Introduction
Essure® is a new advanced method of contraception. Essure is a permanent, non-reversible, FDA approved female sterilization method. Unlike traditional surgical sterilization procedures or other forms of contraception, Essure involves no incisions, general anesthesia, or hormones. Essure is a minimally invasive sterilization procedure that you may receive in your doctor’s office. Essure uses tiny coils that are gently placed in the fallopian tubes. The micro-inserts and your body form a tissue barrier that prevents sperm from reaching an egg.
A doctor that is trained in Essure can perform the procedure in his or her office. The Essure micro-inserts are made of polyester fibers, nickel-titanium, and stainless steel. After the micro-inserts are placed in the fallopian tubes, your body grows a tissue barrier that prevents the egg from contacting sperm. You will still produce eggs, but they will be absorbed by your body instead of traveling through your fallopian tubes and into your uterus. Studies have shown Essure to be 99.8% effective in preventing pregnancy.
Essure is permanent and non-reversible. Essure is for women who are sure that they never want to have children. Essure may cause temporary changes in your periods. Your doctor will review the risks of the procedure during your consultation.
Treatment
Essure is an in-office procedure. General anesthesia is not necessary. The entire procedure is short and is usually completed in about 35 minutes. Your doctor will gently insert the Essure micro-inserts through your vagina and into your fallopian tubes. Essure does not require incisions or stitches. Most women return to their regular activities the next day.
Over the next three months, your body will respond to the micro-inserts and form a tissue barrier. Until this time you will need to use another form of contraception. After three months, your doctor will take a special type of X-ray to confirm that your fallopian tubes are blocked and that you can rely on Essure for birth control. Because Essure does not contain hormones, your periods should remain similar to how they were before the procedure.
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This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.
The iHealthSpot patient education library was written collaboratively by the iHealthSpot editorial team which includes Senior Medical Author
Dr. Mary Car-Blanchard, OTD/OTR/L and the following editorial advisors: Steve Meadows, MD, Ernie F. Soto, DDS, Ronald J. Glatzer, MD,
Jonathan Rosenberg, MD, Christopher M. Nolte, MD, David Applebaum, MD, Jonathan M. Tarrash, MD, and Paula Soto, RN/BSN. The library
commenced development on September 1, 2005 with the latest update/addition on 4-27-2010.