About fibroids

Fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) smooth muscle growths of the muscle of your womb (uterus).

They can cause symptoms such as heavy or painful periods, and pressure symptoms.

About Sonata

Sonata is a treatment for fibroids that does not require any incisions (cuts) to your tummy.

To treat fibroids with Sonata, we insert a miniature ultrasound probe (handheld device) into your vagina. This enables us to look inside your womb and see your fibroid(s).

We can then treat each fibroid with radiofrequency energy (a type of heat generation process called 'ablation'). This energy is focused so there is no damage to your womb. It makes the fibroids stop growing and they usually shrink during the months after treatment.

To carry out this treatment, we usually give patients a local anaesthetic. Local anaesthetic allows us to numb a small area of your body while you remain fully awake.

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Fertility

This procedure does not affect your fertility. You can still become pregnant after Sonata treatment. 

Restrictions

You cannot have Sonata treatment if you:

  • have had a hip replacement
  • have a pelvic infection
  • have intra-tubal implants for sterilisation (Essure)
  • are pregnant (see below).

Preparing for your treatment

Important

You cannot have Sonata if you are pregnant.

Avoid unprotected sexual intercourse in the month before your treatment.

Pre-assessment

At your  pre-assessment, you can expect the following.

A member of our gynaecology team will will ask you questions about your medical history.

They will discuss the procedure with you.

They will give you a  pregnancy test. You cannot have Sonata treatment if you are pregnant.

They will explain possible risks and side effects. If you decide to go ahead, they will ask you to sign a consent form.

Side effects

Common side effects include:

  • bleeding
  • spotting
  • cramping
  • inflammation
  • discharge.

Important

We recommend you do not drive or take public transport after treatment.

Let us know if you cannot arrange for someone to collect you afterwards.

You must arrange for a responsible adult to stay with you for 24 hours when you get home.

On the day

Do the following on the day of your treatment.

  • We recommend you eat and drink as usual before you get to the hospital.
  • We advise you to take 1g of paracetamol and 400mg of ibuprofen, if these are your usual painkillers. Do this 1 to 2 hours before your procedure. This will reduce any cramps you may feel during treatment.

Immediately afterwards

After your treatment, we will transfer you to xxx so we can observe you while you recover.

You may experience abdominal pain or cramps. We will offer you pain relief for this.

Most patients are ready to go home on the same day.

We will give you a short course of antibiotics to take. You can also continue with your usual pain-killers (for example paracetamol and ibuprofen).

Recovery at home

Most women experience some vaginal bleeding or discharge afterwards.

We advise you to do the following until the bleeding and discharge stop:

  • use sanitary towels (not tampons).
  • avoid sexual intercourse.

Periods

Most women have their next period at the expected time.

When to seek medical help

If you experience bleeding that continues for longer than 2 weeks, get in touch with us (see Contacts below).

Go to your nearest Emergency Department (A&E) if you experience any of the following:

  • severe abdominal pain
  • a fever
  • offensive smelling bleeding or discharge .

More information

Sonata Treatment

Contact information

Kingston Hospital Gynaecology Department (Willow building)

Telephone:

General: 020 8934 6407

On day of procedure: 020 8934 6268 

Email: krft.gynaecology@nhs.net