beyond satisfied if I just get what I am getting now. I’m not choosy at all!!!!! I firmly believe if it wasn’t for this website I would NOT have gone through with the procedure. Every female “body” is different but I do believe that probably 25% have a really bad experience, 25% never get a period again (very lucky) and the other 50% end up doing just fine (light period with few cramps). I figured in the end I had a 75% chance of doing okay which outweighed all the bad. I guess I really won’t know the outcome for a few months–but as far as the procedure is concerned–it was not an issue at all–actually I’m STILL in shock it went so well. Thank you Jennifer for posting both your blogs (parts I and II). I am sure they have helped lots of woman make a very INFORMED and well BALANCED decision.
Wow wow wow! I’m so glad that sharing my experience helped you make your own decision… and that the procedure was seamless for you! And thanks for sharing your own experience, too!
I just had my 3 week check up. The flow/discharge has been as described. I have continued to have cramps off and on since the proceedure. My doctor seemed to think this was unusual. We will continue to work to figure out why. My question on Anti-Nausea medication was for after the proceedure. Turns out they put it in the IV at the surgery center where my proceedure was performed for everyone getting the NovaSure ablation. How are you doing now?
Perfect! I haven’t had a period since and am SO thrilled that I did the procedure.
Hi Jenny
Thinking of this in 2 weeks as I have had the Mirena put in July 2014 great results although not happy with the side effects (Weight gain and decreased libido) so I am looking forward to continuing my period free lifestyle.
Your story was great and very informative and honest
Thank you so much Jenny. I just had the procedure about 3 hours ago. I had really really bad cramping right away. But the pain meds and a heating pad are really helping. Any advice on working out or taking it easy physically? I do roller derby and I’m not sure if I should skate this weekend.
To be honest, I REALLY think that is a question for your doctor. But come back and let everyone know what your physician says.
Glad to hear the procedure went well. The cramping is completely normal and expected. Just stay on top of your pain meds for the day and you’ll be good 🙂
Hi Jenny, I found your blog via a Google search for NovaSure and you’re explanation of the procedure and you’re post-op care is really helpful. I just got home from my annual exam and my OB/Gyno introduced the NovaSure option today. I delivered my son December 19, 2013 and had my tubes tied (and gallbladder removed) on March 6, 2014 so I’m definitely a candidate for the NovaSure procedure. It’s something on my radar, what woman doesn’t want to deal with her period, but I think I’m going to wait six-months to a year. My biggest motivation is to lose more weight, I’ve struggled my entire life with weight but not having a period is a strong motivator! I had a beautiful pregnancy, smooth delivery, and our son is healthy and well, it’s time for me to devote a bit more time and attention to my own health and, hopefully, I’ll decrease my BMI (body mass indez) to a safer level for the anesthesia.
p.s. Is the video from “The Doctors” very graphic? I’ve seen the link on several places I’ve visited today but I don’t know if I really want to watch it!
Blessings,
Nicole
Taking care of yourself should always be a priority, right? This procedure was one of those steps for me. Good luck with the weight loss and let us all know when you have the procedure. I’m glad my explanation is helpful.
Oh, and no, “The Doctors” video isn’t graphic. It uses simulation to show how it works but that’s it. Other than that, they really just go more into the procedure.
Thanks for your insight! I get Novasure done tomorrow at 10am and I am SCARED! LOL I cannot for the life of me remember if the Dr said it was Local or General… I hope to GOD it is general. I don’t want to feel it. I am not worried about the recovery, just the actual procedure pain.
EEks.
My one piece of advice is to follow the pain medicine protocol. Stay ahead of it. As you’ll see from other people’s comments, every seemed to feel just fine the following day.
I wanted to thank you for putting your experience out there. I struggled to find personal experiences as well when I was trying to make my decision. I go in tomorrow morning and am so glad I stumbled on your blog tonight! I have had super heavy periods like you my whole life and a hysterectomy was in my future up until I developed DVT in my legs last fall. It was determined they were caused by years of being on birth control pills. So when my doctor told me about the ablation option I was excited that there was another option for me besides major surgery. I have 2 kids and will be 38 on Saturday. I am hoping it will be a good birthday present to myself!
