For decades, there was only one method of permanent birth control available to women: tubal ligation. Essure, a non-surgical permanent birth control method, was introduced in the early 2000s.
Definition
Essure is the only non-surgical method of permanent birth control and is just as effective as tubal ligation.
Procedure Description
Essure is inserted past the cervix, into the uterus and into the fallopian tubes. After a doctor inserts the Essure coils, it takes approximately three months for the tubes to become completely blocked. During this time, alternative forms of contraception are necessary to prevent pregnancy. At the end of the three-month period, a doctor will perform testing to ensure complete blockage of the fallopian tubes.
Considerations
Essure does not affect menstrual periods as it is a non-hormonal method of birth control.
Benefits
Recovery time is much faster with Essure than with tubal ligation and it requires no hospital stay. The procedure is 99.74% effective, making it the most effective method of permanent birth control, according to the Essure website. Essure is covered by most insurance companies. In addition to a lower risk of complications than tubal ligation, the materials used for the coils are silicone-free inserts that are made from materials that are utilized in cardiac stents and other medical devices that are placed in the body.
Potential Risks
There are risks involved with using Essure, and it may also cause side effects. Essure may not implant correctly the first time, meaning the procedure will need to be repeated. Symptoms during or immediately after the procedure may include cramping, nausea, dizziness and bleeding. In the event of pregnancy, the incidence of ectopic pregnancy is increased. Because the procedure is relatively new, long-term effects are not known.
