Unlike other permanent birth control, the Essure procedure does not require cutting into the body or the use of radio-frequency energy to burn the fallopian tubes. Instead, an Essure trained doctor inserts soft, flexible inserts through the body’s natural pathways (vagina, cervix, and uterus) and into your fallopian tubes. The very tip of the device remains outside the fallopian tube, which provides you and your doctor with immediate visual confirmation of placement.
During the 3 months following the procedure, your body and the inserts work together to form a natural barrier that prevents sperm from reaching the egg. During this period, you must continue using another form of birth control (other than an IUD).
After three months, it’s time to get an Essure Confirmation Test to verify you’re protected from the worries of unplanned pregnancy. The test uses a dye and special type of x-ray to ensure both that the inserts are in place and that the fallopian tubes are completely blocked.
Unlike birth control pills, patches, rings, and some forms of IUDs, Essure does not contain hormones to interfere with your natural menstrual cycle. Your periods should more or less continue in their natural state.
The Essure inserts are passed through the body’s natural pathways and inserted into the fallopian tubes. Unlike other forms of permanent birth control, there is no cutting into the body, burning, or destruction of the fallopian tubes through the use of radio-frequency energy.
Trusted by hundreds of thousands of women and their doctors for over 5 years, the Essure procedure is 99.74% effective, making it the most effective method of permanent birth control. It is the only birth control method with zero pregnancies in clinical trials.
Because there is no cutting or anesthesia required, the Essure procedure can be performed safely and comfortably in your doctor’s office.
Unlike many temporary methods of birth control such as birth control pills, the patch, the ring and some IUDs, the Essure inserts do not contain hormones so they will not interfere with your monthly cycle.
Most women return to their normal activities in less than a day.
Unlike other permanent birth control procedures, Essure confirms both that the inserts are in place and that your fallopian tubes are completely blocked, so you can achieve the confidence you want in birth control.
The Essure procedure takes less than 10 minutes for an Essure trained physician to perform. Most women are on their way in an average of 45 minutes.
The Essure procedure is covered by most insurance providers. If the procedure is performed in a doctor’s office, depending on the insurance plan, your payment may be as low as a simple co-pay.
The Essure procedure avoids the risks and discomfort of surgical procedures like tubal ligation and vasectomy. Additionally, the silicone-free inserts are made from materials that have been used successfully for many years in cardiac stents and other medical devices that are placed in the body.
- No form of birth control should be considered 100% effective
- Not all women will achieve successful placement of both inserts
- Side effects during or immediately after the procedure may include mild to moderate cramping, nausea/vomiting, dizziness/light-headed, and bleeding/spotting