Ha! That will be a GREAT birthday present 😀 I haven’t had a single period since and I couldn’t be happier. The procedure completely changed my life! Good luck tomorrow and definitely check in again.
This site definitely helped he be at peace with having Novasure done. I had the procedure in January. It went well. One odd thing that happened though was I had sportiness over the next month! I was concerned the procedure had failed. My doctor was great though- asked me to monitor it, then sent me in for a follow-up vaginal ultrasound once it was a month-post surgery. They discovered it was only a little packet of blood that had nowhere to go but out my tiny cervix, sloooooowly, and couldn’t be absorbed again since my uterine lining was all sealed up. The tech must have chased it around good to break it up, as the bleeding stopped a few days later. I’ve had no bleeding since. Hooray!
Good to hear! Sounds like the surgery was a success with that small side thing going on. Strange… but it makes sense that the blood wouldn’t have anywhere else to go.
I hope this is the case wih me. Had the procedure in January of this year. I started what is clearly my period on April 25th and I am still on. This is the first one since the procedure. I’m monitoring it closely to see what happens. It’s not heavy, just annoying and I was hoping not to have my period any more after the procedure.
I can certainly understand how annoying that would be. My doctor told me that only 40% of women who have the procedure never have a period again. But he did assure me that those who do get their period again — well, it’s NOTHING like it was before. Which is the whole point of the procedure, right?
I know but I was hoping to be one of the ones that didn’t get it anymore :). My cyle usually lasted 4 days but i’m coming up on six days…not a happy camper although it’s not as
heavy, just want it gone. Thanks so much for this site. It’s great. Will keep you posted.
Definitely keep me posted!
Hi Jennifer,
Your experience help me a lot on making my decision. I had my procedure done on January 22 2015. I was really scared from reading other posts. My main concern was that I’m only 25 years old, I had a set of twins in 2012 and definitely my husband and I did not want more children, so I had a tubal done at the time of the c-section. well after the tubal my nightmare started,
heavy periods, cramps that I could basically faint from the actual pain. I was unable to go to college or wok when I was on my period. I would tell my doctor, but because of my age I was only given treatments that did not work for me at all. Until finally I became anemic due to 12 – 15 continues days with heavy periods. My doctor introduced me to NovaSure as soon as he explained what it was and what it would do for me. I was ready for it! I went home that night, telling my husband what the doctor told me and google it BIG mistake, I was so scared I called my doctor back the next day and talked to him about it, he said that only 40% of the women never get there period back, but if I got it back it would definitely not be as bad as it was. Well I saw your post and made a decision.
The day came, I was nervous. It was very quick I was In and out of the hospital with in 2-3 hours and I was back home. he only does the procedure at the hospital. the procedure was at 7 am and went back home really sleepy tiered due to the anesthesia. I basically slept all day, the next day was like nothing happened no pain, no need of any medication, NOTHING but I staid in bed all day I did not want to regret doing something wrong. Next day I was ready to go to work and school as I said no pain at all. a little bit of spotting and a clear discharge. This procedure has been one of the best things I have made in my life. I have not gotten my period since then AT ALL!! for me that is a huge blessing. I’m active, I can go to school, work and take care of my children with out a problem. It has only been 4 months and I hope it continues this way.
Hooray! I’m so glad that sharing my experience helped 🙂 And I can’t tell you how awesome it is that you came back and shared your own personal experience as well. Sounds like it went perfectly…. and isn’t is fabulous to not have those debilitating periods any more ?!?
It is perfect! I had so many embarrassing moments at school, it really was up to a point where I had to stay home. I was mostly concerned about my age, I found experiences of women over 30 that actually did the NovaSure. and I also read reviews where women gained lots of weight, but I have not gained any weight at all.. No more periods, no more discharge, no more cramping every month, no more PMS. I encourage women with the same problem to talk to their doctor and if they are a good candidate, do it is worth it!!
