harrisonsdream
09-03-2007, 07:16 PM
Essure- The 1st FDA approved method of permanent birth control for women
The options for those interested in permanent birth control have just increased. The FDA approved the usage of the ‘Essure’ procedure in 2003 and now many insurance companies are covering it.
Essure is permanent birth control without the use of incisions or general anesthesia. Previously, the only other options available for permanent sterilization were either vasectomies or tubal ligations. With many vasectomies, an incision is made into the male’s testicles and the vas deferens (the tubes that supply semen from the testicles to be ejaculated) are either removed or cut and sealed. This procedure, although classified as minor, can leave much discomfort for several days. With tubal ligations, several different techniques can be used-all involving some form of incision. Your fallopian tubes (the tubes responsible for carrying a fertilized egg into your uterus for implantation) can be cut, tied, banded or burned. This prevents sperm from fertilizing an egg. Most women go under general anesthesia and experience much pain and discomfort afterwards.
What makes Essure different?
With Essure, there are no incisions made into your body. Essure also does not involve the use of general anesthesia. It can be performed right in your doctor’s office.
Tiny micro coils (picture a coil, like the ones used in pens with the click retractions) are implanted (1) into each of your fallopian tubes. This is accomplished via vaginal route by means of a special catheter. It takes approximately 3 months for scar tissue to develop around these coils, permanently blocking the fallopian tubes. Women need to understand that this procedure can not be reversed. They also need to understand that other forms of birth control must be used in those first three months after the procedure. The only way to check for proper placement after the three months time is by x-ray exam.
The Essure procedure is rated at 99.80% for effectiveness against pregnancy. During clinical trials, not one case of pregnancy was documented.
The Essure procedure is performed by a trained doctor (you’ll need to contact your OB/GYN and ask if they’ve been trained or can refer you to someone who has) in as little as 30 minutes in the office. Women have reported mild pain in their lower abdomens from insertion. The recovery time after the procedure is quick. Reports from the Essure website have women returning to their regular activities the same day.
Essure does not come without risks. Two clinical trials were performed checking for the safety and effectiveness of Essure. Out of the 745 women who had the micro-inserts placed, the following reactions were reported: failure to place both micro-inserts during the first procedure, tubes not locking in the first three months after insertion, one or both inserts not staying in the body or expulsion, one or both of the micro-inserts poking through the wall of a tube or uterus, one or both micro-inserts outside the tube or not in the correct place in the tube. (*Statistics taken from www.essuremd.com*)
Essure is not for everyone. You’ll need to talk with your doctor to determine if Essure is right for you. Certain medical conditions prevent the usage of Essure micro-inserts.
It is important to always inform any doctor who treats you that you have had the Essure procedure done. Certain tests and procedures should be avoided due to the possibility of interfering with the implanted micro-inserts.
As with any permanent birth control option, great care and consideration needs to be taken when making a choice. When you are positive that having no more children is right for you, discuss with your doctor your options. Thanks to Essure by Conceptus Inc., you now have another option which is simple, safe and non-invasive.
© Rebecca Pillar 2007
The options for those interested in permanent birth control have just increased. The FDA approved the usage of the ‘Essure’ procedure in 2003 and now many insurance companies are covering it.
Essure is permanent birth control without the use of incisions or general anesthesia. Previously, the only other options available for permanent sterilization were either vasectomies or tubal ligations. With many vasectomies, an incision is made into the male’s testicles and the vas deferens (the tubes that supply semen from the testicles to be ejaculated) are either removed or cut and sealed. This procedure, although classified as minor, can leave much discomfort for several days. With tubal ligations, several different techniques can be used-all involving some form of incision. Your fallopian tubes (the tubes responsible for carrying a fertilized egg into your uterus for implantation) can be cut, tied, banded or burned. This prevents sperm from fertilizing an egg. Most women go under general anesthesia and experience much pain and discomfort afterwards.
What makes Essure different?
With Essure, there are no incisions made into your body. Essure also does not involve the use of general anesthesia. It can be performed right in your doctor’s office.
Tiny micro coils (picture a coil, like the ones used in pens with the click retractions) are implanted (1) into each of your fallopian tubes. This is accomplished via vaginal route by means of a special catheter. It takes approximately 3 months for scar tissue to develop around these coils, permanently blocking the fallopian tubes. Women need to understand that this procedure can not be reversed. They also need to understand that other forms of birth control must be used in those first three months after the procedure. The only way to check for proper placement after the three months time is by x-ray exam.
The Essure procedure is rated at 99.80% for effectiveness against pregnancy. During clinical trials, not one case of pregnancy was documented.
The Essure procedure is performed by a trained doctor (you’ll need to contact your OB/GYN and ask if they’ve been trained or can refer you to someone who has) in as little as 30 minutes in the office. Women have reported mild pain in their lower abdomens from insertion. The recovery time after the procedure is quick. Reports from the Essure website have women returning to their regular activities the same day.
Essure does not come without risks. Two clinical trials were performed checking for the safety and effectiveness of Essure. Out of the 745 women who had the micro-inserts placed, the following reactions were reported: failure to place both micro-inserts during the first procedure, tubes not locking in the first three months after insertion, one or both inserts not staying in the body or expulsion, one or both of the micro-inserts poking through the wall of a tube or uterus, one or both micro-inserts outside the tube or not in the correct place in the tube. (*Statistics taken from www.essuremd.com*)
Essure is not for everyone. You’ll need to talk with your doctor to determine if Essure is right for you. Certain medical conditions prevent the usage of Essure micro-inserts.
It is important to always inform any doctor who treats you that you have had the Essure procedure done. Certain tests and procedures should be avoided due to the possibility of interfering with the implanted micro-inserts.
As with any permanent birth control option, great care and consideration needs to be taken when making a choice. When you are positive that having no more children is right for you, discuss with your doctor your options. Thanks to Essure by Conceptus Inc., you now have another option which is simple, safe and non-invasive.
© Rebecca Pillar 2007