Essure is a method of permanent birth control that cannot be reversed. A small metal coil is placed in the Fallopian tubes, and over several months, scar tissue grows around it. Sperm cannot get past the scar tissue to fertilize an egg, so pregnancy cannot occur. According to the Mayo Clinic, Essure is over 99 percent effective. When deciding whether Essure is right for you, it is important to be aware of the risks and complications that may occur.
Common Side Effects
According to the Center for Women, most women feel some pain during the procedure to insert Essure. This pain can be described as mild to moderate. Many women will also experience some cramping and bleeding for several days afterward as well. Some women may have nausea, vomiting or fainting immediately after having Essure placed.
Ectopic Pregnancy
If a pregnancy does occur when Essure is in place, it is likely to be an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic, or tubal, pregnancy is when the fertilized egg implants in the Fallopian tube. This is considered a medical emergency, because if the tube bursts, the mother's life could be at risk. Symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy, according to Kids Health, include sharp or stabbing pain in the abdomen, shoulder or pelvis, dizziness and low blood pressure.
Incorrect Placement
According to the Center for Women, approximately 1 out of 25 women had their Essure implants placed incorrectly during clinical studies. Some of these women had a perforated Fallopian tube. Others had the Essure implant expulsed from their bodies at some point during the 3-month recovery period. If the Essure implants are placed incorrectly, the procedure can be done again to provide effective birth control.
Problems with Anesthesia
A small number of patients will have a reaction to the local anesthesia used during the procedure. While local anesthesia is much safer overall than general anesthesia, or being put to sleep, complications can still occur if the patient is allergic to the medication, or if the local anesthesia does not work and the patient still feels pain. Discuss the type of medication that will be used with your doctor.
