Definition

The Essure permanent birth control procedure is designed to provide an alternative for women seeking sterilization that don’t want to have laparoscopic surgery.

Essure is recommended for woman who:

• Want a permanent form of birth control
• Are done having children

Benefits of the Procedure

• Short procedure time
• No incisions
• Doesn’t require general anesthesia
• Quick recovery
• No scars

What is Essure?

The Essure procedure is performed to provide the patient with a permanent birth control method or sterilization. It is not reversible, but laparoscopic tubal sterilization may be reversed. Essure is the first non-incision permanent birth control method approved by the FDA.

Doctors use a hysteroscopy approach to perform the procedure. Soft, flexible coils called micro-inserts are passed through the cervix and inserted in the fallopian tubes. The Essure micro-inserts are 4 cm in length and .8mm in diameter. The outer coil expands to 1.5 - 2.0 mm to shape the fallopian tubes. The Essure micro-inserts do not cause menopause.

After the procedure, tissue is formed around the micro-inserts in the fallopian tubes so that the tubes are scarred shut. This prevents the patient from getting pregnant, even though another form of birth control is needed for three months after the procedure, because it takes a full three months for the scarring to complete. The ovaries will continue to produce eggs that will be absorbed by the body. The patient will continue to have her period, but there might be slight changes her menstrual cycle.

After three months, the doctor performs a special type of x-ray test, called an HSG, to prove that the fallopian tubes are completely blocked. If the patient passes the HSG test, she can rely solely on the micro-inserts for birth control.

Common Side Effects

• Pain and Cramping
• Vaginal Bleeding
• Changes in Menstrual Patterns

For more information, please visit www.essure.com.

2/2/2009