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Permanent Sterilization for Women: Easier Does It |
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Written by Timothy L Chase, MD, FACOG
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Friday, 01 April 2011 |
Until recently, the most common method for women to achieve permanent birth control was a procedure called tubal ligation (tying the tubes). This process involved general anesthesia, abdominal surgery and sometimes lengthy recovery times. It was usually very expensive for the patient, as well.
The relatively new, much less invasive Essure procedure has dramatically changed how women can achieve permanent birth control.
Essure is a gentle, hormone-free permanent birth control procedure that involves no incisions, thereby eliminating many of the risks associated with tubal ligation. It is important for women to know that the Essure procedure is not reversible, so they must be certain they want permanent birth control when having this procedure performed.Any doctor using Essure must be trained and certified to insert the soft, flexible micro-inserts into the fallopian tubes. No incision is needed because the tiny inserts are delivered through the vagina and the cervix, a process that usually takes less than ten minutes when performed in the office. Most patients go home within forty-five minutes of the procedure being completed and return to a normal schedule in just one to two days.Essure works by forming a natural barrier around the micro-inserts in the fallopian tubes, preventing sperm from reaching the eggs. The ovaries will continue to release eggs; however, the eggs will be absorbed back in to the body.Three months after the procedure, patients must have an Essure Confirmation Test to verify that they are protected. This outpatient procedure uses dye and a special type of X-ray to ensure that the fallopian tubes are blocked. Until this test has been completed and the blockage is confirmed, patients must continue to use another form of birth control.The Essure procedure has been safely used by doctors and patients for five years and is covered by most insurance plans, frequently for just a co-pay when performed in the doctor's office. And it has been clinically proven to be 99.8% effective.For more information about the Essure procedure, please visit MyGlenMeade.com or call 910.763.9833. As with all medical procedures, please seek the advice of a medical professional before deciding on the Essure procedure. A partner with Glen Meade Center for Women's Health and co-founder/director of Glen Meade Incontinence Center, Timothy L. Chase, MD, FACOG, practices both obstetrics and gynecology. Dr. Chase is also a local pioneer in the use of the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System, and a national leader for the treatment of female urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. |
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Last Updated ( Friday, 29 April 2011 )
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