Essure Frequently Asked Questions How the Essure procedure works
Is it effective?
How do women rate the procedure?
What are the micro-inserts made of?
Is it reversible?
How long does the procedure take?
When does it start working?
How long before I can resume regular physical activities? Following the Essure procedure
What happens to my eggs?
Will my periods change after the Essure procedure?
Periods that were lighter or heavier than normal Does it result in menopause?
No. The Essure micro-inserts do not cause menopause. Comparing sterilization methods
How is the Essure procedure different from having your tubes tied? Cauterization – uses electrical current to burn and block each fallopian tube A ring or band – a section of each fallopian tube is folded together and that section is tied or bound with a ring or band. The rings or bands remain inside the body A clip/clamp – crushes the tube together so the sperm can not pass through the fallopian tube. The clips/clamps remain inside the body Ligation – a portion of each tube is tied or bound in two places and the section in between is cut away and removed The procedure is complete when the opening cuts are closed with stitches or metal staples. After returning home, women typically take 4-6 days [2] before they can resume regular activities. According to the American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology, after returning home, women may have the following symptoms for a few days:
Cramps (like menstrual cramps) Discharge (like menstrual flow) Mild nausea or vomiting associated with the general anesthesia or the procedure Sharp pains in the neck or shoulder (caused by the gas) Pain in the incision A sore scratchy throat if a breathing tube was used Feeling tired and achy Bloated abdomen Bruising around the incision The Essure procedure differs from a tubal ligation because it does not involve incisions and can be performed without general anesthesia in a doctor’s office. Recovery time at home is typically 1 to 2 days, though it is not unusual for a woman to return to regular activities the very same day. Recovery may include the following symptoms:
Cramps (like menstrual cramps) Discharge (like a light menstrual flow or spotting) Mild nausea or vomiting (related to anesthesia) Fainting or light-headedness following the procedure (related to anesthesia) What are the risks and complications associated with a tubal ligation? Because incisions are made in the abdomen and the laparoscope is inserted blindly into the abdomen, complications may include:
Infection Bleeding Damage to blood vessels, nerves, or muscles Damage to the bladder, ureters, or bowel, requiring surgical repair Blood clots Failure of the procedure resulting in pregnancy In rare cases, death What are the key risks and complications associated with general anesthesia? Following general anesthesia, some people may experience the following:
Negative reaction to the medication Feeling sick to your stomach Slowness of the anesthesia to wear off A sore throat if a tube is used during the general anesthesia Seizure or heart attack High temperature Confusion Death Is Essure also an alternative to vasectomy for a couple? Yes. Vasectomy is a surgical operation with associated risks. A vasectomy requires that the man's scrotum is cut or punctured, the vas deferens cut, and the ends of the vas deferens are either burned or clipped closed. A vasectomy takes about 15 to 30 minutes, and recovery is usually about 2 days. The man may also need to apply ice packs to the scrotum and wear an athletic supporter for several days to prevent swelling and bruising. The couple must use an alternative form of birth control, typically for 3 months or until a sperm count test demonstrates that the vasectomy was successful. A 6 month sperm test is recommended. What are some key risks and complications associated with vasectomy? Vasectomy is 99.85% effective after one year of follow-up. No method of birth control is 100% effective and there is a small chance of pregnancy, even many years following the procedure. Complications may include the following:
Bruising on the scrotum Infection of the incision/puncture in the scrotum Painful testicles (epididymitis) Sperm may leak into the surrounding tissue forming small lumps (granuloma) in the scrotum What are some key risks and complications associated with the Essure procedure? Some of the key risks and complications of the Essure procedure are the following:
Failure to place 1 or both devices in the correct location Failure to obtain tubal occlusion by 3 months after the procedure Cramps (like menstrual cramps) Temporary pain and/or discharge (like a light menstrual flow or spotting) Mild nausea or vomiting (related to anesthesia) Fainting or light-headedness following the procedure (related to anesthesia) Is Essure right for me? The Essure procedure should be the first sterilization consideration for all women. Key considerations of the Essure procedure are the following:
The Essure procedure is permanent and not reversible Like all methods of birth control, the Essure procedure should not be considered 100% effective As with a vasectomy (for a man) you must use another form of birth control for at least three months after the procedure until a follow-up test (HSG) confirms the micro-inserts are correctly placed and your tubes are blocked Removal of the Essure micro-inserts would require surgery |