I just had this procedure done a week ago. I am 36, I have had 3 C-sections, and lost a tube due to an ectopic. My husband had a vasectomy after our last child, so I was told I was a perfect candidate for this procedure. I too, was scared from all of the horror stories I read on the internet, but I could no longer handle the heavy bleeding and anemia. The week before the surgery I was told not to take any ibuprofen, which I relied on heavily for the extremely heavy periods. So that was the first period I had in a long time that I couldn’t lessen the bleeding with ibuprofen, and oh boy it was the worst I’ve ever had.
I went in early Friday morning for the procedure. The put the IV in and wheeled me back to the OR and the next thing I remember was waking up in recovery. No pain at all (except a sore throat from a tube they must have put down my throat). I went home shortly after that, no bleeding and no pain at all. I did take some ibuprofen just to make sure I didn’t feel any cramping. I laid in bed the rest of the day, just to take it easy, but I felt so good it was hard to just lay there all day. I was up cleaning and shopping the next day. So far, a week out, I have had not any pain; and only minimal spotting. Clear discharge is weird, but I’m hoping that clears up in the next week or so. I have a post-op appointment next week, so I’ll talk to my Dr. about some questions. I’m hoping for no period, or much much lighter anyway. I’m concerned about the weight gain horror stories I’ve read, but I”m hopeful it does just the opposite, that I can be more active and eat much less around those crazy period days I used to have! Thanks for this site…there isn’t much positive feedback out there!
Honestly, I think the weight gain is an urban myth. That was never a side effect my doctor even mentioned. And I certainly haven’t gained anything since having the procedure done.
I had forgotten just how much ibuprofen I was popping! It was ridiculous. I used to have to buy it in bulk… but the other day I went to go take one for a headache and realized the bottle we had had expired. A great feeling 🙂
I’d thought I’d tell my story as well , I knew before my procedure I read tons of personal accounts . What I didn’t expect – the pain during the procedure was excruciating, I had it done in the doctors office , all drugged out on a handful of prescriptions . My procedure had some minor set backs and it took 2 hours . I guess my cervix was not playing nice . Because it took so long by the time I got home I was vomiting and in pain like i have never felt . For 5 hours after. But once it is was over – it was over . I was perfectly fine the next day . My period was only a week after and a drop of blood ! Just one drop !! I was very anemic before the procedure and I felt better then I had in years just weeks after . No more massive blood loss ! I’m only 5 weeks post op but just missing that one period , I feel amazing ! So even though it was a very hard day for me it was worth it so far!
I’m hearing some doctors that don’t do general anesthesia for the procedure — and this may be why. I know my doctor said he only does it with general anesthesia, which made the whole procedure easy for me. Just pain afterward and fine the next day!
are you able to have the procedure done if you have fibroids
That’s something you would definitely have to talk to your doctor about.
I’ve been suffering from heavy periods for years! Missing work, ruining clothes and furniture, you name it. I went to an OB/GYN thinking I would get help – especially when I told her that I wanted this procedure. Well, she took a much to conservative approach and prescribed Lysteda for me instead. It’s been 2 years later and still no relief from anything I’ve tried. Well, Thursday (2 days away) I have an appointment with my regular doctor to go over my options and the only option I’m interested in at this point is NovaSure! I’ve even located OB/GYNs in my immediate area that specialize in it and can perform the procedure in-office. I’m hoping for the results that you ladies have had. Are there any specific questions I should ask? I want to be as ready as possible.
I would work with your physician to make sure this is the appropriate procedure for you and that you don’t have other medical issues that would preclude you from considering the procedure (although it does sound like you have a lot of symptoms of why women consider the procedure).
