What is female sterilization?
Essure prevents women from becoming pregnant. There are different medical procedures to achieve this goal, but they all work by blocking the fallopian tubes (tubes that lead from the ovaries of females into the uterus) so that sperm cannot meet with and fertilize an egg.
Since these methods are permanant they cannot be undone, they are only recommended for women who are sure they never want to have a baby or who do not want to have more children.
Surgical sterilization: The fallopian tubes are cut, sealed, or tied. With this method, very tiny cuts (called incisions) are made in the abdomen or belly. This is also known as having “tubes tied” or tubal ligation. Surgical sterilization works to prevent pregnancy right away.
Non-surgical sterilization: A very small spring-like coil is placed into each fallopian tube. The coils cause scar tissue to form in the tubes, thereby blocking the tubes. This method does not involve cuts or incisions. Instead, a health care provider uses a thin tube to thread the small coils through the vagina and uterus into the fallopian tubes, where the coils will stay.
With the non-surgical option, it will take up to three months for the scar tissue to fully block the tubes. So, it is important to use a back-up type of birth control (like a condom) until your health care provider says it is not needed. You will go back to the clinic or office for an exam and be checked to make sure the coils are in the right place and the tubes are blocked.
[sc:readmore link=”http://www.hhs.gov/opa/reproductive-health/contraception/female-sterilization/” ]
Essure is non-surgical and permanent birth control
Essure can help you live without the worry of an unplanned pregnancy.
Non-surgical—Essure is a short 10-minute procedure that can be performed right in your doctor’s office.
There’s no downtime to recover—most women go home within 45 minutes and resume normal activities within 1-2 days
Non-hormonal –Essure inserts do not contain or release hormones
Proven—Essure is over 99% effective*
May be available at no cost—Essure may be covered by your health insurance plan at no cost†
FDA-approved and has been available for over 10 years
*Based on 5-year clinical study data.
†Some restrictions may apply.
How Does Essure work?
The Essure inserts work with your body to form a natural resistant barrier that prevents sperm from fertilizing the eggs, preventing pregnancy from occuring. While the natural barrier forms over time, another form of birth control must be used in the mean time.
Shape – The Essure inserts are designed to bend and conform to the shape of your fallopian tubes while remaining securely in place.
Placement – The soft, flexible Essure inserts are designed to be placed through the natural pathways of your vagina and cervix, so no incisions are needed.
Material – The Essure inserts do not contain hormones and are made from some of the same material that is used in heart stents and other medical devices.
The Essure inserts contain small amounts of nickel-titanium alloy. Patients who are allergic to nickel may have an allergic reaction to the inserts. Symptoms include rash, itching, and hives.
To find out more about the Essure procedure, watch this video:
http://youtu.be/Ztxw0mgF8EE
[sc:readmore link=”http://www.essure.com/what-is-essure/what-is-essure” ]