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DR. STEFANIE GEFROH WITH SOUTHEAST MEDICAL CENTER OFFERS NEXT-GENERATION SOLUTION FOR WOMEN SUFFERING FROM HEAVY PERIODS.

Dr. Stefanie Gefroh today announced the availability of a simple, quick and safe outpatient treatment for women suffering from unusually heavy and/or prolonged menstrual periods. This condition, known as menorrhagia, affects one in five women in the United States.

The NovaSure Endometrial Ablation System, "NovaSure" is a treatment that reduces or eliminates excessive bleeding by safely removing the endometrial lining of the uterus. The entire NovaSure procedure typically takes less than five minutes and requires no incisions, minimal recovery time and can be done in the physician´s office. Clinical results demonstrate that 91% of NovaSure patients returned to normal or lower than normal levels of bleeding, 93% of patients treated with NovaSure were satisfied with their results, and 97% said they would recommend NovaSure to a friend.

Affecting up to 10 million women in the United States, heavy menstrual bleeding is one of the most common complaints received by gynecologists from their patients. Women with the condition face a number of debilitating physical and social effects, from fatigue and anemia to embarrassing accidents and restricted activity. Many miss work because of their condition or have missed a social or athletic event.

Despite its intolerable effects, most women do not seek treatment for the condition. When they do, hormone therapy and hysterectomy are commonly offered, despite their documented limitations and potentially dangerous side effects. A recent study demonstrates that the number one reason for discontinuation for hormone therapy is side effects, including headaches, weight gain and nausea. Additionally, hormone therapy may not be an option for women who are over 35, smokers, or those with a history of cardiovascular disease, blood clots, and diabetes or breast cancer. Hysterectomy, meanwhile, is a major surgical procedure that can be associated with serious long-term side effects, and be a more invasive solution than many women with menorrhagia need.

"We can treat problem periods caused by heavy menstrual bleeding safely, effectively and quickly without the use of hormones and without resorting to drastic procedures like a hysterectomy," said Dr. Gefroh, OBGYN of Southeast Medical Center. "The energy delivery of the NovaSure procedure lasts on average 90 seconds and does not require general anesthesia: many patients return to work the next day. My experience has been that most patients say having the NovaSure procedure has improved their quality of life, and they report having less anxiety and more energy."

The NovaSure System 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. As with any surgical procedure, patients should discuss all risks and benefits with their physician. The NovaSure System provides a safe and effective, minimally invasive outpatient alternative to hysterectomy, while avoiding the potential side effects and long-term risks of hormone therapy.

Dr. Stefanie Gefroh is a Board Certified OBGYN and has had experience with the NovaSure System since 2004. To obtain more information or to discuss whether NovaSure may be the right solution for you, contact Southeast Medical Center at (701) 742-3267 or (800) 450-3267.