At the Institute For Women’s Health, we offer our patients convenient in office procedures, such as Essure, Novasure and hysteroscopy. These procedures are performed by our physicians at one of our clinic locations. Global Endometrial Ablation
Global Endometrial Ablation is an effective outpatient procedure that takes only minutes for women who suffer from heavy and/or prolonged menstrual periods. This condition, known as menorrhagia, affects one in five women in the United States.

Global Endometrial Ablation reduces or eliminates excessive bleeding by safely removing the endometrial lining of the uterus. The procedure typically takes less than five minutes and requires no incisions, minimal recovery time and can be done in your physician’s office or an outpatient setting.

Global Endometrial Ablation is only appropriate for pre-menopausal women with excessive menstrual bleeding due to benign causes who have completed childbearing. The NovaSure System does not replace birth control for the prevention of pregnancy. Essure
The Essure procedure is a permanent birth control solution without hormones, or general anesthesia. It can be performed right in our office in about 10 minutes and will allow you to return to your daily routine quickly, usually within a matter of 24 hours. Essure is 99.80% (based on four years of follow-up) effective at preventing pregnancy.

How it Works:
During the procedure a soft, flexible micro-insert is passed through the vagina and cervix into each fallopian tube. Over the next several weeks your body creates a natural barrier which prevents sperm from reaching the egg. After three months (you will use another method of contraception for the first three months after the procedure) you will have an Essure Confirmation Test to verify you are protected from unplanned pregnancy. This test verifies your fallopian tubes are blocked and that you can rely on Essure as your method of birth control. After the Essure procedure, your ovaries will continue to produce eggs, which will be absorbed by your body. Hysteroscopy
Hysteroscopy is a procedure that allows your physician to look at the lining of your uterus. He or she uses a thin viewing instrument called a hysteroscope. It is inserted through the vagina and cervix and can be preformed in your physicians’ office.

A hysteroscopy may be done to:

• Find the cause of abnormal bleeding. Your physician can pass heated instruments through the hysteroscope to stop the bleeding.
• Find the cause of bleeding after menopause.
• See whether a problem in the shape or size of the uterus or if scar tissue in the uterus is the cause of infertility.
• Look at the uterine openings to the fallopian tubes. If the tubes are blocked, your physician may be able to open the tubes with special tools passed through the hysteroscope. (ask Dr. Garza)
• Find the possible cause of repeated miscarriages.
• Find and reposition a misplaced intrauterine device (IUD).
• Find and remove small fibroids or polyps.
• Use heated tools to remove problem areas in the lining of the uterus (endometrial ablation).
• Place a contraceptive implant (Essure) into the opening of the fallopian tubes as a method of permanent sterilization.

What happens during the procedure?

• The opening of your cervix may need to be dilated or made wider with special instruments.
• The hysteroscope is inserted through your vagina and cervix, and into your uterus.
• Next a liquid or gas is usually released through the hysteroscope to expand your uterus so your physician will have a better view of the inside.
• A light source on the hysteroscope allows your physician to see the inside of the uterus and the openings of the fallopian tubes into the uterine cavity.

Recovery
Women commonly experience mild cramping and some discharge for a day or two following the procedure. Your physician may also prescribe mild pain relievers to alleviate any discomfort. Most can resume normal activities at work or at home on the day after the procedure.

If you are interested in the NovaSure, Essure or hysteroscopic procedures, please call 34-WOMAN.