Patient Resources

Questions to Ask Your Doctor
  • What are treatment options for my heavy bleeding (and cramps)?
  • What are the risks and benefits of the Cerene treatment compared to other treatments?
  • What are the benefits of performing the treatment in your office versus the hospital?
  • Will I feel pain during the Cerene treatment?
  • What is the recovery like from the Cerene treatment compared to other treatments?
  • When can I resume my daily activities?
  • After being treated, what happens if my symptoms (bleeding or cramping) come back?

 

Print these questions, which also include the Heavy Period Assessment, and discuss them with your doctor.

Print Questions
FAQs
+ - What is Cerene and how does it work?

Cerene is a safe and effective treatment to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding. The treatment uses cooling technology to remove the uterine lining (endometrium) in premenopausal women. As monthly shedding of the endometrium causes menstrual blood flow, removing the lining of the uterine cavity can result in reduced or no menstrual bleeding.

Cerene does not require sedation or general anesthesia, and it can be performed in the comfort and familiarity of your gynecologist’s office.

+ - Who is eligible to receive the Cerene treatment?

Cerene is for premenopausal women who have heavy periods due to benign causes that interfere with the quality of their daily lives. Cerene is also only for women who no longer want to have children. Please consult with your doctor to see if Cerene is right for you.

+ - What is heavy menstrual bleeding and how common is it?

Heavy menstrual bleeding is a common problem that affects about 1 in 5 women.1 It’s most likely to start between the ages of 30 and 40, but some women experience heavy menstrual bleeding from an earlier age. If you soak your sanitary protection (pads or tampons) more than once an hour, your bleeding may be excessive. You may also feel weak, tired, and have no energy, making it difficult to work, exercise, and be socially and sexually active.

+ - How long will the treatment take and when can I return to my normal daily activities?

Cerene is performed in the comfort of your doctor’s office and most patients report returning to their activities within 24 hours after the treatment. The actual treatment time is only 2.5 minutes (as part of a 7-minute total time including insertion, safety checks, and removal).

+ - Is Cerene safe?

Cerene is FDA approved. It was studied in a FDA pivotal clinical study that showed it is safe and effective in treating heavy periods due to benign causes in premenopausal women for whom childbearing is complete. No serious device-related adverse events were reported.

Please refer to the Patient Labeling for complete information on Cerene, including risks and benefits and to understand if Cerene is right for you.

Patient Labeling

Treatment Options

There are many potential causes and associated treatments for heavy bleeding. Your doctor can help you determine if Cerene is right for you.

Medication

Typically, your doctor will first recommend medication to try to improve heavy bleeding. NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), like naproxen and ibuprofen, work to block a chemical in the uterine lining that results in heavy bleeding. Using NSAIDS can be very effective for some people.

Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy, like birth control pills, or progestin-containing intrauterine systems, are helpful in managing heavy bleeding for many people. Since some heavy bleeding is caused by hormonal or metabolic problems, hormones can treat the underlying cause and reduce or eliminate bleeding with periods.

Endometrial Ablation
(e.g., Cerene)

Endometrial ablation procedures remove the lining of the uterus (endometrium) which is the source of bleeding, often using either cooling or heating systems. Some technologies, like Cerene, can be performed in your doctor’s office with minimal discomfort and little to no recovery time needed.

Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is the complete removal of the uterus which permanently stops menstrual bleeding. A hysterectomy is an invasive treatment option as it is a surgical intervention with associated higher risks and complications that requires anesthesia and significant recovery time.

Dilation & Curettage (D&C)

D&C is a procedure sometimes done as an emergency to stop extremely heavy bleeding – often associated with a pregnancy loss. The cervix is opened to allow passage of a suction or sharp instrument to strip away tissue that may be causing the bleeding. Because this procedure scrapes away and thins the endometrial lining, it may temporarily improve heavy menstrual bleeding, however D&C does not prevent the regrowth of the lining and recurrence of heavy flow.

Resources
Patient Stories
See what patients are saying about Cerene
Patient Stories
What are Heavy Periods?
Find out if you might be suffering with heavy periods.
Heavy Periods
Cerene Treatment
Learn more about Cerene and if it is right for you.
Cerene Treatment
Find A Doctor
Contact a gynecologist to see if Cerene is right for you.
Find A Doctor

1. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/blooddisorders/women/menorrhagia.html

Important Safety Information

Cerene® Cryotherapy Device is indicated to ablate the endometrial lining of the uterus in premenopausal women with heavy menstrual bleeding due to benign causes for whom childbearing is complete. Pregnancy following the Cerene procedure can be dangerous; therefore, contraception must be used until menopause. The Cerene procedure is not for those who have or suspect uterine cancer; have an active genital, urinary or pelvic infection; or an IUD. There are risks and considerations associated with the use of the Cerene Cryotherapy Device. Temporary side effects may include uterine cramping, vaginal infection, and lightheadedness. For detailed benefit and risk information, consult the Cerene Instructions for Use (IFU) or your healthcare professional. CAUTION: Federal (USA) law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician trained in the use of the Cerene Cryotherapy Device. Learn More