HELLO thank you for telling us your story i am due to go in next month for this and i am so scared i have read so many horrible stories about the amount of pain people are in for days/weeks and that they wish they never did this. so now i am torn on weather not i should do it or not. i am 44yrs old and i get my periods every two weeks now and i just want a normal life about not to worry about bleeding every where. i still have decided if i am doing this but reading your story did help me to rethink it and maybe do it. if you have anymore you can share please feel free to email me.
thank you again
sherry
I am scheduled to have the Novasure procedure December 15th. I was horrified reading Google posts about this but after reading your blog I am definitely going through with it. I am 47 years old and have seven children. My periods have always been regular but have gotten heavier in the past 5-7 years. I became anemic back in April with symptoms such as dizziness, light-headed mess, low energy, hair loss. Went in to see my regular doctor since I didn’t know what it was. She had me taking iron 2-3 times per day and my levels have gone up but are still on the low side of normal. Day 2 of my period I usually plan to stay home rather than risk leaking while I’m out and about doing errands. When I had my normal yearly exam last month (November), I told my obgyn about what had happened and he decided to do an ultrasound and blood work. Ultrasound showed a small fibroid 1.6cm and blood work came back on low side of normal still. He said I could go along with how things are and fight the iron levels or I could have the Novasure procedure. I walked out thinking I would NOT be doing the procedure and that I would just deal with the issues but in talking with my husband he said that it seems like such a small price to pay to fix many issues and I realized he was right. I hate anesthesia and the side effects from it but I do think in the long run to have little to no period, my energy level back and also my hair would be so great. Dr. said that when your iron storage is low, your hair is the first thing it effects. I have always had thick beautiful hair but my hair has thinned significantly. I am hoping my procedure goes as well as yours did and with the same outcome. I do know everyone is different but I am hopeful. I will return and report what happens. Thank you for this blog post about this procedure and thank you to all who have shared their experiences.
For me, my periods were WAY beyond a nuisance — and it sounds like you’re having the same experience. I’m glad my blog was able to shed some light on how the actual procedure works (rather than a lot of dramatic posts anonymous people post). I hope it works out as well for you as it has for me. Good luck!
I had the Novasure op done three months ago and I have to say it has been the best thing that I have had done. The op itself was not even painful I came to and felt great had a cup of tea and a sandwich then was home within two hours watching televison with no pain and back to work in two days. Since then I had spotting for about two months and nothing for the last month. i also had an IUD placed at the same time and I have not had any period since. Worked great for me as before I had really heavy periods and they drained me of all my energy. I am so happy that I had this done. Hope this helps some people 😉
I have to add I was put to sleep so I did not feel a thing and I liked it that way 😉 felt like I had only had a five minute sleep and then I was wide awake again 😉 Would I do it again for sure I would 😉
I’m sure your comments will help others! And I’m glad the procedure has worked well for you. I can’t imagine my life if I hadn’t done it.
I had the procedure done on December 18th 2015. Like most women over 40, my periods became totally out of control and seemed to worsen every month. I had to insert the cervix softening pills the night before the procedure and I woke up at 5:00 am the next morning and I felt like I was in FULL ON LABOR! It was relentless pain. I had to be at the appointment at 8:30am and I was still in so much pain that I thought I was going to throw up. They took me back & got everything ready for the procedure. They knocked me out (which was awesome) for about 5 minutes and the whole thing was over & done. The minute I came out of the anesthesia the cramps were right back and just as painful as before. I received no pain medication & was told to take Tylenol?? That didn’t help at all! The cramps finally eased up around 5:00 that evening. I had a few waves of a little cramping the next couple of days but none after that. Speak with your doctor about pain medication to make sure that you get the good stuff (lol) you will need it!
Jessica — Your doctor should have prepared you properly! Good pain medication is a must for this procedure! I only needed it for one day… but no doctor should leave their patient without pain medication afterward.
As for the pills… I don’t recall when I took them at this point but I don’t think it was a full night before.
Jenny- Thank you for the reply. I love reading all the posts/updates from everyone. In a few months, I will send an update on how mine is going. Hopefully I will never have to deal with periods again!!
