Gynecology Center

Heavy bleeding is a debilitating condition that affects one in five women ages 35 to 49 years old in the United States. The NovaSure system, available in the U.S. since 2001, reduces or eliminates excessive bleeding by safely removing the endometrial lining of the uterus. The 90-second procedure requires no incisions, can be performed at Rockwood and typically allows patients to return to their normal activities in less than a day.

"We want women to know there is a safe, and simple alternative for the treatment of menstrual problems," said Dr Scott Schade, who has performed over 500 procedures. "Hysterectomy or long-term hormonal therapies are no longer their only choices; they need not suffer in silence. In my opinion, the NovaSure System is the safest, simplest, and most effective ablative technique now available. It often can be performed in the office setting and requires minimal anesthesia; many patients go to work the next day."

"Many women are excited to learn there is a safe, effective and quick solution to excessive menstrual bleeding that does not require major surgery," said Tony Kingsley, senior vice president, GYN surgical products at Hologic. "NovaSure has allowed one million women to regain control of their lives and to return to their normal routines quickly. By avoiding an unnecessary hysterectomy that typically requires up to six weeks recovery time, these women are no longer forced to live in fear that their menstrual period will interrupt the way they live their lives."

Affecting approximately 10 million women in the United States, excessive menstrual bleeding is one of the most common afflictions in contemporary gynecology. Two-thirds of sufferers are anemic and may also experience severe pain and fatigue, all of which can result in restricted social activities, missed time from work and emotional distress.

In 2008, global endometrial ablation (GEA) procedures were the most common treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding. Doctors performed approximately 312,000 GEA procedures across the country, with NovaSure accounting for 66 percent of the GEA market. However, despite the potential surgical complications and lengthy recovery times, hysterectomy is still considered a common treatment option for heavy menstrual bleeding. Of the roughly 600,000 hysterectomies performed each year in the United States, approximately 17 percent are performed to treat excessive menstrual bleeding.

See more at www.rockwoodclinicgynecology.com.