essure®

“A new option for permanent birth control”

Unlike tubal ligation and vasectomy, the Essure procedure is a non-incisional surgical procedure that can be performed without general anesthesia. It involves placing a small flexible device into each fallopian tube. Blocking the tube is intended to prevent the sperm from reaching and fertilizing the egg, thereby preventing pregnancy. The entire procedure takes approximately 30 minutes.

The Essure procedure provides permanent birth control without the use of hormones.

During clinical testing, the total procedure took about 35 minutes, with only 15 minutes required to place the mirco-inserts into the fallopian tubes. Most women were able to leave the facility minutes after the procedure. In addition, the recovery period from the procedure is rapid and you can expect to resume regular physical activities in about a day or two.

Unlike tubal ligation (having your tubes tied) or vasectomy, the Essure procedure does not require incisions or punctures to the body and there is no cutting, clipping, suturing, or burning of the fallopian tubes.

During the three months after the procedure, your body and the micro-insert work together to form a tissue barrier that prevents sperm from reaching the egg. The micro-inserts do not contain or release hormones and are made with the same materials used in other medical products for many years. For example, these materials have been used in blood vessel grafts, heart valve replacements, and abdominal repair.

However like all forms of birth control the Essure procedure should not be considered 100% effective. You must be willing to use another form of birth control for at least 3 months after the procedure in order for the micro-inserts to successfully block the fallopian tubes.

More importantly, the Essure procedure is considered irreversible so women who are unsure about having children should not consider this as an option for birth control. Similar to all surgical procedures, not all women who undergo the Essure procedure will achieve successful placement of both micro-inserts.

To learn more about the Essure procedure, talk with your physician today.

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