Please do! And I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you for NO periods. Seriously, I was thinking about the fact that I’ve been period-free all this time… it feels like an absolute miracle and I’m so thankful.
HI, I’m having this surgery done January 19th. I am 35 years old and have endometriosis and PCOS. Trying to not have a hysterectomy done at this age, so trying this first. I have a few questions for you. Will I be well enough to go back to work the next day? Will I still have cramps every month or just no bleeding? Thanks for your help!!!
I felt fine the next day, but I was tired out… more from the whole build up of the procedure. I was glad I didn’t work the very next day, personally.
For the cramps, I can only speak to my own experience. I do get slight cramping once in a while but nothing to really note. I also am part of the 40% that don’t get any periods after this procedure, although having this procedure doesn’t mean you won’t have periods. Folks who have commented that they still get periods after this procedure have said that their periods are perfectly manageable now.
Novasure’s website said no general anesthesia is necessary but my doctor says she does IV sedation. Have things changed?
My doctor said he wouldn’t do the procedure except with general anesthesia and many physicians say the same thing.
I had a Novasure ablation yesterday under general anesthesia in the hospital around noon. I haven’t had any cramping so far and just a little very light pink color when I wipe myself after peeing. However, I have been having some intense lower back pain. The heating pad helped, but at about 5:15pm I took a Percocet which was prescribed for pain. Thinking I’d be asleep soon from the long day and the pill, I went to bed with the TV on. Several hours later, my husband came to bed and I was still wide awake. He suggested taking another Percocet, which I did at about 10pm. Now it is 5:30 am, and I only slept about two hours total. I came downstairs and looked up Percoset and insomnia, and guess what? A lot of people experience this! Now I realize to all of you who have suffered a lot of very painful cramping, (I felt that after my saline sono-hysterogram) and/or bleeding, you are probably thinking, “Boo-hoo”. I am just writing this for those of you reading this before undertaking this surgery. Be informed. Ask questions. Maybe there is a different pain medication you can take which doesn’t cause insomnia. Good luck to you. And Jenny, thank you for writing your posts!
Thanks for sharing your experience… I had never heard that about Percocet!
Omg! Thank you for sharing your experience. I just saw my doctor today about this and he gave me all this info and told me to do research online. I’m so glad I came across your blog. It totally helped me with my questions and decisions.
So pleased to hear that! It has made such a difference in so many lives, including mine!
Your blog helped me tremendously. Thank you so much! As you said, most everything posted is terrifying because people with good results do not post. I had a polypectomy and the Novasure endometrial ablation on the 15th of December. I have considered an ablation for years, but have been terrified to do it. Since I needed the polypectomy and have had recent irregular cycles that were interrupting the quality of my life, I decided to do both at the same time. Your post helped me not be as scared.
I am five weeks out, so I wanted to share my experience so far to help someone, too.
I felt fine after surgery. I didn’t have pain or discomfort. My only discomfort comes from anesthesia, but that happens with any procedure for me. It now takes me a few days to feel just right after anesthesia. It’s a subtle, slight dizziness and just a “feeling off” feeling, but I thought I would share for those that experience the same thing.
I only had a slight twinge of cramping that I would not even consider cramping except for my intense scrutiny of myself. On a normal day, I would not even have noticed it, and I am not one to have menstrual cramps or discomfort with my cycles. My need for an ablation was the fact that my body cannot handle any blood loss, so I have dealt with anemia for years.
I did not bleed afterwards either. I did have light blood tinged discharge that required a pad for about 3 weeks. It didn’t hinder my lifestyle and really wasn’t noticeable. I just needed the pad. In the last two weeks, I wear a smaller pad because I will have an occasion discharge. The pad gives me peace of mind as I watch my body.
So far, no cycle.
In summary, besides slight dizziness from the anesthesia, I haven’t had any pain or discomfort or bleeding, only light discharge for three weeks. No cycle.
My doctor said that the three month mark is a good testament to the future cycles, and the six month mark is pretty much an exact marker to how my body will react. I will update then.
