Can I Get Pregnant After NovaSure®?
If you struggle with heavy menstrual bleeding, you might consider a treatment like NovaSure. This quick, minimally invasive procedure uses radiofrequency energy to reduce or stop your period. However, a common question we hear is whether you can still get pregnant afterward.
The short answer is yes, you can physically get pregnant after this procedure, but it is highly dangerous. At Interior Women's Health in Fairbanks, Alaska, Dr. Karl Baurick and our team of seven providers want to make sure you understand the serious risks of post-ablation pregnancy and how to protect your health.
Why is pregnancy after NovaSure so dangerous?
Pregnancy after NovaSure is dangerous because the procedure destroys the lining of your uterus, making it nearly impossible for a pregnancy to develop safely. While the procedure treats heavy bleeding, it does not stop your ovaries from releasing eggs. According to the Cleveland Clinic (2025), your hormonal cycle continues to function normally after the procedure, meaning fertilization can still occur. If you do conceive, the scarred environment of your uterus cannot support a growing baby. This leads to severe, life-threatening complications for both you and the fetus:
High miscarriage rates: Because the uterine lining is gone, the embryo cannot attach properly. Research published in Obstetrics & Gynecology (2024) shows a staggering 40.9% miscarriage rate for pregnancies after radiofrequency ablation.
Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS): Without a healthy uterine lining, the placenta may grow too deeply into the uterine muscle. A study in Obstetrics & Gynecology (2025) found that patients with a history of endometrial ablation face an extremely high risk of developing PAS, which can cause catastrophic bleeding during delivery.
Ectopic pregnancy: Scar tissue can block your fallopian tubes, causing the fertilized egg to implant outside the uterus, which is a medical emergency.
Because of these severe risks, we do not perform NovaSure on anyone who still wants to have children in the future.
How do you prevent pregnancy after NovaSure?
To prevent pregnancy after NovaSure, you must use a highly reliable contraceptive method until you reach menopause. Because the shape of your uterus changes after ablation, traditional intrauterine devices (IUDs) are usually not safe to use. Instead, we recommend other highly effective Birth Control options. These include subdermal arm implants, hormone injections, or permanent surgical sterilization, such as removing the fallopian tubes. During your consultation, we help you choose the safest option for your lifestyle.
If you are ready to find relief from heavy periods or need to discuss your contraceptive options, we are here to help. Please contact our team today to schedule an appointment at our Fairbanks, AK office.
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