How does the NovaSure work
Sophia Edwards
Published Apr 02, 2026
NovaSure is an endometrial ablation (EA) procedure that can reduce or stop menstrual bleeding. It works by permanently removing the endometrium, or the lining of the uterus (the part that causes the bleeding), with a quick delivery of radio frequency energy.
How long does a NovaSure ablation last?
NovaSure Endometrial Ablation is a one-time, 5-minute procedure that gently removes the lining of the uterus – the part that causes the bleeding. The NovaSure procedure can reduce or stop bleeding altogether.
How much does NovaSure cost?
AUB treatmentIntervention and 30-day follow-up costs (SE)Reintervention/adjunctive/alternative pharmacotherapy and 30-day follow-up costs(SE)Without complication(s)Without complication(s)NovaSure†$5,951 ($22)$5,892 ($93)Other GEA$5,951 ($22)$5,892 ($93)Hysterectomy$12,318 ($69)$13,072 ($162)
What are the side effects of NovaSure?
NovaSure Endometrial Ablation is not a sterilization procedure. Rare but serious risks include but are not limited to thermal injury, perforation and infection. Temporary side effects may include cramping, nausea, vomiting, discharge and spotting.Does NovaSure cause weight gain?
Endometrial ablation does not affect a patient’s weight.
Which is better ablation or hysterectomy?
Hysterectomy was more effective than endometrial ablation in resolving bleeding but was associated with more adverse effects. By 60 months after initial treatment, 34 of the 110 women originally treated with endometrial ablation underwent a reoperation.
Are you awake during NovaSure?
What will I feel during the procedure? Many doctors choose for their patients to be awake during the procedure, as NovaSure does not require general anesthesia.
Can you have a baby after NovaSure?
Can I still become pregnant after the NovaSure procedure? Because NovaSure treats the lining of the uterus, your chances of getting pregnant after the procedure will be reduced. However, it is still possible to get pregnant if you’re sexually active.Do you still have a period after NovaSure?
The benefits of the NovaSure procedure: 77.7% of women returned to normal, light or no periods at all. 50% reported that their periods stopped completely. Most women experience mild or no pain during or after the procedure. Most women feel back to themselves within a day or so.
Do you get put to sleep for endometrial ablation?Some methods of endometrial ablation require general anesthesia, so you’re asleep during the procedure. Other types of endometrial ablation might be performed with conscious sedation or with numbing shots into your cervix and uterus.
Article first time published onWho should not get a uterine ablation?
Endometrial ablation should not be done in women who are past menopause and is not recommended for those with the following medical conditions: Disorders of the uterus or endometrium. Endometrial hyperplasia. Cancer of the uterus.
Is uterine ablation worth it?
For many women, endometrial ablation is a good option because it is minimally invasive and avoids chronic medication use. Endometrial ablation can reduce abnormal bleeding or stop bleeding completely by destroying the lining of the uterus, or the endometrium, through high levels of heat.
Will insurance cover a voluntary hysterectomy?
In many cases, hysterectomy—particularly if it’s elective—isn’t covered by insurance. Some plans may only cover hysterectomy to treat cancer or hemorrhaging (severe and life-threatening bleeding), for example.
Can endometrial lining grow back?
While in most cases the endometrial lining is destroyed, regrowth of the lining can occur in normal and abnormal ways. In younger women, tissue regrowth may occur months or years later. This procedure is helpful for many women, but it isn’t recommended for everyone.
What age can you get endometrial ablation?
Endometrial ablation, rapidly becoming a standard operation for the management of abnormal uterine bleeding, is usually performed for patients between ages 35 and 45.
Can the uterine lining grow back after an ablation?
Yes. It’s possible that the endometrial lining will grow back after an endometrial ablation. However, it usually takes a long time. If this occurs, another endometrial ablation can be done if necessary.
Do you still ovulate after ablation?
You’ll still ovulate (put out eggs) and you can get pregnant. You’ll have some remaining uterus lining, which means that an egg can implant and be fertilized. Following endometrial ablation, you have a higher chance of a miscarriage or dangerous complications during pregnancy.
Can your period come back after an ablation?
There is always the slight possibility that your heavy periods may return after having endometrial ablation. An Endometrial Ablation removes the lining of your womb. In some cases post-operation, patients have reported continuance of a period. However, this is rare, and they typically are lighter.
Does an ablation cause early menopause?
Can endometrial ablation cause early menopause? No, endometrial ablation affects only the endometrial lining preventing it to bleed. Your ovaries continue to function normally so your hormonal status is not changing and you won’t go into menopause early due to that.
Can a hysterectomy shorten your life?
Conclusion: Hysterectomy does not affect the patients’ quality of live and don’t reduce the hope of living in people who underwent surgery.
Can you get polyps after ablation?
After removal, a polyp may recur. Other than decreasing one’s risk factors such as obesity, an oral progestin or a progestin-releasing intrauterine device (Mirena®) could be used to prevent recurrence. Endometrial ablation is also an option for women who have completed their childbearing.
What is the difference between an ablation and a D&C?
An endometrial ablation is a procedure to remove the lining of the uterus to reduce bleeding. Rest or do quiet activities for the rest of the day. You may take a bath or shower the next day. For a D&C, you may have some light vaginal bleeding for several days.
Has anyone had a baby after an ablation?
Conclusion: Although rare, pregnancy after endometrial ablation is possible. Obstetric complications, such as pathologic placental adherence and fetal demise due to a small, scarred uterine cavity, have been reported.
Does insurance pay for ablation?
Yes. Ablation has coverage under Part A. This procedure is minimally invasive. It will block the electrical signals that can cause irregular heart rhythms.
Does ablation lead to hysterectomy?
Women undergoing endometrial ablation at younger than 40 years of age are at elevated risk of hysterectomy, and rather than plateauing within several years of endometrial ablation, hysterectomy risk continues to increase through 8 years of follow-up.
What are the signs you are pregnant?
- Missed period. If you’re in your childbearing years and a week or more has passed without the start of an expected menstrual cycle, you might be pregnant. …
- Tender, swollen breasts. …
- Nausea with or without vomiting. …
- Increased urination. …
- Fatigue.
Is ablation major surgery?
This is major surgery. You’ll spend a day or two in intensive care, and you may be in the hospital for up to a week. At first, you’ll feel very tired and have some chest pain. You can probably go back to work in about 3 months, but it may take 6 months to get back to normal.
Does an endometrial ablation hurt?
The chances that you’ll get hurt during an endometrial ablation are low.
Which is better IUD or ablation?
In randomized trials comparing an IUD with endometrial ablation and hysterectomy, “the procedure that always wins is IUD insertion,” Ghomi said. “It’s reversible, it can be removed without difficulty,” he said.
How do I permanently stop my period?
To permanently stop a period, you can have a surgical procedure to have your uterus removed, known as a hysterectomy. There is also a procedure that removes an internal part of the uterus, known as an endometrial ablation.
Why you shouldn't get an ablation?
Endometrial ablation usually results in a significant decrease in your ability to get pregnant so you shouldn’t have the procedure if you’re planning to become pregnant. Additionally, ablation is not typically recommended for women who: Were recently pregnant. Are past menopause.