It has been a great experience so far. My advice is to pray, find a good doctor, and go with your gut.
Thank you for sharing your experience! The more people know about the procedure, the more people can make an informed decision.
I had this procedure done on Feb 17,2015 along with a tubal. I was not in pain afterwards. For 5 months after the procedure I had very minimal bleeding during periods. Around August started with the clotting again and increased bleeding. In September started having two periods a month and the pain was so intense I would compare it to labor pains. I am now scheduled for a hysterectomy. I have a younger sister that as been through the exact same outcome. However, my mom had it done in her mid 50s and it has been great for her. Wish everyone luck with this
Thanks for sharing your experience. The outcome certainly isn’t the same for everyone.
Thank you so much for this. My specialist just suggested novasure with sterilisation and, I’ll be honest, it was a bit frightening. But you’ve made me feel much more rational about the whole idea and much much more hopeful. I read your 1 year on post as well; oh my goodness. I’m actually excited! So thanks again.
You’re welcome! It is kind of scary thinking about it… but I couldn’t be happier with my personal outcome.
I am scheduled to have this procedure in 3 wks. I saw you posted that you did not have a tubal. Did you have another form of sterlization? I am comfortable with my decision to have this procedure, but my dr says i also need to have a tubal or the mirana. I am 41 and done having children. But not real comfortable having a tubal. Any thoughts or other suggestions.
You just have to make the right precautions to make sure you don’t get pregnant. How is up to you.
My Dr. is suggesting I get Essure (insertion of titanium-nickel coils into fallopian tubes for sterilization) during the same general anesthesia session as Novasure.
Has anyone had this combination yet?
Asside from concerns I have regarding side effects from Essure, my Dr. is also requiring me to get an endometrial biopsy although I have no history of uterine cancer. Any advice regarding this proceedure?
How are you now doing? Any changes with hormonal pms??
Well, I actually don’t have periods anymore. So I can’t comment on this… perhaps some of my readers who’ve had this procedure can comment…
I do have very heavy periods. I am 48, and the older I get, the worse my periods get. I thought it was just something we girls have to deal with. I initially went to my GYN because I suffer from EXTREME exhaustion. The week before my period I am barely able to function. Were you battling exhaustion before the procedure. If so, have you noticed a change in your energy level?
After the procedure, my hormones aren’t in radical flux anymore… extremely fatigued, moody, irritable. After the procedure, I feel like I just have the “normal” hormones now.
So im scheduled to have the ablation and my tubes tied alltogether. Im scared about all the side affects i am reading about post ablation. That the blood get trapped behind the endometrium lining causes major pelvic cramps. Have you heard of anyone dealing with this on your site? I hope it goes smooth. Mine is scheduled in sept.
I’ve actually never heard of that…
I am so happy I found this!! I’m having the procedure done on Friday and was feeing so nervous after reading all the horrible reviews online. Had my pre op appointment this morning and my surgeon reassured me. I felt better but now after reading all the comments and more positive results and success stories my fear is now excitement. Thank you for taking the time to share and continue to respond.
I am scheduled to have my surgery next Thursday and am scared out of my mind after reading all the negative reviews. I also keep hearing how people have Gained so much weight. I am having second thoughts. Have you gained any weight and how have you felt lately. Thank you so much.
Personally, I have absolutely no idea why people are claiming to gain weight after having this procedure. I don’t understand how it could cause you to gain weight. I haven’t felt better since I had the procedure done.
Thank you so much for posting this! I have been having issues about my options for endometrium and terrible cycles! Enough is enough. Today in my annual my gyn gave me the options and I’m having it done next month. Your views are much more real life than the fancy brochures they have at the dr office.
This was the best choice I have ever made for myself!! I had the Novasure procedure done almost 4 years ago after my son was born as I have endometriosis and my periods were killer for me. I haven’t had a period since!! No more pain, no more cramps, no more 2-3 weeks of constant bleeding. I encourage anyone going through this horrible disease to get the Novasure procedure done once they have made the choice to not have any/any more kids.
