Get back to your life — less bleeding, less pain with Cerene
Many women suffer in silence from heavy periods (HMB) and debilitating cramps (dysmenorrhea). We now offer Cerene® Cryotherapy, a safe and well-tolerated option you can receive here in our office. It’s designed to reduce bleeding and menstrual pain — often with minimal downtime.
What is Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (HMB)?
What is Dysmenorrhea? (Menstrual Pain / Cramps)
Why It Matters?
Also called menorrhagia: heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding that interferes
with your quality of life
Signs may include:
• Bleeding for more than 7 days
• Soaking through a pad or tampon every hour (or more)
• Needing to change protection overnight
• Passing large blood clots
• Anemia, fatigue, or low iron from chronic blood loss
HMB affects ~1 in 5 women and often leads to disruptions in daily life (work,
social, emotional)
Painful uterine cramping associated with menstruation
Often occurs together with heavy bleeding
Can significantly affect physical and mental health, cause absenteeism, and
reduce productivity
In clinical data, 86% of patients treated with Cerene reported a reduction in
dysmenorrhea one year after procedure
Heavy bleeding and cramping shouldn’t just be “something you live with.” When left
untreated, HMB can lead to anemia, fatigue, depletion of iron stores, and interfere with
everyday life.
What Is Cerene & How Does It Work?
Cerene® is an FDA-approved endometrial cryotherapy (cryoablation) device for treating HMB due to benign causes in premenopausal women who have completed childbearing.
The procedure uses cooling (cryotherapy) to treat the uterine lining (endometrium) in ~2.5 minutes, while also providing a natural numbing effect, reducing the need for general anesthesia or deep sedation.
Because cryotherapy has a different healing response compared to heat methods, Cerene tends to produce fewer intrauterine adhesions (scar tissue) and preserves access to the uterine cavity, which can be important for future evaluations.
Procedure Steps
(simplified for patients)
1. The Cerene device is inserted gently into the uterus
2. Safety checks are performed, and the cryotherapy is delivered (~2.5 minutes)
3. The device is removed, and the uterine cavity begins healing. Total procedural duration (device insertion to removal) is ~7 minutes, including setup steps.
Pain & Comfort
1. The Cerene device is inserted gently into the uterus
2. Safety checks are performed, and the cryotherapy is delivered (~2.5 minutes)
3. The device is removed, and the uterine cavity begins healing. Total procedural duration (device insertion to removal) is ~7 minutes, including setup steps.
What Are the Benefits & Results?
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Bleeding reduction: In clinical studies, ~90% of patients reported having normal, light, or no periods at 12 months after Cerene.
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Cramps relief: 86% of patients saw a reduction in dysmenorrhea at one year.
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High satisfaction: ~90% report little to no limitations in daily life, ~90% are satisfied with treatment, ~95% would recommend Cerene to friends/family.
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Longer-term durability: In the pivotal CLARITY trial, results remained stable to 36 months: ~88.6% of patients maintained improved bleeding outcomes, and satisfaction remained high.
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Low need for further surgery: Over 3 years, only ~3% of patients require hysterectomy for HMB.
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Preserved uterine cavity access: Minimal adhesions allow for future diagnosti evaluations if needed.
Before the Procedure
Ideal patients: those who have tried medical therapy without adequate relief, those who cannot tolerate hormonal therapy, and those who no longer desire future fertility.
It’s important to set realistic expectations: the goal is normalization or reduction of bleeding and cramping, not necessarily complete elimination of menstruation (amenorrhea is not guaranteed).
On procedure day: wear comfortable clothing, eat normally, discuss if someone should accompany you (depending on your pain/pain management plan)
During the Procedure
After cervical preparation and length measurement, the device is inserted, safety checks are done, and cryotherapy is delivered for ~2.5 minutes.
Cryotherapy itself helps numb local nerves (a sort of natural analgesic effect).
The entire device insertion-to-removal sequence is about 7 minutes.
After the Procedure
Most patients are discharged shortly after (if done in-office without sedation) and can resume normal activities within ~24 hours.
Expect watery or bloody vaginal discharge for up to 2-4 weeks while the uterus heals.
Improvements in bleeding and cramping are usually seen within 3-6 months.
Long-term contraception must continue until menopause (pregnancy after ablation is risky).
Some side effects (temporary) include uterine cramping, vaginal infection, or
lightheadedness.
Contact your provider immediately if you experience worrisome symptoms: heavy bleeding, fever, foul-smelling discharge, severe pain.
Frequently asked questions
Important Safety and Risk 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 after the Cerene procedure can be
dangerous; contraception must be used until menopause. Cerene is not for women with
known or suspected uterine cancer or endometrial hyperplasia, active pelvic or genital
infection, or an intrauterine device (IUD) in place. Temporary side effects may include
uterine cramping, vaginal infection, lightheadedness, or vaginal discharge. Serious
complications and procedural risks are possible. This treatment should only be offered
by physicians trained in the safe use of the Cerene device.