Are you experiencing heavy or long periods and considering having the NovaSure endometrial ablation done? My heavy periods are something that I have put up with for almost two decades but since my childbearing years were over I wanted some relief. I was hopeful that this procedure would be successful but unfortunately, I’ve run into complications from it.
My gynecologist at the time recommends Novasure endometrial ablation to try to reduce or stop my periods. However, unfortunately, I wasn’t one of the lucky ones who benefited from the procedure. Most women can see a reduction in mentraul flow or it may stop completey. It may take up to a year to see any significant changes.
NovaSure® is a quick 5-minute procedure that can be done in a doctor’s office with the assistance of an anesthesiologist. The procedure didn’t hurt other than some mild cramping a few hours later. It has been over a year since I have had my ablation done and I began to have complications including heavy periods that I will share below.
In the beginning, I was scared that the gynecologist was going to tell me that the only option to get rid of the severe cramps and heavy bleeding was a complete hysterectomy. At the age of 44, I wasn’t quite sure that I was ready for that unless it was my last resort. She suggested that I give Depo, Nexpleon, or Mirena IUD a try. I choose to try Depo first and so far it hasn’t helped a ton due to long periods and spotting every day for several months. I’m assuming that I have some scar tissue built up from having the NoraSure done but I haven’t had exploratory testing set up.
Here are some other complications that I have had since I had Novasure done.
Anemia
Heavy menstrual cycles can cause you to lose too much blood. Over time, this can lead to anemia. Anemia can cause you to feel like you don’t have any energy and it is taking more effort to do tasks that are not normally an issue. It is a treatable condition where your body isn’t producing enough healthy red blood cells. The healthy red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen to your body’s tissues. Symptoms, in the beginning, are usually mild and aren’t noticeable but over time the symptoms will gradually increase.
There are several types of anemia but heaving bleeding typically points to an iron deficiency. Depending on the severity of anemia you have, treatment can be as simple as taking an over-the-counter iron supplement to having blood transfusions.
Over the years, I have had my blood work indicate that I was anemic. It is one of the crazy side effects of having a heavy period. My doctor recommended that I take an over-the-counter iron supplement. There are so many different iron supplements on the market and in the past some of the iron supplements made me feel sick to my stomach. Since my doctor didn’t recommend a certain iron supplement, I looked to Dr. Ryan Shelton of Zenith Labs for recommendations. Zenith Labs conducts studies on supplements making sure that they don’t contain toxins that are harmful if consumed.
Painful Cramps
About a year after I had the Novasure done, I went to the ER for horrible cramps. The pain would come in waves just like contractions. I tried simple over-the-counter medications but they weren’t helping much. The ER doctor ordered an ultrasound and discovered that my cervix was completely closed and that my uterus was filled with blood. My menstrual cycle was essentially pooling in my uterus until it overflowed out of my ovaries. I had to have DNC done to clean out my uterus under general anesthesia.
Fibroids
After the DNC, everything was back to normal except for the heavy bleeding, and after one month the painful cramps returned. Again, I headed to the emergency room to have it checked out. This time the ER doctor said that I had a fibroid. But my regular GYN dr said it wasn’t a huge fibroid and it shouldn’t be causing so much pain. Again, she gave me several options to try before I have to have a hysterectomy done. At this time, I decided to try hormonal birth control to try to stop the horrible cramps and hopefully my period too.
Future Invasive Procedures
Without further invasive procedures, I am unsure if I have scar tissue or any other problems contributing to the horrible cramps and heavy periods. It is something I plan on doing in the future as long as it doesn’t keep me from doing my daily tasks for more than a day or two.
If you are considering the Novasure Endometrial Ablation, I would seek other opinions from other patients who have had this procedure done. Medical technology is steadily improving and not every procedure works for everyone who tries it. Unfortunately, you don’t know the outcome until you actually have it done. I wish you luck as you decide which route to take.
Oh girl, I feel ya! In the beginning of 2020 I started having major problems with bleeding. I felt like a stuck pig in a slaughterhouse. I had several in-house procedures done, including an Endometrial Ablation (don’t know if it is the specific one you were mentioning). I then had a DNC done on December 18. BUT I was anemic from the bleeding so had to get 2 iron transfusions done first. After the DNC I thought I’d feel better. But I was in Tremendous pain, begging for some relief. My OB/GYN dismissed it so I went to regular dr. She brushed me aside and almost dismissed me but decided to call me back in for tests since I was crying so much to her earlier. Just a few hours later she said I needed to go to hospital and have emergency appendix surgery. (This was December 23rd…only 5 days after my previous surgery). Did all that and that dr. said my fallopian tubes and appendix were ungodly inflamed so he removed all that. At any rate, thought I’d be good to go. But, the bleeding was still going on. I finally had enough and got a hysterectomy in April of this year. Got rid of my lady parts, minus the uterus. Keeping that will help keep my hormones in check. Found out after surgery I also had endometriosis and fibroids.
I’ve had three kids and they’re grown so I have absolutely no regrets about getting the hysterectomy. It’s done wonders for me.
I’m not telling you what to do, but only my experience. I wish you all the best!
I’m working on making that decision. I’ve asked for an exploratory to take a look around. It wouldn’t surprise me if there is scar tissue and I have a confirmed fibroid. But thanks to COVID, they aren’t doing any elective procedures at the moment. I want to cry because the depo has calmed the pain but bleeding for a month or longer isn’t any better. Ill keep you posted. 🙂
This post is really informative, this is my first time learning about NovaSure Endometrial Ablation.
This procedure isn’t something I’ve actually heard of before. It sounds like this isn’t for everyone. I have anaemia leading to that time of the month that can continue after but I try to allow and eat iron rich foods during this time to ease this.
I hadn’t heard of this before. Ouch and how uncomfortable! I am glad you were able to find something that helps.
So sorry you are having to go through this. It can be so frustrating.
Gosh this sounds awful. I’m so sorry you suffer from this. My good friend has to get a procedure done to help with her periods. They cause severe anemia in her.
I haven’t heard about this before. I’m sorry to hear about what happened. I know it can be so frustrating.
I’ve never heard of this procedure before, sorry to hear about it
It had to be hard to tell your story but I bet it helps someone else. I had similar issues in the 1980s and there was little to be done. It was awful. I did have a hysterectomy 10 years ago due to breast cancer, and wished I had it done sooner. So many issues simply went away. Crazy.
It sounds like it’s been such a rough journey with little result to offered solutions and I’m sorry to hear that. I hope they’re able to find a product or procedure that works well for you.
Great health information. A lot of women would find this article helpful since I’m sure they need some reference before making a decision.
Wow! I’m so glad that there are options like this! Will keep this in mind for friends that are struggling!
First of all, thanks for sharing this wonderful article with us. It’s very informative and detailed. I’ll be ready anytime to take this procedure if only necessary. I have now a better glimpse of what are the pros and cons.
I am sorry that you had a bad experience. I will definitely consider other options before doing it!
I am sorry you had to deal with this health issue and that it has been so painful, yet I bet it helped you become stronger and more of a advocate for your health care. Thanks for your honesty and courage.
Christy, what a nightmare! I’m so sorry you’ve had to go through all this. Hope you can get some relief soon. I’m sure lots of women will be helped by your sharing your experience.