Just wanted to say thanks for putting this info out there. I just had my procedure Friday. I had some cramps after the procedure but they were gone before I went to bed and did not return. No bleeding either. Just a light discharge when I wipe but no real drainage. I had the procedure done in the hospital under general anesthesia. Didn’t feel a thing. Back to work today!
I was so happy to have stumbled on this 2 days before my surgery this week. I had mine done yesterday an d I feel amazing!! No bleeding at all, just a little crampy. Only had to take a couple pills the first day, but after that… I was up cleaning my house today and even out of my Fall decorations! :)!
I just had my ablation yesterday and soon after waking up I had tremendous cramping and back pain. The nurse gave me a Percocet along with Zoran and upon discharge I threw up while getting into the car! We had a 1 1/2 hour drive home in which I was in pain since at that time, I had no pain meds on board. I was also very nauseous. Once I got home, I immediately got into bed and put heating pads on both my belly and back. My husband went to get my prescription for Tylenol with codeine. Since I had nothing in my stomach and I had gotten sick from pain meds earlier, I was worried I wouldn’t tolerate the new meds. So I took 1/2 at a time with some saltines and watered down Gatorade. Little by little and within an hour, I was a different person and feeling much much better!! The pain went away and so did my nausea. Went to bed at 9pm and set an alarm to get up to take pain meds although I wasn’t feeling it too much. Did the same at 6am but just took one pill. When I finally woke up around 8:30, I felt great! No pain! I’m just a bit tired and a little nauseous from time to time which is probably from the meds I took earlier. I’m going to see how it goes, but I may just take regular Tylenol and skip the stronger pain meds. Have to say, so far, so good! It was a bit bumpy in the beginning since the Percocet made me sick, but once I got the Tylenol with codeine under my belt, I was much much better! And no bleeding at all! I am looking forward to the upcoming months and not having such horrible periods. In addition to bleeding so badly, I also became anemic from it which was getting worse over the last few months. I just wanted to provide my experience since this site was so helpful for me.
I’m really glad I found this! I’m 48 and was taking birth control pills for years to control heavy bleeding. I had to stop because I found out earlier this year I’d had an undiagnosed heart attack. The bleeding came back with a vengeance. It’s been more on than off so my gp sent me for a gyno consult and after having the sonagram and biopsy to rule out anything serious I was scheduled for the novasure. I still have a month to wait but I will be glad to get it done. I’m tired of being tired from the anemia, tired of ruining clothes and furniture, tired of missing work and cancelling plans because I don’t dare leave the house. Several of my friends/family members all said to just go for a hysterectomy and get it over with but I really can’t afford the long recovery off of work and my doctors say major surgery would put me at risk for a 2nd heart attack. So I’ll try this first. Realistically I am only a few years away from menopause so if it gives me relief until then it will be worth it.
I appreciate your post and description of this procedure – glad I’m not alone! Reading this helps, but some of the comments are concerning – trying to stay positive. I’m scheduled for the NovaSure next week with a polyp removal. I’m super nervous about being under general anesthesia, the procedure and am hoping for a quick recovery (I’m not one that handles being in bed or laying around alot, so this is going to be tough as I know I’ll need to rest). I’m also not a big painkiller taker, I typically power through cramps as I don’t like any drowsy feeling and delivered two babies all natural. Any tips for trying to relax and post-op care? I have all the instructions from the Dr, but maybe you all have some ideas that work (herbal or other).
Thanks for your information. I too am baffled at the lack of helpful information. I am also hesitant to google anything symptomatic. It seems that doctors are really pushing IUD’s but I’m not comfortable with that. I had an endometrial biopsy this morning and if that shows no abnormal cells I will be scheduling ablation. I hope that it will fix my problems. I don’t have any concern about the procedure itself, but I appreciate your information just the same. I’m 44 and the last few years have been difficult and unpredictable.
BREAST PAIN!!! I had this done almost 2 weeks ago. Has anyone else had horrible breast tenderness. On a side note I am very happy with this procedure!!!
