What is Essure?

The Essure procedure is a permanent female sterilization procedure to prevent pregnancy. This procedure is different from the traditional method of surgical tubal ligation because it does not involve cutting into the body. Rather, during the Essure procedure, your doctor inserts spring-like coils (micro-inserts) into your fallopian tubes via your body's natural pathways (vagina, cervix and uterus). The procedure can be performed in your doctor's office without general anesthesia.

During the first three months following the procedure, your body and the micro-inserts work together to form a tissue barrier that prevents sperm from reaching the egg. During this three-month period, you will need to use another form of birth control. Because Essure causes your body to form a tissue barrier to prevent pregnancy, the procedure is not reversible.

After three months, your doctor will perform a test to confirm that your fallopian tubes are completely blocked, and you can rely on the Essure micro-inserts for birth control.

Unlike other methods of birth control, such as the birth control pill and rings, Essure does not contain hormones. Therefore, you should continue to have normal menstrual periods.

Benefits of the Essure Procedure

Effective

The Essure procedure is more than 99 percent effective based on four years of follow-up studies.

No incisions or burning

The Essure micro-inserts are passed through the body's natural pathways and inserted into the fallopian tubes. Unlike other forms of tubal sterilization, there is no cutting into the body, burning or destruction of the fallopian tubes.

Quick recovery

• Most women can return to their normal activities within one day.
  
• No general anesthesia required
  
• There are risks and side effects associated with general anesthesia. Although some physicians may offer general anesthesia, this is not a requirement of the procedure. You should discuss your anesthesia options with your Essure physician.
  
• Short procedure time
  
• The Essure procedure can be performed in less than an hour in your doctor's office.
  
• No hormones or silicone
  
• Essure micro-inserts do not contain silicone or release hormones. They are made with the same kind of safe materials that have been used in other medical devices (such as heart stents and valves) for many years.

Can be performed in a doctor's office

Because there is no cutting or general anesthesia required, the Essure procedure can be performed in your doctor's office.

Insurance Coverage

The Essure procedure is covered by most health insurance plans. Check with your health insurance company to see if the Essure procedure is covered.

Risks of the Essure Procedure

As with all procedures, there are risks associated with the Essure procedure, including:

• Perforation, expulsion or other unsatisfactory location of the micro-insert
  
• Pregnancy and theoretical increased risk of ectopic pregnancy
  
• Risks associated with anesthesia
  
• Nausea/vomiting or fainting