Can you start by telling us a bit about yourself?
Sure! My name is Kat E. I’m originally from Canada, but I’ve lived in Tallahassee for about five years now. I’ve been coming to North Florida Women’s Care since I moved here.
I have CHP insurance, and my husband said North Florida Women’s Care had a great reputation. I started coming for regular checkups and was eventually paired with Dr. Haddock. She’s absolutely amazing—definitely the best OB I’ve ever had.
What symptoms led you to consider the Cerene procedure?
I have PCOS, so my periods were extremely unpredictable. I could go months without one, and then have a horrible three-week stretch with heavy bleeding and miserable cramping. Unless I was on certain birth controls, it was just awful. But I really don’t like being on birth control long-term, so I was looking for something more permanent.
What other treatments did you try before Cerene?
I’ve done it all—Depo shots, the Mirena IUD, NuvaRing, implants. I also had a salpingectomy, so I’m already permanently sterilized. Everything I tried for period control came with miserable side effects. That’s when I started looking into endometrial ablation options like Cerene.
How did Dr. Haddock explain Cerene to you?
She was great. We talked about both traditional ablation and the Cerene procedure. The main difference is that Cerene uses freezing (cryoablation) instead of heat.
For me, the biggest selling point was the downtime – or really, the lack of it. I didn’t want to go through surgery or change anything structurally. I just wanted the bleeding and cramping to stop and Cerene offered that.
What was the actual procedure like for you?
Honestly? Not bad at all. I’ve had IUDs put in with no numbing before, and that pain was probably 20 times worse than Cerene.
With Cerene, I felt cramping and pressure, but I was literally chatting and laughing with the staff through most of it. I only had to stop to breathe twice during the whole process.
How long did your appointment take, start to finish?
Maybe 30 to 40 minutes total.
That includes check-in, prep, the procedure, and some rest time afterward. I was surprised at how quick it all was.
What advice would you give someone considering the Cerene procedure?
If you’re looking for a permanent solution to heavy periods, I’d absolutely recommend this.
I’ve had multiple surgeries in the past, and I actually chose Cerene over a hysterectomy. I didn’t want the long recovery or the structural changes. With Cerene, everything is still intact, and the risk of complications is super low.
I’m off today, but I’ll be back at work tomorrow.
Is there anything you wish you knew before the procedure?
Honestly, no. I felt really well prepared. Dr. Haddock was upfront and informative the whole time.
The only part that was mildly uncomfortable was the lidocaine—it’s the numbing shot, and it was probably the most “ouch” moment. But even that wasn’t bad.
Would you recommend Cerene to others?
Definitely. I already have. I have friends considering hysterectomies or who just don’t want kids and are sick of dealing with their periods. This is such a great alternative. I’m telling all of them, “If this is an option for you—go for it.”
Interested in Cerene?
If Kat’s story sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many women struggle silently with the same symptoms, unsure of what their options are.
The Cerene procedure is quick, effective, and requires almost no downtime — and we’re proud to offer it right here at North Florida Women’s Care.
Call us to schedule a consultation (850-877-7241) and see if Cerene is right for you!