I had the Nova Sure ablation today. It was way easier than I expected! Other than feeling a little drunk and sleepy from the anesthesia, I had no problems. I was able to eat shortly after leaving the Dr. office. I could feel some cramping coming on and took over the counter Tylenol, but never felt any pain. I slept most of the afternoon. I haven’t had any bleeding. I don’t even feel as bad as when I’m on my period! So far, so good!
Thanks for sharing your experience! It really helped ease my concerns when I read it last week.
How have u been feeling since u are about 2 months out? Going to call and make my appt tmrw. All the info on this site is so helpful! Thank you!
I’m scheduled to have the nova sure next month and I’m extremely nervous. Have been finding so many negative concerning reviews. I was getting my period every 10-15 days with bad bleeding. My gyn put me on the pill which regulated my bleeding but now I’m experiencing debilitating migraines with my periods. My gyn says it’s the pill and I need to come off it. So off the pill will mean back to the terrible periods. I am concerned about the back pain some people develop,
Severe cramping and complications of a thin uterus ? Anyone a few months to a year out able to let me know how they are doing? Thanks so much
I had Novasure,myosure and DNC done. I thought it’d be worse than it was. I had no cramping, and no pain (didn’t take any meds) post surgery. However, I didn’t know what to expect. I spotted the first three days then a couple normal period pads and then this watery pink discharge for about a month. It wasn’t much but would have one gush every once in awhile so I wore a med size pad. After the first month had a very light period like clockwork. Been normal after that until two weeks after my last period I felt a gush and it wasn’t clear and what looked like a collection of dark brown dried blood in the center I suppose it’s still healing but ANYTHING like this beats having to wear diaper like pads and change a super plus tampon every 15 min. I wasn’t fortunate to be the 40% that doesn’t have a period but I can’t tell you enough how much this has changed my life in one of the best ways. I threw out all my rag underwear. I no longer fear going to bed at night on my period and setting an alarm so I can change my super plus products so I don’t leak through my two pair of underwear and pajamas, nor sleep on a hot towel. But most of all, no more anemia
I am glad to find this also. I am having this done after the first of the year. Excited but scared all at once.
I’m scheduled to have the procedure done in a few weeks. But these horror stories I’ve been reading about no sex drive afterwards, not able to obtain an orgasm, and vaginal dryness, have me reconsidering. I know every woman’s body reacts and heels differently, but I don’t wanna regret it afterwards. If anything I want my sex life to improve or stay the same.
Just curious – I’m scheduled for a endometrial biopsy next week. Would I be candidate for Novasure if my Endometrial stripe thickness is 20mm?
That is something you would have to talk to your doctor directly about.
Do you know what they have you for anesthesia? I’m having this done Friday and I’m terrified!
Thank you for sharing this. Like you said internet can be scary. Im having mine done on the 22nd. I was supposed to do it 2 years ago. I had such severe bleeding. I wanted to make sure i wouldnt get pregnant and since BC is not an option I had to do essure first with a D and C since you cant do essure after ablation. The bleeding was better for a while. Now its back and ive been bleeding for over a month ?. So now its time. Thanks for being honest and open about ypur experience i hope im part of the 40%
i had my novasure on feb 28 2018, mild cramping. After no spotting no cramps as of april 1, i started cramping and its painful like before and a period ,not sure whats going on ,but i will make an appt with obgyn
I had the procedure done June 2018 and it was a painless procedure for me. However, I am still having heavy periods. The doctor told me not to be alarmed if I had heavy periods for a few months. Hopefully,
I will get to experience no periods or very light ones soon. My heavy periods are because of adenomyosis ( endometriosis inside the uterus).
Now that it is several years past…are you still satisfied and everything okay?
Couldn’t be happier. For me personally, it was the best decision I could have made.
It’s been almost another two years since someone asked, are you still period free and loving it? I’m scheduled for Sept 17 and grateful for your positive post, thank you!
I am still period free! And I still say it was the best decision for me personally.