Female Sterilization for Permanent Contraception

Female sterilization is a permanent procedure to prevent pregnancy. PAMF doctors perform non-incisional female sterilization using Essure®.

• The Procedure
• Benefits
• Insurance Coverage
• Risks

The Procedure

Dr. Savitha Krishnan talks about this procedure in the video below.

This procedure is different from the traditional method of surgical tubal ligation because it does not involve cutting into the body. Rather, during non-incisional female sterilization, your doctor places a tiny insert into your fallopian tubes via your body's natural pathways (vagina, cervix and uterus). This stimulates your body's own tissue to grow in and around the insert in your fallopian tubes, thereby creating a natural barrier to prevent pregnancy. The procedure can be performed in your doctor's office within minutes and 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 to avoid becoming pregnant. Because the procedure causes your body to form a tissue barrier to prevent pregnancy, the procedure is not reversible and should be considered permanent.

After three months, your doctor will perform a test to confirm that your fallopian tubes are completely blocked to prevent pregnancy.

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.
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Benefits

Effective

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

No incisions or burning

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.
  
• Short procedure time.
  
• No hormones or silicone.
  
• Can be performed in a doctor's office

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

The Essure® procedure is covered by most health insurance plans. Ask your insurer if the procedure is covered under your policy.
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Risks

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

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

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