Endometrial Ablation: Destroying the Uterine Lining to Stop Heavy Periods
Endometrial ablation uses radiofrequency energy — through the NovaSure® system — to destroy the uterine lining and dramatically reduce or eliminate menstrual bleeding. Without a lining to build and shed each month, periods become significantly lighter or stop entirely. It is an outpatient procedure with no incisions, no hospital admission, and a recovery measured in days.
NovaSure® ablation is appropriate for a specific patient profile — women with completed childbearing, heavy bleeding from benign causes, and anatomy suitable for the device. It is not appropriate for all women with heavy periods. Dr. Andrei evaluates whether ablation is appropriate at your consultation.
Endometrial ablation is performed primarily at Lapeer County Surgery Center as a same-day outpatient procedure — the ideal setting for this quick, focused procedure. It can also be performed at affiliated hospitals when combined with another procedure or when clinical factors make the hospital setting more appropriate.
NovaSure® Ablation Candidacy
Endometrial ablation is appropriate for a defined patient profile. Dr. Andrei confirms candidacy with a thorough evaluation.
Heavy periods causing significant quality-of-life impact
Menorrhagia limiting daily activity, causing anemia, or requiring significant pad and tampon use — and not adequately controlled by medical management.
Completed childbearing
Ablation significantly reduces or eliminates the ability to carry a pregnancy. Only appropriate for women who are certain they do not want future pregnancy.
Normal or near-normal uterine cavity
NovaSure® works best when the cavity is of adequate size and normal shape. Fibroids significantly distorting the cavity may make ablation less effective.
Heavy bleeding from benign causes
Appropriate when bleeding is from a confirmed benign hormonal or structural cause that has been evaluated. Not appropriate when endometrial pathology has not been excluded.
Preference to avoid hysterectomy
Women who want a definitive treatment for heavy bleeding without hysterectomy recovery — understanding ablation may not be permanent.
Pre-menopausal women
Ablation is most effective in women approaching menopause in whom the remaining years of menstrual cycling are limited. Younger women have higher rates of ablation failure over time.
How Ablation Works and What to Expect
NovaSure® endometrial ablation takes approximately five minutes of active treatment. The procedure is performed under anesthesia at Lapeer County Surgery Center as an outpatient procedure.
NovaSure® uses precisely controlled radiofrequency energy delivered to the uterine lining through a device inserted through the cervix — no incisions.
- No incisions — device inserted through the cervical opening
- Uterine cavity measured to confirm appropriate sizing
- Mesh electrode array deployed and shaped to the cavity
- Radiofrequency energy applied for precisely 90 seconds on average
- Device removed — procedure complete
- Discharge same day after recovery from anesthesia
Endometrial ablation is performed at Lapeer County Surgery Center as the primary facility — chosen because its outpatient focus is ideal for this same-day procedure.
- Lapeer County Surgery Center — 1546 Callis Rd, Lapeer, MI (primary)
- McLaren Lapeer Hospital — when combined with another procedure
- McLaren Flint Hospital — Genesee County patients when hospital indicated
- Henry Ford Rochester Hospital — when combined with another procedure
“Ablation is one of the most satisfying procedures I perform — patients come in with debilitating periods that are ruling their lives, and they leave with a same-day outpatient procedure that frequently eliminates the problem entirely.”
Before and After Ablation
NovaSure® ablation at Lapeer Women’s Health is a straightforward outpatient process.
Consultation and Candidacy Evaluation
Dr. Andrei reviews your bleeding history, confirms candidacy with a pelvic examination and ultrasound, and rules out endometrial pathology with a biopsy when indicated.
Pre-Procedure Preparation
Ablation is most effective when performed in the early follicular phase of the cycle. Some patients receive a GnRH agonist before ablation to thin the lining — discussed at consultation when applicable.
Procedure Day at LCSC
You arrive at Lapeer County Surgery Center, receive anesthesia, and Dr. Andrei performs the NovaSure® procedure. Active treatment takes approximately five minutes. You go home the same day.
Recovery and Results
A watery or bloody discharge is expected for two to four weeks. Results become apparent over the first one to three menstrual cycles — periods become significantly lighter or stop entirely for most patients.
What NovaSure® Ablation Achieves
NovaSure® produces meaningful results for most appropriate candidates — though outcomes vary by patient.
Approximately 90% of women experience a significant reduction in menstrual flow after NovaSure® ablation — moving from heavy to light or moderate periods.
Approximately 40–50% of women experience complete cessation of menstruation after ablation. This outcome is more common in women closer to natural menopause.
A portion of patients do not achieve adequate relief from ablation and ultimately require hysterectomy. Dr. Andrei discusses this possibility at the pre-procedure consultation.
Questions About Endometrial Ablation
Heavy Periods. Same-Day Solution.
Back to Life in Days.
NovaSure® endometrial ablation at Lapeer County Surgery Center is a 5-minute procedure with same-day discharge and recovery measured in days. Schedule a consultation to confirm you are a candidate.
The information on this page is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual symptoms, diagnoses, and treatment options vary significantly. Reading this content does not establish a physician-patient relationship with Dr. Ramona D. Andrei or Lapeer Women’s Health. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for advice specific to your situation. Content reviewed by Dr. Ramona D. Andrei, MD PhD FACOG.
Gynecologic care for women of every age
Lapeer Women’s Health — Rochester Hills
2710 S Rochester Rd, Suite 2
Rochester Hills, MI 48307
Serving patients in Lapeer, Rochester Hills, and surrounding communities throughout Southeast Michigan.