Essure
Hysteroscopic Sterilization: Permanent Female Birth Control
Whether you’re learning about permanent birth control for the first time or visiting our site for the hundredth time, you probably have questions. Take a look at some of the frequently asked questions Essure FAQ'S.
The procedure is called Essure Hysteroscopic Sterilization,
and is a non-incisional procedure for permanent female
contraception. It is performed in an Ob/Gyn's office
under local anesthesia. It is the Essure Hysteroscopic Sterilization | Permanent Female Contraception in-office
sterilization procedure for women. It is 99.8% effective
in preventing unwanted pregnancies compared to tubal
ligation (98.1%) and vasectomy (99.5%).
In the past,
female sterilization procedures have been performed in
a hospital or ambulatory surgery center setting under
general anesthesia. Research has shown that the Essure
procedure is equally effective and easier on the patient
in regards to perioperative and post-operative pain tolerance;
in the largest study, only 4% of participants reported
being uncomfortable during the procedure.
The Essure procedure
only lasts 15-20 minutes and the patient can then go
home. There are only 5 - 7 Ob/Gyns performing the procedure
in their office under local anesthesia in the DFW area
and AOA has performed over 200 + since 2005.
If
you would like additional information,
go to www.Essure.com or call the Essure Information line at 1-877-ESSURE1 (1-877-377-8731).
If you are planning to have this procedure done in our
office, please read theEssure
Procedure Schedule.
Essure Procedure Videos:
Dr. Richard Salter performs an Essure procedure in the uterine cavity; visible are the two fallopian tube openings on either side of the cavity. The micro insert is place and then released in the opening of the fallopian tubes. After the released, the expanded coil of the micro insert can be seen anchoring the Essure device. Once the coils are opened, the procedure is concluded and the patient is ready to leave. More About Essure Permanent Birth Control
Rising Popularity of the Essure
Permanent Birth Control Method - featured on a KTVT Channel
11 Newscast.
"Economy Sends Permanent
Birth Control Numbers Up". The cost of
having children has lead many to look for a
safe and effective brith control like the Essure
procedure instead of a vasectomy.
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version of Adobe Flash Player.
Essure Birth Control Procedure - featured on a NBC5 Newscast.
The first FDA-approved procedure that replaces
tubal ligation. The 10 minute procedure happens
at our office with local anesthesia; 3 months
later no birth control is needed.
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version of Adobe Flash Player.
Essure Procedure - featured
on The Doctors program.
The program discusses the effectiveness of
the Essure Procedure, what the coils look like,
how it works, and the follow-up that's needed
after the procedure is done to make sure it's
working.
Frequently
Asked Questions About Essure - Permanent Female
Contraception
IS ESSURE RIGHT FOR ME?
If you have completed having children and you are considering
permanent contraception, then you are a candidate for
Essure. Women who are still considering future pregnancies
are not candidates. The procedure can be reversed,
but requires major surgery and has a very low success
rate. Studies are currently being performed on the
success of in vitro fertilization on patients having
had the Essure procedure performed.
HOW SAFE IS ESSURE?
Essure is a very safe procedure for permanent contraception. Since
there are no incisions, the procedure can be performed
under local anesthesia. During the Essure procedure,
a hysteroscope (thin, lighted telescope) is placed
through the vagina and cervix to the inside of the
uterus. The entire procedure is seen on a TV screen
so your doctor and you can watch while the procedure
is being performed.
DOES THE ESSURE PROCEDURE HURT?
Before the procedure, you are given medication to help
you relax, as well as to prevent any significant
cramping. You will feel movement of the hysteroscope
during the procedure, but it will not be painful.
Because there are no incisions, there is no significant
pain after the procedure is over. Because of the
medications given, you will need to have someone
to drive you to your appointment and home after the
procedure.
HOW LONG WILL THE ESSURE PROCEDURE TAKE?
The actual procedure lasts approximately 15-20 minutes.
You will be asked to arrive approximately 1 hour
before you appointment to be given your medications
and allow them time to take effect. After the procedure
is over, you may leave. Total time is approximately
1 1/2 hours.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE PROCEDURE?
When you return home you should take is easy for
a couple of hours. Later if you feel like
going out, go ahead; just no alcoholic beverages
or driving until the next day. Spotting is
possible, but very rarely is it heavy. You will
need to continue some form of contraception for
the next 3 months until the tubes are completely
closed. This is confirmed by a special radiological
x-ray, called a hysterosalpingogram (HSG), which
is performed at the hospital. There may be a separate
deductible charge to pay for this procedure.
HOW SOON CAN I SEE RESULTS?
Three months after the Essure procedure the HSG is performed. Approximately
99.5% of HSGs demonstrate both tubes are blocked
at that time.
HOW SOON CAN I HAVE INTERCOURSE AFTER THE PROCEDURE?
If you are having vaginal spotting, you should refrain
from intercourse. By having intercourse too soon, you
might introduce normal vaginal bacteria into the uterus
where it doesn't belong, and cause an infection requiring
hospitalization and I.V. antibiotics. Usually this
will only lasts 1-2 weeks.
HOW LONG SHOULD THE ESSURE PROCEDURE LAST?
The Essure procedure is intended to be a one-time procedure,
with the results lasting until you have gone through
menopause. There have been no diagnosed pregnancies
in patients that have had HSGs confirming both tubes
being blocked after the Essure procedure.
HOW LONG WILL I NEED TO BE OFF WORK?
You will need to take off the day of the procedure.
The following day, you should feel normal and may
return to your daily activities.
CAN I SCHEDULE THE PROCEDURE AT ANY TIME IN MY CYCLE?
It is best to have the procedure done the week after
you finish your cycle. The endometrial lining is at
its thinnest at that time, and doing the procedure
at this time given you the best chance of success.
You can be given medication to take after your cycle
starts to keep your lining thin and allow you more
freedom scheduling your procedure.
DOES MY INSURANCE COVER THE PROCEDURE?
Most insurance carriers cover the Essure procedure.
Our office always calls to check with your insurance
company before your procedure is scheduled. You are
also given information so you can call and find out
what your insurance will require you to pay. Most
insurances have designated a smaller co-pay for the
Essure procedure being performed in the office than
you would pay to have the procedure done at a hospital
or surgery center.
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